Sutures & Sandpaper: I heart pattern testing: Wattle Brush Dress from Fresh Stitch Designs

I have seriously been sewing up a storm for the past few weeks and haven't been able to keep up with the blogging as I go. I was recently selected to test some patterns for a new Aussie pattern shop, YAY! The designer is Kylie and her shop is Fresh Stitch Patterns (and she has an Etsy store too). She will be joining the blogging world soon too.

The first pattern I tested was the Wattle Brush dress. It is such a cute little dress. It comes in sizes 12m - 8y. The pattern is really well written with clear illustration and professionally drafted pattern pieces. Everything lines up perfectly when printed and it comes together in no time at all. It can be made super fast using one bodice attaching technique or a little slower with the other method that results in all of the raw seams being completely enclosed (my fav method).

It is a bubble dress and the technique used for the "bubble" effect at the bottom is fast and easy and makes for a very wearable and pretty dress. It closes simply with buttons on the shoulders (or you could use snaps if buttonholes scare you).

This first one I made with some seersucker I bought from Lincraft. I was a bit silly and chose her size based on chest measurement and forgot she is a bit tall (like the height of a 3yo!!) So I made a size 2 for width and length. It came out a bit short for my miss. That said it looks fabulous with leggings under it. Since then the pattern was adjusted to be a little longer and I made the size 3 length with the 2 width and the sizing on the finished pattern is PERFECT! I made little yellow buttons and added a simple yellow grosgrain ribbon as a trim to the bottom of the bodice.

This was my second one with the length that is in the final pattern. I added some piping to the bodice and I LOVE this one (so does miss E). It is the perfect size and is comfortable and stylish. I made the buttons for this one too and I am so happy with the finished look. And... My miss E is featured on the pattern listing!! She has no idea she's a superstar ;)

This was my third one and these indoor photos don't do it justice. The colours are so pretty in real life. This one is also the finished size3 length and I added white piping to the bottom of the outer biodice, I made leaf shaped buttons to tie in with the little leaves on the dress fabric and I drafted and added some in seam pockets. I didn't get great photos of it as miss E was not really in the mood and wouldn't put her hands in said pockets in any photos :/ I might try again soon.

I really love this pattern and think Eloise will end up wearing various Wattle Dresses throughout summer. It is a simple dress that sews up quickly with a well drafted and written pattern. I recommend this pattern to anyone with a little girl to sew for.

I have tested another gorgeous Fresh Stitch Patterns dress and will pop back to blog about it when I can.

I will be blogging about my other Firefly Dresses soon, blogging some more pattern tests and guest blogging about making your own buttons. I need a few more hours in each day to keep up with it all! Oh, and I nearly forgot the book week costumes I made for my boys. I hope to share some quick pics of them from book week very soon.

I couldn't resist making up this little blooper pic of some of our "outtakes". Cheeky little girl!!