Sutures & Sandpaper: September Showcase - Frances Suzanne

I was approached a while ago to join in with the Flip This Pattern Series on Frances Suzanne. I signed up immediately, I just LOVE this series. This month is a little different to the usual format. This month is all about rising indie designers. So not the big, already established designers, but those with five or less patterns for sale. I was VERY excited when I saw which designers and patterns were included. Some of my favourite designers and bloggers are in this group!!! I decided to sign up to showcase a pattern/designer that I hadn't tried before. I chose the Betty Skirt from Shaffer Sisters.

Look at the line up of patterns and bloggers sewing along for the month! If you click the picture below it will take you to Frances Suzanne's blog post about the series.

We had the option of making the pattern "as is" or "flipping" it. As soon as I saw the Betty Skirt pattern I knew I wanted to make a pleated, drop waisted dress. I envisioned a vintage looking dress/pinafore that could be worn alone or over a a little top with a peter pan collar.

I used the size 3T wide pleated skirt for the bottom of the dress but omitted the yoke and elastic of the skirt. I then drafted my own bodice pattern!!!! That's a big deal for me :) I did not do it in a particularly scientific way and so, as I sewed it together, I kept my fingers crossed that it would fit Eloise. When I was finished I looked at it and thought "this will be too small". But, I was wrong. I tried it on her and it fit really well! Yay! (That said, I think I'd make a few little adjustments to my bodice pattern for the next one).

I made a fully lined bodice with back button closure and attached it to the pleated skirt piece after making the skirt as per the pattern's instructions. The lining is a pretty pink quilting cotton and the outer fabric is a thick organic cotton. I added a simple line of piping made from the same fabric as the lining and added pink buttons to match. I was hoping for a very simple looking dress. And... this is what it looked like:

A bit about the Betty Skirt pattern. Wow! This pattern has a HUGE size range, it starts at newborn and goes up to 16X and there is an 18" doll size too! It also has a heap of options. It can be gathered, have narrow pleats, have wide pleats and be made with or without a front button placket. The instructions are really straight forward and there are options for pattern pieces or measurements. Importantly the pleating guide leads to perfectly even pleats. It is one of those patterns you can use again and again for years and not get bored of it. I will definitely be making some regular skirts with it in the future for Eloise.

I LOVE all things grey, Eloise? not so much. SO the pink lining and accents helped to win her over. I also made a little elasticated headband from the lining fabric. I paired it with knee high socks and Mary Jane shoes.

I know, I'm her Mum and I am supposed to thinks she's adorable... but isn't she adorable??

I swear Eloise is growing before my eyes. She is so chatty and happy and clever too. And she loves to go to the fabric store with me!

She was in the cheekiest mood when I was trying to get photos. She spent much of the time poking her tongue out and rolling her eyes at me.

I really like the one above. Her "I'm so sweet mummy" look!

I had so much fun making this and I am already planning many different Betty Skirts. I can't wait to see the Betty Skirts and flipped Betty Skirts the other bloggers have made and the ones linked up to the linky party.

If you haven't already, you should pop over to the linky party, have a look at the awesomeness that has been linked up so far and link up any items you have made using a pattern from a designer with 5 or less patterns. I will be linking up some things I have made too. Then follow along the rest of the month as more and more patterns are showcased on Frances Suzanne.

There are great pattern discounts on offer from the designers too (they are listed here). The Betty Skirt is on sale for 25% off (with the code SHOWCASE)!! And below there is a rafflecopter giveaway, feel free to enter to win some great prizes.

So quick, grab a pattern (or ten) on sale and sew up some great things for some little people in your life and link them up.

Thanks for stopping by, I'd love to hear what you think of it :)

Kerry xx

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