Go To Signature Dress

(Updated 6/12/12) I added two more rows of shirring at the waist and
top-stitching with elastic thread in the bobbin around the neckline.
I think it gives a much better shape with more waistline shirring.

I got very lucky the other night! I happened to catch Andrea of Go To Patterns (The Train to Crazy) request for pattern testers for her new girl's dress pattern, The Go To Signature Dress. I LOVE testing patterns, I mean, what's not to love, I get to help someone else and I get to sew something new! Plus I get extra "auntie points" 'cause I made the size 12 for my oldest niece.

The pattern offers almost endless options and went together quite easily. The hard part was picking fabric and making up my mind about some of the options I wanted to try. Andrea requested that I make the hooded, long sleeve dress with the ribbed pockets. I wanted to add the ruffle to the sleeve to make it more "girly" since the fabric I used isn't (girly). I should mention that the fabric I used is a cotton knit that I bought as a sheet set, so a light weight knit. I didn't use any actual rib knit, just the sheet fabric. 

When I had the dress done, I put it on my dress form and decided it was too sack-like, so I did a single line of shirring using elastic thread in my bobbin and my twin needle on top. I do recommend adding the neckline ribbing to help stabilize the neck hole, so it doesn't stretch out too much - wish I had used it. My niece is a tall 10 year old - the dress length hit just above her knee and the length of the sleeves seemed to be perfect.

My niece said she liked it when I had her try it on in the morning so that is a plus!

Never know with a 10yr old ;)

I plan to make a few more versions of this pattern, I need to make one for my other niece (can't have her feeling left out), and B has requested a dress since she saw the pattern - "sew me dress after (cousin)'s dress done?" With the variety of options Andrea offers I really do see this becoming a "go-to" pattern for me, especially since it comes in all sizes - 12month to size 12!!! Of course I will update you with the new versions as I get them sewn up.

Hope everyone is having a good night.

Blessed Be,

Alyssa

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