The Kennedy by Violette Field Threads
/Hi there! It’s Kari (again...lol) from That’s-Sew-Kari sharing my version of the Kennedy Dress by Violette Field Threads, one of the newest patterns from their Spring Collection. I chose this pattern because I loved the retro, yet edgy vibe it exuded. I knew I was sewing for my 9 year old this time because it’s her turn (anyone else alternate?!) and thought this dress captured her personality perfectly!
The Kennedy Dress is an overlapping front bodice with a cutout below a buttoned back, paired with a zipped, pleated circle skirt. The overlapping bodice is perfect for mixing prints or for turning your stripes opposite for added interest. This pattern covers sizes 2-10 for girls and then also comes in tween and doll sizing.
This pattern is really well written and I love the added details, like the hem facing. Not only does it make hemming this circle skirt a breeze, but you can also add in a pop of color or contrast --- like a little surprise when she twirls. You can tell the pattern is well thought out and it was honestly a little mind blowing thinking about how Cassie designed this. . It is really easy to follow along through the steps too. I did change the top of the zipper to be enclosed in the waistband, mainly because I think it results in a tidier zipper, but it’s also more comfortable for my daughter to wear.
I should note that if you need to blend sizes that are not next to each other, make a muslin (lined) of the bodice with waistband attached. I made a muslin, but it was unlined so it was tough to gauge where it would end up after seam allowances. I could have made my job easier if I had taken the few extra minutes to line it.
My daughter measured into a 5 width and 7 height. The curves of the front bodice, however, do make it a bit tougher to do my normal size blending. The pattern does touch on size blending, but not in the capacity that I needed to blend -- which is no biggie because honestly no pattern really touches on the extreme size blending I need. I did have to tailor it slightly more at the end due to her narrow back and swayback -- I will probably try a size 4 back and waist next time to see if this resolves the issues. (Please note that I face these issues is every cutout back dress I make for her!!) This is why I sew though, right?!
I let my daughter choose her fabrics and she immediately gravitated towards the London Girls fabric at Hobby Lobby, Because the skirt is cut in 3 portions, I was able to keep all the girls with their heads up...LOL She chose the mini stripes for the bodice and the mini white dot on black for the waist. I added the mini poms to the bodice.
I knew I needed to scout a photo location to compliment her fabric choices so we headed to my old stomping grounds (back when I was single and could shop whenever….LOL)
Here’s a little photo tip when going to a public shopping area -- head out early to get there before the shops are open! We went about an hour early so the light was perfect and I could shoot without worrying about photobombers.
Kimberlee's Version:
Violette Field Threads has this magical ability to release patterns that don’t look like any others out there in the PDF pattern market. Take one look at their latest pattern, Kennedy, and you’ll see it’s no exception!
The bodice features a cross-over style in front with a button closure and triangle cutout in the back. I made a size 3 chest with a size 4 length. The step by step instructions and photos made it easy to mash two sizes on this uniquely shaped bodice.
The circle skirt is pleated for ultimate twirl! I used an ombre fabric so it really showcase the twirly, full circle skirt. The skirt zips up the back, so I used that as my chance to add a fun pop of color to my daughter’s dress. The pattern instructions showed photos on how to lengthen and shorten the circle skirt should you need to mash sizes.
Circle skirts can be tough to hem, but with Kennedy, a skirt facing pattern piece is included and let me tell you….easy peasy!! I used a fun polka dot fabric for the skirt facing.
I love a pattern that is unlike any I’ve ever sewn. It causes me to read all of the instructions carefully and follow step by step. Kennedy was so well written and a fairly quick sew!
I can already tell more Kennedy’s are going to be twirling their way into my daughter’s closet very soon!
