Happy Fourth of July Everyone!!! I'm enjoying a day of fun, family, and yummy food - how about you? Today we are taking a closer look at the Ophelia Dress - the first pattern released by Ali's Cottage. This is such a great little number, a combination of knits and wovens that speaks of comfort and summer ease. And TODAY ONLY you can get it for 40% off - Happy Fourth oh July!!!

This review was completed by a 3rd party objective reviewer who received a complimentary copy of the pattern in order to complete the review. Neither Pattern Revolution nor the reviewer received any additional compensation for this review.

We have Victoria here to tell us more...

---------------------------------------------

Hi everyone! My name is Victoria and I am a stay at home mommy to my sweet and sassy daughter Milania (the little ham pictured below). I taught myself how to sew about 3 whole years ago, though my husband had to help me figure out how to thread my machine for the first time. My love for this craft just kept growing. Followed by my love of fabric and pattern hoarding. But enough about me!

I had the honor of being a pattern test for the Ophelia knit top dress pattern by Ali's Cottage.

The skirt part of the dress is limitless! I got a little fancy with it by adding a border fabric and crocheted lace trim. But it looks just as pretty with a solid fabric skirt like the pattern calls for. I also added the belt(which is not sewn on to the dress) because I am a little obsessed with belts. But this dress has a great fit without it. The length is perfection, hitting right at the knee(if not slightly above).

Here are some ideas I have envisioned for future dresses (to be made very soon), I will add:

- Ruffle or ruffled bib to the bodice.
- Knit, woven, or premade rosette flower either on the side of the neckline or bottom side near waist.
- Ruffle to the bottom of the skirt to make it extra girly
- Use knit on the skirt instead of woven
- Use two different woven skirt fabrics side by side (popular look know)

Pros:

-Very comfortable
-Can be made casual or dressy
-In demand dress style (especially if you sell clothing)
-Quick sew...I mean really quick!
-Easy to follow tutorial with clear pictures
-Includes a video tutorial (which I think is a huge plus!)

Cons(and these are not so much bad cons, but there is always someone that wants to hear some) :

-Getting the right knit fabric for the neck and arm holes can be tricky (not so much a con if you know your knits)
-Pattern can become highly addictive and your child's wardrobe will quickly only consist of knit top dresses.

Helpful Hints:

-Don't use horizontal striped fabric if it's your first time making this and you are a perfectionist like me. You will drive yourself crazy trying to get the lines just right!
-Get a stretchy fabric (something with lycra will work) for the armholes and neckline.
-Use a ballpoint needle when sewing knits otherwise it will bunch up when sewn (lesson learned!).
-I like to pin and sew the skirt onto the bodice with my sewing machine first and then serge. I got a tighter and cleaner look at the end. But that is all choice. I am more beginner and it seemed to help me.
-It helps to have a serger but not necessary!

Overall, I think it's a great pattern. Easy to follow, make and reasonably priced.
Hope my enabler skills have convinced you to give this one a try:)

Happy sewing!
Victoria Edwards
Baby Love Design