If you're looking for a one-stop shop for PDF patterns, look no further than DIY Crush. They are one of the newest PDF pattern outlets and you'll find a lot of your favorite designers as well as some that you need to try out! One of the designers they offer is Ellie Inspired, and today we're here to bring you the Best Friend's Dress with reviews from Paige and Rebecca, in the girls' AND women's sizes!
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This cute dress was made with the Best Friend's pattern by Ellie Inspired. My daughter is one happy little girl. When she woke up and saw this dress, she couldn't wait to put it on for school. I suggested waiting until later so I could get some pictures. What was I thinking?

Since the weather was chilly, we layered it with a shirt underneath. It's always nice when you can find patterns that can be worn throughout the year.

Here's more about what you get with this pattern.

*24 pages of pattern pieces for sizes 1 - 16

*fabric chart and finished measurement chart

*glossary

*lists for notions and suggested fabrics

*cutting layout

*clear instructions with line drawings

*colored photos for inspiration

There are also several options included with this pattern. If you don't want to make a dress, you could make a tunic. I shirred the waist of the dress but instructions for adding elastic casings instead are included. You can also decide to add a button closure.

This pattern is a beginner level pattern and goes together super fast. After I cut out the pieces, I made this in under a half hour. Most of us can't find enough hours in the day to get everything on our list(s) accomplished so this would be a great "go to" pattern for making something cute and quick.

One of my favorite things about the pattern is that it can be made with woven or knit fabric. Ellie Inspired also offers a doll and a woman's version of this pattern. My daughter is going to be beyond thrilled when I make her a matching doll dress.

Happy Sewing!
Paige

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When I first saw the Best Friend's Dress, I knew that it was one that I really wanted to add to my collection of a gazillion patterns. It's a dress (or tunic) that is such a simple piece but is a must have for every single girl out there!!! And guess what?!?!?! There is a woman's version too! How great is that???? Although I ran out of time to whip one up for myself and for my biggest little, I soon will be doing that, and of course I will HAVE to post pictures of the Mommy and me matching dresses. For the first time EVER my two littles and myself will be able to match!

There are SO many wonderful things about this pattern. And why wouldn't there be?!?!?!? It's by Ellie Inspired, whom I absolutely love, and one of those reasons is the wide size range that she offers! This pattern ranges in sizes from 1-16 and is a style that will look AMAZING on all of the sizes! I love the simplicity of this dress which can also be made in a tunic length. It's simple yet has so much style. You can dress it up or dress it down, wear it with leggings and boots and a long sleeve shirt,m or wear it with sandals or flats when the weather warms up!

Speaking of warming up, my poor little was FA-REEEEEEZING during this shoot. Who would have thought we would get down into the 20's at the beginning of November!?!?!? She was a trooper though. The fit on the Best Friend's Dress is spot on, but if your little is like mine and is particular on where and how they want their clothing to fit, this one is very easy to shorten or lengthen to suit your Diva's needs! The dolman sleeves make it very easy to layer for warmth, OR you can just stick a jean jacket over the dress for a spunky look. Whatever your desired look you are sure to get it with this dress!

The pattern is well written but I would rate this pattern at an advanced beginner. Not because it is difficult, but because the written instructions do not add a lot of extra information. They are straight forward and to the point which is wonderful for those no nonsense sewists! The instructions have all of the basics that I look for:

The pages are numbered.
There is a fabric requirement chart and a chart with finished measurements.
Easy to follow step by step instructions with illustrations (I have to admit that I do prefer photos as opposed to illustrations but that's just my personal preference).
The pattern pieces were easy to tape together, fit together like a dream, and were numbered and labeled.

The instructions also include two different methods for the elastic waist, you can make casings for actual elastic or you can shirr the waist. I chose to shirr the waist for the simple fact that 1. it is fast and easy and 2. it seems the fit is better when something is shirred on my little. She's not a fan of anything tight on any part of her body! Another option for this dress is that you can use either woven fabrics or knits. Say what?!?!?! Yup! Just another look you can get from just this one pattern! We chose the woven as I am on a mission to use every single piece of fabric I own until I buy more pretties. Who thinks I will be able to do that?!?!?!

And did I mention that this is a FAST sew?!?! And when I say fast I mean it took me less than an hour from taping the pattern to sewing on the button! Serious!!! I can tell you that this dress is going to be a staple for year round wear in our household for both of my littles. They both really loved the dress and I can't wait to make more!!! I can't say enough good things about this pattern. If you haven't bought it yet, go NOW and get it. If you did buy it but have yet to sew it, get to it! It'll only take about an hour of your time and you will be thrilled with the finished product!!!

I also had the opportunity to sew up the Best Friends Dress from Ellie Inspired for myself which sewing for myself is a rarity! I made this in a tunic length so I could pair it with leggings and skinny jeans. This is such a comfortable top with a great fit! In addition to a great fit, this was super fast to sew up and an easy sew. From start to finish this took me under an hour. I chose to make it in knit but it can also be made in woven fabrics as well.

This pattern has great easy to understand instructions perfect for the beginner but I think that even experienced sewists will find this pattern a joy to sew up. What’s even better is the fact that this dress is also available in children’s sizes so you can have mommy and me matching dresses!