Sweet Innocence Dress by My Treasured Heirlooms

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There is just something about a little girl in a dress full of ruffles. These days I try to keep my handmade items simple and add fun trims and notions, but every once in a while, I like to do something uber girly and ruffly. And I think the next time I get the urge to get lost in some fluff, the Sweet Innocence Dress from My Treasured Heirlooms will be what I create. Head over to the My Treasured Heirlooms Etsy shop and take 50% off when you use the code CYBERSALE50! This deal ends on Wednesday, December 3rd and has a minimum purchase of $5.

Annastasia recently did a major overhaul of this pattern to make it bigger and better- the sizing spread has been increased, multiple sleeve lengths have been added...you will not be disappointed by this versatile pattern with SO. Many. Options. 

I'll hand it over to Gloria now, and she'll tell you about the TWO versions she sewed!
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Happy Holidays, everyone!

I've sewn up the Sweet Innocence PDF Sewing Pattern by My Treasured Heirlooms, two ways: one casual and one with winter holidays in mind. This sewing pattern for girls size 2 to 10 gives you three garments to sew up: Dresses (used as an overdress or stand-alone, in three different views), a Peasant Dress (with three sleeve and two bottom skirt options), and pants (with or without ruffles).

Here's a quick look at what you want to know about the pattern itself:

  • Breakdown of the printing:

    • A cutting guide for each garment is included, showing you which pattern pieces you will need for each, as well as a printing guide that lists which pages to print for each pattern piece you want. You'll be able to print just the pieces you need by following this information.

    • A chart with measurements is provided for those who prefer not to print the ruffles/tiers pattern pieces;

    • If you wish to print pattern pieces, including ruffle/tier templates for all options/garments, there are 43 pages to print;

  • Sizing Charts, materials, notions & tools, yardage total as well as a breakdown of yardage needed for individual pattern pieces to construct the garments is provided. I recommend an additional tool: a ruffle foot – if you don't have one, this is a great excuse to get one!

  • A cutting layout, buttonhole guide and pattern assembly guide is also included.

  • Tips to customize the pattern pieces for fit are included as well as a glossary of terms used in the pattern instructions.

  • The instructions for all garments (Dress Views A-C, Basic and Tiered Peasant Dress and Pants) are presented in order, without a warning that you would skip to page X to find the instructions for the view you choose. When you find the view you wish to make of the Dresses, you are directed back to View A to follow a certain amount of steps used there and to return to View B or C to complete that version. I was a little thrown off by this, but not much. It is always best to read through a pattern before you begin anyway and you'll be able to highlight what you're working on in Adobe so you can find which parts are relevant.

  • I found the instructions to be clear, line by line, and I was able to complete both dresses without any concern. I believe every instruction necessary is included to guide you through to the end and leave you satisfied. Each step is numbered, so if your sewing is interrupted, you can make a note of which step to return to.

  • I recommend this pattern to intermediate sewists as there are buttonholes and TONS of fabric to attach and gather and place together. And again, because of the amount of gathering, I highly recommend using a ruffle foot. You'll have an easier time gathering and the gathers will look much neater.

Here's Ava in her casual Dress and Peasant Dress. I used Option C as an overdress and the long sleeve, basic skirt bottom on the Peasant Dress. I used grosgrain ribbon for the ties on the back of the dress, instead of cutting sashes. The Overdress (Dress View C) is made with calico and the Peasant Dress is broadcloth, all purchased from Hobby Lobby.

The Basic Peasant Dress can be worn as a stand-alone garment. I think I would embellish with a monogram for the next one as the Overdress bodice will conceal it if placed properly, while the Peasant Dress, if worn alone, would look great with some embellishment.

My vision for a winter white dressy look couldn't have come out better! I created the Overdress with a sheer accented with white poinsettias purchased at JoAnn's last year during a big sale. I lined the bodice with some shiny grey fabric. For the Peasant Underdress, I sewed up the short sleeved, 3-tier bottom using glittery white calico and tulle. I added a band of shiny silver ribbon to the bottom tier.

There you have it – a versatile pattern with which you can make an entire wardrobe for you little girl. Ruffles or no ruffles, Dresses for hot days, Peasant dresses to wear alone or as an Underdress, and pants. Endless options here ladies!  For me, this pattern is a KEEPER!