Everyday Playdress by Love Notions

We are continuing our look at outfits that are perfect for Spring - WOW, last week it was flurrying here in central PA and yesterday it was in the 80's - thank goodness for all of these awesome patterns that have been inspiring me to sew for my littles!  Today's pattern is the Everyday Playdress by Love Notions - a knit dress that is just perfectly comfy for play.  The pattern has the option of a flat front or a cross over front giving you plenty of versatility.  Check out what Paige and Ellen did with this fun pattern!

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I'm back to review the Everyday Playdress by Love Notions.  This pattern is for a cute knit dress with options for making a regular bodice or a crossover one.  You also have a choice for short or long sleeves which is great for the different seasons. 

I used a combination of prints/colors and added a fun applique because I knew my daughter would love it.  Sure enough, she had to put this dress on as soon as she saw it. 


 This dress is super quick and easy to make.  You can whip one up in under an hour.  It's a beginner level pattern but anyone sewing for a girl would enjoy making this.  As the pattern name suggests, it really is an every day play dress.    

Here's what is included in the pattern:
*table of contents
*pattern pieces for sleeves and both bodice choices
*measurements for cutting the skirt panels and binding
*charts for fabric requirements and finished dress measurements
*cutting section which outlines pieces you need for making each dress style
*instructions and pictures for making both styles
*pictures for inspiration



The instructions are clearly written and easy to understand.  If you need tips for working with knits they are located in step 10b of the standard bodice section.  If you're making the crossover version, you may not see them unless you refer to the table of contents.  The sizes included in this pattern range from 12/18 months up to size 8.  I've already had a request from my other daughter for one so I'll be making the crossover version next. 


Happy Sewing!
Paige


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Hi, I'm Ellen from ellzabelle and I'm excited to show you my Everyday Playdress from Love Notions.


This pattern is a fast sew and the result is a very cute, comfy dress to PLAY in!


Pattern details:
*Sized 18m to 7/8
*Rated beginner
* 23 pages long with 8 nested pattern pieces to print (dimensions are given for cutting skirt pieces)
*Photos at EVERY step for clear directions (incl. charts for finished measurements & fabric requirements)
*Knit fabrics with option of woven skirt
*Two bodice styles: crossover or standard
*Two sleeve lengths: short or long



As you can see in these photos it definitely is a great play dress and my daughter loved running and twirling in it.


The options I chose for this dress were short sleeves, crossover bodice, and woven skirt.  I had two sweet vintage fabrics that weren't enough for a skirt alone so I made the skirt with both!  I then added a trim piece to the front and back where the fabrics joined and I liked the bohemian feel of the skirt.


I really wanted a nice casual dress that my daughter could wear in the summer and be comfy and just enjoy summer and being a kid.  This dress fits the bill! 


My daughter is a petite 6 year old and I made the size 6.  The bodice is a bit big on her but I really think I stretched the blue rib knit a bit.  I'm still pretty new to sewing with knits and this fabric stretched a lot on me.  Still learning!!!!  The dress is supposed to fall right under knee and it might be a bit longer on my shortie.  So possibly the dress is roomy for the sizing but I would have to make another one to be sure.  (but I also love the clothes I make to be big so they can wear it longer!)

One thing I love about the pattern is how you can do different fabrics for both sides of the crossover bodice and sleeves, mixing anything you want!  I really loved this, it's a great way to incorporate more colors and patterns which is the look I like.

Another thing I love about this pattern is that the skirt can be woven.  I have so much woven fabric and not much knit so I am really happy to raid my stash when I can. 

Also only 8 pattern pages to print is AMAZING!  They are nested and match up easily.


I think all in all this is a wonderful pattern for casual play, while of course, looking very adorable.  As my daughter gets older, comfort is the number one thing she cares about so I really appreciate a cute, comfy style like this Everyday Playdress. 


This is not the first pattern I've used from Love Notions.  I was lucky enough to test her new Trendy Tunic and it's now one of my very favorites!  So as you can see, Tami is very talented!!


Till next time! You can visit me at www.ellzabelle.com to see what I've been up to.  -ellen