Are you ready for what is next!!!!!!!!!!! Today we share an closer look at the Spring Lilly Dress by Ellie Inspired. I think we can all agree that we want to see more women's patterns from you - this one is beautiful!!! With a drop V back, an invisible zipper, multiple options for sleeves, and a skirt with a variety of lengths; this could just become your next 'go to' dress.

Here is Victoria to show it off and give you some helpful hints if you have never sewn a women's dress or an invisible zipper before - this was her FIRST time too!!!!!

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I was asked to review the new ladies pattern Spring Lily by Ellie Inspired that will be included in the Woman's Bundle Up sale on June 20th-27th. I quickly accepted the challenge because I love the designer and needed the motivation to actually sew for myself. I say challenge because I have never sewn an adult size dress or a zipper but was excited to finally learn. With a little patience and a lot of learning, this was the finished result!

Fabrics used:

Kumari Garden Marala Pink (Bodice)

Amy Butler Love Water Bouquet Midnight (Skirt)

Belt and shoes from my closet

Bracelet from Pandora (thanks hubby!)

Let's talk about sizing and fit. I will say that I probably should have made a size down in the bodice. The tutorial does include measurements which I followed, but I was in between sizes. I went with the larger size because I didn't want to run the risk of not being able to zip it up (girl's worst nightmare). With that being said, if you are also in between sizes, I suggest making the smaller size. The tutorial comes with suggested knee and tea length measurements. I did shorten the knee length skirt by about 4". It's summer, and I just prefer a shorter cut on myself. An easy custom alteration that most will probably have to make since we all vary in height and preference.

I love the look of a box pleat skirt and it's probably my favorite part of the dress. It was very flattering compared to past gathered skirts I have made for myself. Directions were clear, but it does take a little work to get the pleats fitting correctly. I think it is a skill that will take time to master just like any new technique in sewing. The belt was already in my closet. It matched perfectly and pulled in the waist line.

I also learned how to sew darts in the back and princess seams in the front bodice. It was really easy and a lot less scary than they seem. The back closure is invisible zipper. This was the first time I have ever done one. I can't say it went perfectly and I did have to redo it. But my second try went a lot better. The tutorial direction did explain how to install the zipper but I am more of a visual learner and I found this video to be very helpful: How to install an invisible zipper with lining.

The back bodice has a beautiful v back and it's still high enough to hide your bra.

The Spring Lily misses pattern ranges in sizes from XS(0-2) -3X (24W-26W) and you will need a 16" zipper. I used a 12-14" zipper on a size M and was able to fit in it comfortably.