First Day Dress by Made
/It's coming............................... the first day of school that is. All across the country, and all over the world, children are gearing up to head back to school. And Dana from Made has released the perfect new pattern - the First Day Dress. This is a great pattern for showing off fun fabrics that fit your daughter's personality, and with all the variations - your little can wear this the first through last day of school!
Here are Raedene and Melissa to show off their versions and tell you all about the pattern....
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My littlest one will be going back to preschool in September and when I saw the pattern and its creative name the first thing I imagined was a sweet creative back to school print for this dress.
I chose to use the sleeveless A-line version but there are many more to choose from: Aline sleeveless top/dress; A-line cap sleeve top/dress; Swing sleeveless top/dress; Swing cap sleeve top/dress. The possibilities are endless. The swing top has a twirly circle skirt that can really dress it up or make it full of life for playtime. I added picot bias trim for the hemline of the dress to add a pop of color and some sweet details! A big pocket to show off the fabric was another option I added (not included in the pattern) detailed with more of the bias trim. I love blue so I thought I would use it to have a focal color for accessories. You can find this darling trim at the Vintage Door!
I had this adorable print by Alexander Henry and with its bold large pictures and words I thought the A-line version would be the best template to really capture the creativity of the print. Here's hoping she learns to identify all her letters!
The pattern is fully lined with a professional finish. It ranges in sizes from 2-10. A size chart and finished measurements is provided to help you find the perfect fit. Lots of very detailed pictures and instructions. Includes a fabric requirements chart and a description of the best fabrics to use for outer and lining. I loved the quick print guide so you are not needing to print the whole pattern, but only the specific design you choose. Also, there is a guide to show you how to cut and line up the pattern pages and the best way to lay it out on the fabric for maximum use.
The construction of this dress contained some new techniques. The back loop enclosure slit was created by cutting down both layers versus creating and sewing on a placket. I really liked this for ease and speed. The lining is created so all seams are enclosed. There are so many tips of the trade provided in the tutorial. The first time I make a new pattern it takes longer, but I think this version will take less than two hours cut to finish in the future! This is perfect for an advanced beginner also! I plan to make many more and all the versions!
I chose to create a size 5 for my standard size 4 child. I wanted it a little longer for school days and room to grow. It is a perfect fit. The measurements were spot on so I knew what size would fit best rather than relying on standard sizing… which we all know cannot be perfect!
My little one is a leggings and t-shirt kinda girl and when she saw this finished product she was thrilled. She begged to try it on immediately and was ready to head out the door to school. I am one happy momma!
Many thanks to the talented Claudia Blake Photography for the fun back to preschool photos! Such sweet memories! These gorgeous hair pretties are created by the talented Crafty European. Go find your favorite fabric and the version of this pattern that grabs your attention and sew it up! It is a keeper!!!!