Annabelle by Violette Field Threads

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Today I have the privilege of introducing you to one of the dreamiest patterns in the BundleUP Girl's Edition: Annabelle. I seriously cannot WAIT to get my hands on this sweet  dress from Violette Field Threads! I even have one version planned with some unexpected fabrics. But that will have to wait, because I definitely want you to see the gorgeousness that Becca and Cassie have tag-teamed here! ~ Jessica

The bundle is BACK baby! And it's full of beautiful gems for your little lady, including this show stopping gown from Violette Field Threads. 

The Annabelle (2T-10) is a maxi dress with a chevron patchwork detail, sweetheart neckline and lovely gathered cap sleeves. It's the perfect dress to feature prints of all sizes, and/or showcase multi-fabric compilations. I used prints from Kate Spain's new Spring fabric line for Moda Fabrics, Paradiso. I mean, seriously? This is perfection:

My little miss grew an inch and a half in just over a month (WOW!), so I was nervous cutting into my FIRST 4T pattern. Lucky for me (and all sewing mommas of string-beans everywhere) I could easily adapt the pattern to fit my daughter by using the back elastic measurement of a 2T. It was the perfect fit across the chest, while still long enough to fit my growing babe. 

Use light weight fabrics for a more casual, summery maxi, or throw on some elbow length gloves and jewels for the princess of your home! I used the Zuzzy Princess Glove pattern. Such a fast sew! I also stuck a dress-up tu-tu under the skirt to add that extra full ball gown appearance! 

The Cozy Hooded Cape by Seamingly Smitten pairs perfectly with the Annabelle, and makes this short sleeve dress winter-weather friendly. (I may have even crossed my fingers for snowy photos for this particular dress! Miss K is happy that didn't work out.)

Some parting deets: 

  • Measurement and Yardage requirement charts: Check!
  • Print ranges by size: Check!
  • 16 pages of well-illustrated instructions: Check!
  • Patchwork is not fast. It took a while to cut, and my dress came together in about 5 hours (4 just for the skirt!)

You'll love this dress, and so will your little! Have fun with your fabric choices, and be sure to share them with us when you're done!

Move over Cosette and Emmaline, there's a new girl in town and she's got the WOW factor to prove it! The ladies over at Violette Field Threads have done it again! I squishy-heart, love their aesthetic and this swoon-worthy chevron maxi pattern fits right in with their fabulous collection of patterns. I feel honored to be able to sew up one of these beauties before the pattern releases because I know it's going to be trending this spring and summer (remember the Emmaline craze a few years back??)!

Let's explore all the amazing components of the Annabelle maxi dress pattern:

  • huge size range available for girls sizes 2T to 10
  •  quick print guide so you only have to print pages for your selected size range
  •  finished measurement chart and fabric requirements
  •  digitized pattern pieces that are easy to print, align and tape together quickly
  • color, real-life photos throughout the tutorial to visualize important steps

The simplicity and professionalism behind every VFT pattern reassures the customer that he/she will be sewing up a well made, stylish garment. The dress itself sewed up easily (especially if you read the directions carefully before beginning the panel construction). Precision is key in this pattern- all 8 panels will perfectly align to showcase the chevrons. The fit was spot on for my rapidly growing princess with some comfortable room to grow thanks to the elastic back.

Now, on to gazing at the beauty found in Annabelle...

I simply adore chevrons. I can't let them go. And the style of this maxi dress breathes new life into the endless style trend. The three layered chevron through the middle of the eight-panel skirt gives the sewist lots of room for creativity and fabric combinations. Maxi dresses are so fun for little girls, reminiscent of princess gowns and more mature fashion. My little girls will flock to their maxi dresses daily

The sweet, gathered cap shoulder paired with a soft sweetheart neckline adds femininity and style to the lined bodice. I really appreciate the double row of elastic in the back bodice to keep the dress hugging comfortably without gaping

I chose to use some of this yummy Cotton + Steel double border print mostly because I love a good challenge and piecing together the various parts of the Mustang Rose Stripe sure gave me that blood, sweat and tears gusto I was aiming for. Wanting the entire dress to be perfectly aligned, I had to cut each piece individually which made my prep time about two times as long as my actual sewing time!! Well worth every second measure and triple check, right??? I was able to cut, sew and step back in awe in one evening, approx. 5 hours. I imagine using a non-directional, repeating print will be super fast as you can stack and cut your pieces in a breeze. To top off this eye-catching maxi dress, I called upon an amazingly talented friend over at MoanaBaby for this big, beautiful floral crown. Beachy boho- check!

I hope you enjoyed hearing all about my take on the Annabelle Chevron Maxi dress. My youngest has already put the pressure on to make her a coordinating version and I foresee many more in our future.