Pepper's Dress by brownie-goose

/

Today we have brownie-goose and her Pepper's Dress up for a review. You're going to have the chance to see an everyday version and then one especially for that sweet day coming up this weekend! A great idea for any last minute Valentine's Day party sewing...ahem. Here's Shae and NIchole to show you what they think of this pattern!

Hi! Once again, I am Shae from Saflower Photography and Saflower Designs. Today I want to tell you all about Pepper's Dress from brownie-goose. Full Disclosure, I was one of the testers for this dress so I am pretty familiar with it. For my test I did this long sleeve version and I just adore it! My daughter wore the heck out of it and it is now tucked away in a really full box of stuff I have made her that she has outgrown. I figure it's a good time for a new one! 

Here is a quick rundown of the pattern 

  • digitized and nested pieces 
  • there is a total of 24 pages of pattern pieces, but 12 are for the long sleeve version and 12 are for the sleeveless version, so you don't have to print them all 
  • printing chart 
  • the skirt is done with a measurement chart and there are no pattern pieces for it
  • It uses an average amount of fabric, more if you do the long sleeves 
  • many photographs to walk you through the steps 
  • very detailed directions 
  • size chart 

I chose to do a Valentine's Day dress using the sleeveless option. I live in San Diego and February tends to be warm. If it does end up being a little chilly, this dress also looks nice with a long sleeve shirt layered under it if you don't want to do the long sleeve version.

Let's talk about details! Brownie-goose always puts a lot of details on her patterns. Pepper's Dress is no exception.  I mean, just look at that cute little ruffle! You can also use regular trims like lace or ric-rac. She gives you directions for both. This pattern also includes inseam pockets, but for my Valentine's Day dress I left them off. My daughter loves playing in the sand box at school and she tends to bring home pockets and shoes full of it!! I can't even tell you how many times a week I have to clean up piles of sand near our shoe storage area. For my tester version I included them and they were very simple to do. I also included to back tab on both versions. I think it adds something special to it. My heart fabric also needed it to break up the color and pattern a little bit. I started going cross eyed staring at those hearts!

I ended up adding a contrasting band at the hem for a couple of reasons. Again, I felt like I needed to break up the heart fabric and tie into the ruffle. If I was doing the long sleeve, I would have just done the one on the sleeve that is included in the pattern. I also added it because I wanted a little more length. My daughter is tall and skinny and brownie-goose patterns tend to run a little wide and short. I did the math and ended up subtracting fabric from the skirt pieces so I could have a 3 inch band, but only add an inch to the total length of the dress. Hope that makes sense!! Although brownie-goose patterns tend to run a little wide, this one is very easy to adjust. When sewing the bodice together on the sides, I always do a 1 inch seam allowance and it works out great! Since this has buttons on the front, you can also move the buttons in or out a little bit.

There were a few trouble spots for me, and while these may not be negatives for everyone,  I'm still going to mention them. 

  • It runs a little short and wide 
  • there is no pattern piece for the skirt, only a cut chart 
  • The size chart does list the finished length, but the not finished width. It only has the child's chest measurement. 
  • I found it tricky to add the button holes because the ruffles getting in the way of my buttonhole foot. 
  • The directions for the fabric ruffle do not have exact measurements. You have to measure where it goes and then do some math. I felt like my ruffle wasn't as ruffly as I would normally like. Not sure if it was because of a measuring error on my part, or because of the pattern. 

Overall, I think this is a great pattern. There are so many ways you can get creative with it and it has such a unique look to it. Also, if you go to the brownie-goose blog there is a sew along/tutorial on turning this dress into a coat! 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello everyone! Nichole here, from Full of Grace Boutique. Happy to be back to sew up this great dress from brownie-goose. 

I have been drawn to Amy's designs since I started sewing, which has only been 3 years ago. They are timeless, classy, and fun! This dress is no exception. It features a lined bodice, with or without adorable bell sleeves. A decorative button tab feature on the back of bodice. A full twirly skirt and a ruffled, buttoned adorned bodice. Dress also features hidden inseam pockets, always a favorite in  my house.  Amy also did a sew-along turning this sweet dress into a fully reversible coat. You can find that on her blog! 

Okay, so here is a rundown of that pattern.

  • Sizes 6-12 months, 12 months,  18 months, 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10 and 12
  • Imperial Measurements
  • Size Chart, which I found spot on for my daughter. Follow the chart for perfect fit. (all sizing and fabric information can be found on her blog as well, before purchasing any pattern.) 
  • Does include finished dress LENGTH chart.
  • Detailed materials chart, including fabric, trims and buttons.
  • Pattern comes in two separate files. One for instructions, one for computer drafted pattern pieces
  • Quick print guide for what options you are using.
  • Pattern cutting layout included.
  • Proper grain lines included on pattern pieces. 
  • Also includes measurements only for skirt pieces. YAY!
  • Very detailed sewing instructions with coinciding pictures. Layout is typical of BR, very detailed and lengthy. No line drawings included.
  • Glossary of sewing terms included. 

Overall, was very happy with this pattern and the finished product. The fit is spot on for following the size chart for me. I'm so happy I was able to review this pattern! Until next time, happy sewing!!