The dress pattern comes in sizes 6 months-8 years.
I sewed up the size 12 months.
Yes, I probably (or really, definitely) should have sewn a size down, but I really didn’t want her to grow out this soon. And though large on Ruby, I am glad that she gets to wear the dress for a while. And as dresses this style go, it will be a perfect tunic length when she’s even older.
She’s squatting a little in the picture above and below—it’s really not that long, though I did hem it a good 1.5” shorter than the pattern as is. She’s teeny tiny for being 16 months old though, so I expected it would be large on her.
The pattern is drafted beautifully and professionally. It says sewing difficulty is medium. I thought at first that it was going to be easier than that, but once I got to the pleated yoke I did have to take some time to figure that out.
I actually think a beginner would be able to make this dress if there were more pictures—I tend to like a combination of both illustrated and real photos.
Just another tip–you will want to add interfacing to the buttonholes. My fabric is thin and I wish I had added it and thought to add it before getting sewing farther. I didn’t read ahead, and that was actually my problem because I didn’t think they were functioning buttons. But they are :). So I did make buttonholes and I did not interface them, and I do hope they don’t rip ;). I’m sure she will actually add this portion to the pattern, as it would be a really easy addition.
This little chica…she just started walking at a bit over 15 months old and she did not want to hold still for the pictures at all.
When I did try to get her to hold still for just a second, I was met with this look. She’s so funny. 75% of my pictures turned out blurry because she was everywhere. I’m amazed I got any that she’s holding still in, like the sitting ones below. She just didn’t sit there for longer than 2 seconds before off to the next adventure.
Overall I do recommend this pattern. It is a fun design and the pleats on the yoke are adorable. Just a lovely dress for little girls.
Pattern: Franklin Dress
Fabric: Black Swiss dot fabric from a clearance target sundress I bought to repurpose, animal floral print was a gift from Dana of MADE a couple years ago (so I’m not sure where it’s from—pretty sure it’s a home decor as it’s definitely a canvas print)
Moccasins: made by me with modified Peek-a-boo Pattern Shop ‘Lil Papoose Moccasins, gold leather from Peggy Sue Also.
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Tara
She looks precious!
Anne Maskell
Ruby is still the sweetest baby ever! I can’t believe she’s sixteen months already. Time flies so quickly, doesn’t it? The dress is adorable, and I love your choice of fabric. I have also bought dresses with the intent of using them for fabric!