Reversible Toddler Girls Dress

When Little Miss was one, I made her several baby dresses from the New Look 6793  pattern. They were quick to sew and super cute on her. At that age, she was prone to being a bit messy and I found packing an extra set of clothing bulky (I also sometimes forgot to pack extras). To get me out of the quick-change jam I often found myself in, I decided to make her clothing reversible. That way if she got a food spill on something, presto-chango; flip it over and new clean side! It worked well for us and as she got older, the need for reversible clothing reduced.

Recently, I found her attempting to get dressed in one of these too small dresses of long ago. She knew it wouldn't fit, but liked the dress so much, she thought she would give it a try.  Recognizing failure, she asked that I make her another reversible dress. I explained that the pattern was too small, but she could choose something else for me to make. She did not want one of the million patterns I own. Rather, she insisted that I could figure it out and make a pattern in her size. So that is what I did! 

The pattern was two main body pieces so I simply used  them as a base and drafted a new one by extending the length and width of each. I guess I  added 4 inches around and 6 inches down. It was super easy (So easy that I will not expand here. Most of my blog traffic comes from sewing theme websites, so I assume you know to do this. If not, please leave a comment and I will expand.)

I used a print for one side. One the other, I added a simple applique using the print fabric . Here is Little Miss in the dress and a pattern review follows.

 

Pattern Description:
This is a pattern for a baby/early toddler dress/jumper, top and pants.

Pattern Sizing:
Baby NB-L . I used the pattern for the large and graded up to a size four.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, although I did a different applique and I made the dress reversible.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very easy and very easy to adjust the size.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I really like this pattern overall. It was easy to use and straightforward. It allows for tons of creativity with the applique options and ease of making it reversible. I wish the pattern came in larger sizes for a child, but grading the pattern up was not a problem.

Fabric Used:
Blue Chambray Cotton from a resale store and a print fabric from Hobby Lobby. For the applique I used various scrap fabrics and rick-rack.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I altered the size up to a 4t. I used the tulip applique from another pattern.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Since I have now drafted the pattern, I will make it again. Little Miss loves this type of dress and has requested more. I recommend it.

Conclusion:
This is a great, versatile pattern; easy to sew for all levels.

Happy Sewing!