So here are the pics I finally managed to wrangle this fall, just before the weather turned cold and snowy.
I used ponte de roma, which works really well with this pattern.
This is a really quick pattern to sew and the results are cute and trendy. This was my sixth time sewing this pattern, so for detailed information, please read my original review.
The dress is really comfortable and cozy for winter.
Ponte de roma in dark teal – (medium-weight knit, 50% Polyester/45% Rayon/5% Lycra).
Sizes: 2T. Cost: Pattern: 0$. Fabric: About $16. Sewing Level: Confident beginner. Modifications: None Results: Great. This was fast, and I love the trendy look.
Disclaimer: The pattern was generously provided by Heidi & Finn, in return for testing the pattern. As always, my opinions are my own.
So I was very excited to be a pattern tester for the newest version of the pattern, which now includes a sweater, a short-sleeved version, and an expanded size range from 12m to 12Y.
The kids really like the tops and they are very comfortable.
And is it ever easy to sew! I finished about one project per nap. I love one-nap projects!
In the end, I made this pattern six times: three tops and three dresses, in three different sizes.
This is the size 2T.This is the size 5T, in pink.This is size 7Y.
This project calls for knit fabric, and obviously a sweater knit would be ideal, but sadly the choices were limited at my local fabric shops and I had no time to order online.
The smallest kids chose the fabric for the tops (ack! so cute to watch them choose fabrics) – a slinky rayon jersey. In that fabric, the tops have a retro 70s vibe.
The pattern changed slightly during testing, and now has a banded waist, but these tops were made before the change.
Such a cutie!This is a rayon jersey and it has quite a bit of drape.In this fabric, the top has a bit of a 70s vibe.The size 5 was a bit large. Next time, I’ll go down a size.The size 7Y is a much better fit.
For the dresses, I chose a ponte de roma that has a bit of a soft, sweater-knit texture. This fabric gave better results than the jersey. It’s a stable knit that is still very stretchy and has great recovery.
This is my favourite fabric for this pattern. It’s a ponte de roma, and has just the right amount of structure, without being stiff.
I only made two changes. First, I shortened the sleeves by 1-2″, depending on the fabric and dress size. Second, I attached the cowl neck first, before starting the sleeves. I find it easier to work this way, but it’s just my preference. See a discussion on sewing flat versus in the round, here.
The dress is a huge hit.Especially the bow.This fabric is really the perfect weight for the dress.
I didn’t use a serger – I don’t have one. I just used my regular machine, which has a faux overlock stitch and I hemmed everything using a double needle. This worked very well.
Ack! So grown up.I love the look of the dress.This dress is perfect for fall weather.
The results were great. These tops and dresses are cute, cute, cute and the kids love wearing them. Yay!
Summary
Pattern Review:Cowl Neck Dress and Sweater by Heidi & Finn, available in sizes 12m-12Y. Fabric: Rayon jersey for the tops and ponte de roma for the dresses.
Dakota stretch rayon jersey knit Hearts in navy, pink and teal (medium-weight knit, 95% Rayon/5% Lycra, 4-way stretch, 25% vertical stretch and 50% stretch across the grain).
Ponte de roma in grey, (medium- to heavy-weight knit, 80% Polyester/15% Rayon/5% Lycra, 30% stretch across the grain), magenta, and dark teal – not shown – (medium-weight knit, 50% Polyester/45% Rayon/5% Lycra).
Sizes: 2T, 5T and 7Y. Cost: Pattern: 0$. Fabric: About $12 per top and about $16 per dress. Sewing Level: Confident beginner. Modifications: I shortened the sleeves, by 1-2″, depending on the fabric and dress size. Results: Great. This was fast, and I love the trendy look.
Disclaimer: The pattern was generously provided by Heidi & Finn, in return for testing the pattern. As always, my opinions are my own.
The Finished Garment 