Elegance & Elephants' First Pattern

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Have you ever visited Elegance & Elephants? It's a beautiful sewing blog and she is launching her first pattern next week - hooray!  It's called the Ruffle Top and I had a chance to test it out the A-line dress version for Evelyn.  There are three versions included in the pattern - a tunic top, A-line dress and swing dress (full skirt, party-ready).  Plus, the sizing goes from 18 months all the way to an 8.  With my oldest daughter turning six this year, I'm starting to appreciate patterns that go beyond a 5T.

 I love that this dress doesn't look like any of the other dresses in Evelyn's closet.  The princess seaming and A-line shape on this particular version is a nice chance from the high waist/full skirt on many of her other dresses.  And can we talk about the ruffles?  I love them - so sweet but not over the top!  The A-line version calls for a tie in the back and I followed the same placement but extended the ties to a finished length of 27" so that I could tie it in the front, kind of like a faux wrap.

The fabric is a twill from last year's Little Lisette Spring Collection (Jo-Ann Fabrics).  I picked mine up on clearance a couple of months ago and I've been hoarding it ever since, just waiting for the perfect project.  I gave Evelyn a choice of two buttons and wasn't really too surprised with her choice.  The fish bowl button is quirky and fun, a little surprise on the back of the dress.

Flower v. Fishy?  The fishy won!

 

You know what they say about two-year-olds?  Busy, busy.  She almost immediately picked a flower and started counting up the petals.

 

A view from the front . . . and the back.  Because I was testing the pattern, I didn't alter the measurements at all so you can imagine how relieved (and excited) I was that it was a perfect fit.  The ties give a tailored look AND allow wiggle room if you need it.

Those sweet ruffles.