sewVery: Pleated Penny Pattern Tester

Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to be a pattern tester for Shauna of Shwin & Shwin. I saw her post on Facebook at just the right time (I usually see these sorts of things way too late) and immediately messaged her that I was available to test out her latest pattern creation, the Pleated Penny.

Here's what I made...

I actually made both a top and dress, both of which she includes the instructions for making in the pattern. The look of this top/dress is so sweet and playful, and when worn with the optional belt or sash, it transforms into a sophisticated outfit.

The top/dress has a pleated neckline, hence the name Pleated Penny, that sits high on the chest. The pattern calls for the button closure, but as you can see on the top I made, I changed it up a bit and sewed on tie straps instead. I like this pattern made both ways, and with the ties, I believe Ella could wear the top in the fall/winter with a long sleeve t-shirt underneath.

I made a lot of pictures, so I might as well share most of them with you all here.

As you can see, she has become quite the poser lately! She really has been so cooperative in all my requests (demands) that she dress up for photo shoots.

Since I tested the pattern, I'm not exactly sure what changes may have been made to the final version, but I can't imagine that Shauna had to make any major modifications. Most of my comments had to do with clarifying where to make the pleats and exactly where to attach the straps for the buttons.

I'd definitely recommend this pattern to anyone with advanced beginner to intermediate sewing skills. Both pleats and buttonholes can be a bit challenging if you've never attempted them before (or even if you have)! Again, this top/dress pattern offers a more sophisticated look to a little girl's style, and I liked the fact that it was so different from the typical pillowcase or peasant style top/dress that is so prevalent for little girls.

Ella has really enjoyed wearing both pieces, especially the top. It's cool, comfy, and is great for playing in. I used a 20" piece of Joel Dewberry's Blockprint Blossom in Blush from his Heirloom collection to make the top. I love this fabric and the entire collection. This top goes well with any style short, too. I made the denim shorts last year and the seersucker shorts last month for the Shorts on the Line event. I've got a tutorial for them here.

Ella wanted the dress to be orange, so we found this piece of fabric in my stash. To make the belt stand out more, I sewed a piece of ribbon to the center of it.

If you are interested in making this top or dress for your own beauty, then you are in luck. Shauna just released the final version of the Pleated Penny pattern in her shop, and to celebrate the release, she is offering 40% off all her patterns through Friday, July 13th! Just use the code PENNY at checkout. What an awesome deal! You really should head over and check out all her other great patterns, too.

I've been eyeing her Lovely Rita's Skinnies which are a slim leg pant for little girls. I'll definitely be trying this Shwin & Shwin pattern out next!