Sweetheart Dress and a Giveaway!

Today I'm sharing this playful dress I made for Ella using the Sweetheart Dress Pattern from Luvinthemommyhood.  Update:  To see the second Sweetheart Dress I made, click here.

Isn't it just adorable?  And it's absolutely perfect to wear for Valentine's Day which will be here before we know it!

This pattern is professionally written and full of excellent illustrations and photographs to easily guide you through the entire construction process.  It's one of the best pdf patterns I've found so far.  I would rate it appropriate for a confident beginner sewer.

The pattern includes a size chart for sizes 2T-6T that I found to be extremely helpful in determining the size that would best fit my Ella.  Ella's height and chest measurements were right in the middle of a 4T and 5T, but her waist was more like a 4T.  In the end, I decided to go with the 5T.  I feel like the fit was spot on for the length and chest, but the waist is a tad big (and I knew it would be since I went with the larger size).  I'm not worried about it though!  Overall, I'm very pleased with the fit and look on her.  She loves it and should be able to wear it this year and next year as well!

Months ago, Ella and I bought this sweet, edgy fabric on the clearance aisle at Joann's.  Ella loves anything with hearts and pink and purple, so there was no way she would let me leave the store without some!  It's a nice cotton twill that was easy to sew and worked well for the Sweetheart Dress Pattern. For Ella's 5T version, the pattern called for 1 3/8 yard of the main fabric and 1/2 yard for the bodice lining.  I even had enough of it left over to make a new set of hot pads for me and Ella (get the tutorial here).

I used some quilting weight cotton that color coordinates with the main heart skull fabric.

The pattern has three pieces and then a measurement chart for cutting out the skirt rectangle, so there is no piecing and taping together sheets of paper!  Just print and cut them out and you are ready to go!

I remember when I first saw this dress on Luvinthemommyhood, I thought it would be tricky to make the heart cutout in the back, but it was anything but that!  Shannon's pattern instructions made adding this detail a piece of cake (or actually a heart)!  And I learned a new way to make a lined bodice for a dress!  I love learning new sewing tricks and methods.  Don't you?

Ella striking a pose!

I will say that I found it a little tricky sewing together the fabric after I cut out the heart per the pattern instructions.  Even though I had the fabric sufficiently pinned together, the fabric was flimsy and difficult to manage.  I think the next time I make the dress I'll trace the entire heart out and sew around it with the seam allowance before cutting out the heart shape. To me, I think that might be easier.  I know this may sound a little confusing, but once you see the pattern, I think you'll understand what I mean.

I try to avoid buttonholes when possible, so normally, I would use a fabric loop for the button closure.  But this time, I decided to try Shannon's tutorial on how to make a hand sewn loop using embroidery thread for the button closure.  It took me four tries to make it the right length and nice looking!

I'm glad I tried it because I learned another sewing trick that I'm sure I will use all the time now!  Of course, you can make a fabric loop instead, and the pattern instructs you when to sew it in if you go that route.

I used a covered button for the closure using a 3/4" button and the lining fabric.  I wish they still made these covered button kits the way they did back in my grandmother's day.  I found a few in her stash, and they are so much easier to use because no tools or plastic pieces are needed!  The old ones have teeth around the back edge of the button that grip the fabric and a back that just snaps into place.  With these new kits, I sometimes have a difficult time getting the back on without the use of a hammer, and then I'm afraid I'm going to smash my thumb or finger!  Anyway, sorry to get sidetracked about covered buttons!

This Sweetheart Dress was such a quick sewing project--only a couple of hours if you don't count the time it took me to get the hand sewn loop just right!  And the best part, Ella absolutely loves it!

This is the type of dress that can easily be dressed up or down, and this version is definitely a play dress!  Great for running, jumping, twirling, and climbing.

She wore it three times the week I made it despite the chilly weather outside. I know I'll be making more Sweetheart Dresses in the near future. In fact, I may have already made a second one!

If you want to make your little Valentine her own Sweetheart Dress, then here's your chance.  Two lucky sewVery readers will each receive their very own copy of the Sweetheart Dress pattern from Shannon at Luvinthemommyhood!  To enter, follow the instructions below.  The winners will be announced here on Wednesday, January 30th!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Of course, you can always go ahead and purchase the pattern from Shannon at Luvinthemommyhood!  You'll be glad you did!

Oh, and just to clarify things, this review is 100% my own.  Although I received the pattern free of charge as part of a swag gift at Sewing Summit, I was not compensated for my opinion of this pattern.  In fact, I have never been paid for a pattern review!  Have a great day!

Linking up at these parties as well as others shown here.

This dress was featured at Threading My Way and The Train to Crazy!