Junebug Dress Pattern Test

Jess from Craftiness is Not Optional just released her first children's clothing pattern, The Junebug Dress Pattern, and I was lucky enough to test it out for her.  Jess is the sweetest person, and she's pretty talented, too.  You are going to love this pattern!

I know Jess has been wanting to develop her design into a full-blown graded pattern for some time now, and I am sure it is going to be wildly popular!  Really, this pattern is amazing not only for the design but also because of the simple instructions and great photos.  The way the instructions are worded, you'll feel like Jess is there personally talking you through each step!

For my pattern test, I made Ella the size 5T dress with sleeves.  The pattern also offers a sleeveless option and measurements to make a tunic length top.  Check back tomorrow to see the Junebug Top I made using velcro for the bib closure instead of buttons!

The pattern pieces included are for the bodice and the sleeves, while the skirt dimensions for the dress and top are in tabular form by size in both the instructions and repeated on the pattern page that you print out.  Measurements for the elastic used on the sleeves is also provided so there is no measuring your child or guessing about what length to use!

The bodice is fully lined, and Jess's pattern instructions walk you through step by step on how to do this for both the sleeveless and sleeve versions.  A simple gathered skirt and cute little puff sleeves round out the look for a relatively quick sewing project.  I completed this dress from start to finish (including printing, taping and cutting the pattern, cutting the fabric, and sewing) in roughly 3 hours!

The fabric I used is some Robert Kaufman quilting cotton I purchased last year and had been hoarding for just the perfect project.  The dots have a touch of hot pink on each of them hence the extra large hot pink buttons on the bib.  Ella loves them because the button fabric has a touch of glitter in it!

I normally make Ella size 5T, and according to the pattern measurement chart, she was somewhere between a 4T and a 5T.  When that is the case, I usually make the larger size so she will have some growing room.  The 5T in this dress will definitely give her that and she should be able to wear it next year, too.

For the Junebug Top I tested (remember to check back tomorrow for the blog post about it), I made a 4T and felt the fit was spot on for Ella right now.  Here's a little sneak peek of the top.

I'm extremely happy with both the dress and the top, and Ella has loved wearing them both multiple times in the last two weeks.  I have the feeling this pattern is going to be our summer favorite!

If you are as excited about this pattern as I am, then head over to Craftiness is Not Optional to purchase your own copy of the Junebug Dress Pattern!  Tell Jess that Veronica at sewVery sent ya, and I'll see you tomorrow for more on my Junebug Top!

Have a great day!