Another Sweetheart Dress with Extras!

As promised, I made a second Sweetheart Dress using Luvinthemommyhood's terrific Sweetheart Dress pattern!

To see the first fun, playful Sweetheart Dress I made, click here.

Before I actually made the first dress, I had the idea to monogram the bodice, but I didn't have any yardage of solid cotton on hand.  It took me a few days to make it to the fabric store to pick some up, and I just love how this turned out!  This style of bodice is just perfect for embroidering either a monogram or a fun design.

Since the bodice is fully lined, I used my Brother PE770 embroidery machine to stitch out the monogram on the outer bodice piece before I sewed the top of the dress together.  I chose to go with a monochromatic look by using a thread the same color as the dress.

For the back closure, I opted to use two hooks instead of a button.  I really like the look of the heart with this type of closure, plus it was faster for me to sew than the hand sewn loop I did with the first dress!

I was much more careful with the finishing touches of this dress.  For instance, I made sure I did a neater job of topstitching the bodice down to the skirt.

When we were at the store picking out the solid pink fabric for the dress, Ella spotted this cute pink netting type fabric that has small hearts all over it.  It was like it was meant to be!  I immediately thought about adding this to the skirt of this version of the Sweetheart Dress, but after getting home with the fabric, I began to worry that it might not hold up as long as the rest of the dress.  Instead of making the netting a permanent part of the dress, I opted to make it a separate skirt (similar to an apron) that maybe she can wear with something else in the future.

To make the heart skirt, I cut out the fabric the same width as and then a few inches longer than the skirt of the main dress.  Fold over and hem the raw edges (if you want to, but it's not necessary with this type of netting material) and then gather the top of the skirt to match the skirt of the dress.

I then cut out two pieces of the cotton fabric that were 4" long x the width of the fabric.  I sewed them together so that the seams were on the sides and would match up with the side seams of the dress.  I then ironed the sash like when you make double folded bias tape (so that both raw edges are encased).  Insert the gathered edge of the heart skirt into the folded sash, pin like crazy, and then starting at one of end of the sash, sew the sash closed and the heart skirt all at once using a 1/8" seam allowance.

The next "extra" I decided to add was the jacket.  Since it's still pretty cool/cold here, and Ella doesn't have a cardigan sweater that would work with this outfit, I made this sweet, simple jacket to go with her second Sweetheart Dress.

To make the jacket, I used Simplicity pattern 2270.

I've had this pattern for a while but had never taken the time to try it out.  It was very simple to make, and I mostly followed the pattern instructions.  I think the only thing I did differently was sew the sleeves on to the bodice pieces first and then sew the side seam of the sleeve and bodice all at once. I used the size 5T for the jacket just like I did for the Sweetheart Dress.

I think this jacket looks like it was meant for this dress!

And since I still had plenty of both fabrics, I whipped together this simple little bag because special outfits need a special bag--right?!  The jacket pattern (Simplicity 2270) comes with the pattern pieces and instructions for making this bag.  However, I did add the heart skirt to the bag as an afterthought, and I constructed it the same way I did the heart skirt for the dress with one exception--the bag skirt is not removable.  It is sewn on to the bag permanently.

There you have it!  My dressed up version of the Sweetheart Dress with a few extras thrown in for fun!  Now Ella is all dressed up and ready for Valentine's Day!  She is definitely my sweetheart!

Also, check out my latest pattern purchases.  You can read all about them and buy them for your own here.

I'll be showing you later this week a couple of items I've already made from these patterns.  One is the Commuter Cowl, another great pattern from Luvinthemommyhood.

Thanks for stopping by for a visit!  Please sign up to follow the blog by GFC, email or by liking my Facebook page.  See you again real soon!  Have a great day!


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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!

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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!