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Category: Backstitch Fabrics
I have a teenager.
Weird, right? This itty bitty girl is now nearly 14 and in the 8th grade:
This was a flower girl dress that I made her. Back then, she liked party dresses with fluffy skirts, and ruffles, and bows, and really anything Mommy made her. Things sure have changed! She still likes the things that I make her, but the focus has changed. I think now it’s more about my taking the time and thought to make her something, while still wanting to look like her friends. The hardest sewing lesson I’ve had to learn is to listen to her and use fabrics and patterns that she likes. We still have our disagreements, but giving up the ruffles and florals when I sew for her has gone a long way. Now, if we could only find the perfect compromise to hemlines and NOT having everything fit like dance wear…
I was excited when I found out that autumn was the theme for the second week of competition in Project Run + Play. It’s my favorite time of year! I was able to mix some of my very favorite elements into a stylish and super fun outfit for my tween daughter. Tweens are so hard to sew for. They’re picky, for one, and have developed their own sense of style. In addition, this age category, somewhere in between a girl’s and a woman’s shape, is so underserved by pattern designers. Patterns don’t fit well and are often either too old or too young in style. I’ve become pretty adept at modifying patterns to fit better, and definitely at choosing patterns that will suit her for both size and sensitivity. Even though I sometimes have to use adult patterns, she’s still my baby, and she still loves the things her mama makes her.
This week, I’ve been a busy bee with pattern testing and I’m really excited to share my first with you!
This was my first test for Sofilantjes, and I want to take a moment to say how easy Anne was to test for. This pattern was well designed and well written, and she was very responsive to any input, problems, or questions we had as testers.
But now on to the good stuff!
The Litore Tunic and Dress is a classic looking sundress from the front, with a really fun criss cross strap detail in the back. It is available as a tunic, dress, or maxi with three different hem types; a-line, high/low circle, and handkerchief. The circle and handkerchief options also include pockets, which are so necessary for little girls and their treasures. All three skirts are interchangeable with the Solis Tunic and Dress, too, providing endless summer options! The pattern contains sizes 12 months through 14 years (undeveloped, although alterations aren’t too hard if your girl is within the size ranges), is written in English and Dutch, includes instructions with both pictures and graphics (the pattern is so easy to follow), and trimless pattern pieces in A4 and letter size. It’s on sale for two days only for 5.50 Euros (the exchange rate shows it at $6.12 USD, but that will be subject to change).