I have been a big fan of Violette Field Threads patterns and tutorials for a couple years now…I have sewed up several (many?) of their patterns and they are so inspiring and well done.
I love that they include real pictures for each step of the pattern. The pictures make it very easy to follow and their steps are so clearly laid out. They always include just the right amount of instructions. Each pattern usually has one or two new things that I get to learn as I make the dress. The directions are always so helpful and I feel so proud at the end because I learned something new.
The Maisie dress and top pattern has a beautiful scoop back neckline and sleeve plackets that give it a vintage feel. It has such a beautiful, classic look that you could make it in any fabric for any occasion, even a solid color would be beautiful. This is the dress that really taught me about zippers. I’m not afraid of zippers now and actually prefer them over button holes. I bought a big bag of zippers and have converted several dresses from buttons to zippers…it’s pretty easy! My girls like zippers too – they can zip each other up when they get dressed…much faster than buttons.
I love to make bias tape using a method shared by Dana of Made Everyday. If you have never made bias tape before or are not a fan, she makes it really fun! I found her video tutorial to be very inspiring. One tip for these dresses – be sure to use the size 18 bias tape maker. It is the perfect width for these sleeve plackets. I have tried making it with the size 25 and because it made wider bias tape, my sleeves did not come out as neatly. I have plans to make some more bias tape from the extra fabric that I had left over. I’d love to make some matching hair bows or even just save it for a future project.
For these dresses, I used Rifle Paper Co’s Les Fleurs fabric line, manufactured by Cotton and Steel. I might have been hoarding this fabric since last fall when I was one of the first to buy it…this collection is so pretty and I wanted to find just the right dress to make with it. The floral print is Rosa in Periwinkle and the blue print is called Queen Anne in Pale Blue. I thought these prints were perfect for the Maisie dress pattern. The fabric quaility is excellent…on the thicker side for cotton, very durable, and doesn’t wrinkle too easily.
These would be perfect Easter dresses, or for any spring ocassion. The pattern comes with instructions to make a top as well, which I have also tried…adorable! So go grab your Maisie pattern and make a pretty dress for your favorite girl. And be sure to tell me about it! Tag me on Instagram or leave a comment below, I would love to see it!
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