FO: 2 Ottobre Toddler Dresses

In the online sewing world, people often refer to sewing for others as 'Unselfish Sewing.' However sewing for others is never entirely unselfish. I love seeing people wear or use things I've made, and these toddler dresses are no different.

Now Miss Kestrel is 2 (!!) we have run out of hand-me-down and gift clothes, so it's the perfect time to make her some new clothes. Though bearing in mind that she has developed her own tastes for what she likes to wear can make this challenging. too.

Pattern
Birdie Birdie Jersey dress from Spring 2015 Ottobre Magazine, as kindly lent to me by So Zo. I made size 92cm so there's a bit of growing room. You can preview the issue on You Tube. It's a simple A-line style dress.

 What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
It's a sweet, easy and wearable dress and it will work as a tunic top over leggings or with tights or bare legs.

No apologies for the photos - toddlers are unpredictable to photograph so let's call these 'action shots'. She is playing with a tiger dressing up outfit that she's really fond of

Fabric & Notions
I used a cat print jersey remnant bought from Remnant Kings and a grey and pink stripe jersey sent to me by the lovely Tabatha Tweedie of Thread Carefully last year. Thanks Tabatha (Louise)! The fabrics gave very different results - the cat print was quite thick and so looks more structured while the stripe was lighter and drapey. I like the effect of both types.

Piloting the boat in the play park

Pattern alterations or any design changes

I turned and stitched the cuffs with a double needle instead of using bands. I am totally proud of my twin needling at the neckline too. Look at that cheeky cat face peeking over!

Would you sew it again and do anything different next time?
I'd definitely make it again. The pieces fitted together beautifully. I've made a jersey top from a Simplicity pattern before and they had you gather the top of the sleeve to set it in. WTF Simplicity? This required no such nonsense and was a breeze to sew.

Did you use any new techniques?
I've never used a magazine pattern before so the tracing and adding seam allowance was new for me. It was fine for this pattern as it was small and had few pattern pieces. I'd be less keen for a more complex adult garment.

The recommended method of neckline binding was also new. The magazine recommended that you sew one shoulder seam, apply neck band and then sew second shoulder. I think I prefer the manner of sewing both shoulders and inserting the neckband already joined, for a cleaner finish, but I used their method anyway. What can I say? I love to follow instructions.

I used Steam a Seam tape on the hem and it was easy to use and gives a beautiful neat finish, especially combined with a twin needle hem.

Back view, while 'cleaning' the slide in the park - the stripes match at the side seams, which is pleasing

Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, quick and easy - only three pattern pieces plus the neckband to cut.

Cost
£5 for the cat print and the stripe fabric was a gift

Conclusion
A great pattern and the result of kindness from two sewing bloggers too, which makes the dresses extra special. I will probably make more, although I'm keen to try out more patterns from Ottobre as I had such a good experience with this one. I have another dress pattern and a hoodie traced and ready to cut

K x