First off, I just want to say
Happy Canada Day!!
It’s so much fun being a part of blog tours, and since this one celebrates all sewing things Canadian I was extra happy to be taking part.
Disclaimer: I was provided with Cecily pattern for free from Pollywoggles. Thank you! All opinions are my own of course.
The Cecily dress is such a sweet dress. I wish I had gotten better (and more!) photos of it but unfortunately I had chosen 6-year-old Silly Bean as my model and oddly she’s less cooperative than her nearly-3-year-old sister Miss V. But it was her turn to have something made for her as I had just finished a dress for Miss V.
The pattern features full circle skirt and a tie back (which you can see in the photo below). It comes in sizes 12-18 months all the way up to size 10. The circle skirt provides maximum twirl, while the tie back and elastic back waist allows for easy dressing!
I love how the dress turned out!
I had the hardest time choosing fabrics. I wanted something floral and sweet with pink, because Silly Bean loves flowers and pink of course! I decided to go out of my comfort zone and I actually mixed prints! Usually I stick to a single fabric or at the very least use fabrics from the same collection that coordinate. I used Emma’s Garden from Clothworks for the main skirt in the tan colourway. For the sash I upcycled fabric from an old shirt, and the top pink fabric is a lightweight fabric from my stash. The pink is somewhat see-through and has slightly more see-through dots so I double layered the front bodice.
Fun detail: this dress can be made reversible! I contemplated doing that but it took me far too long to decide on the fabrics for one side, ha. If it’s made reversible all the seams are hidden!
Modifications made:
I sewed a size 5 bodice to a size 6 length skirt (keeping the waist opening of the 5). I also added an extra layer to the front bodice, but treated it as one layer by basting two front bodices together. Also, since I didn’t make it reversible the suggestions are to add a bias trim but I instead did a narrow hem. I basically did method #1 in this post by By Hand London.
Final thoughts:
The pattern was a little tricky, I would say it’s geared for intermediate sewists. Attaching the skirt to the bodice is a teensy bit tricky but it’s not super difficult. Getting the circle skirt evenly attached to the waistband was a bit tricky as well.
Honestly, the pictures don’t do this dress justice. It is so pretty in person! I definitely recommend this Pollywoggles pattern if you have some girly girls who love to twirl to sew for! 🙂
Hey did I mention there was a giveaway? Well, there is just scroll on down a little bit more!
Since this is a Canada Day celebration and all, you should check out the Canadian Flag inspired Maple Leaf Mug Rug I shared last year that was based on my Maple Leaf Mug Rug tutorial.
Also, if you want to learn about other Canadian pattern designers you should read the interviews I did last year HERE.
Canada Day 2016 Blog Hop Schedule
Be sure to visit each of these brilliant blogs this week for more on our
outstanding Canadian designers and suppliers:
And, of course, to enter our giveaway for some sweet-like-maple-syrup prizes.
June 24: The Tour Starts HERE at Happy Okapi
June 25: Celine guest posts on Happy Okapi; Marsha @ Seam of my Pants
June 26: Fiona @ Tangled Blossoms Designs; Carla @ Half Dozen Daily
June 27: Sherry @ Thread Riding Hood; Reece @ Happy Okapi
June 28: Nicky guest posts on Seam of my Pants
June 29: Daniela @ On the Cutting Floor; Reece @ Happy Okapi
June 30: Michelle @ Michelle’s Creations
Canada Day–June 31*: Ula @ Lulu & Celeste
July 2: Marsha @ Seam of my Pants
July 3: Keshia @ Sand Dollar Design Studio
July 4: Wrap Up @ Happy Okapi
July 6: Giveaway winners announced
* Yes, we know!
Head on over the Happy Okapi for discount codes that some of the sponsors have provided the tour!
Super cute dress!! My 7 year old would love it!
What a sweet dress! It’s lovely and looks perfect for summer.
What a pretty dress! Great job!
Thanks Reece! Thanks for having me on the tour!
Happy Canada Day to you too! I love the name,,, Pollywoggles 🙂
I know! It’s such a cute name 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
It might have taken you forever to pick the fabrics, but it was worth the time. They’re perfect!
An adorable dress–and Silly Bean looks like she’s at least holding still for your photo! Now if someone would get around to giving me some grandchildren, there might be one of these sweet dresses in my future 🙂 And your jellyfish is too cute!
That is one of my favorite Dress patterns. I’ve made 3 so far, and can’t pick a favorite. It’s also my daughters favorite, and it’s getting a bit small, so I’ll have to make her a new one this summer. It’s a bit tricky but just look at the pictures and go slow. Also the designer is very helpful if you join her FB group.
Now to get Pollywoggles to make an adult version 😉
Such a cute dress!
A very pretty dress!
Thank you!