Cherry Blossom dress by Mandy K Designs

Disclaimer: I received the pattern for free for testing it. All opinions are my own. The pictures are of a tester version of the dress, slight modifications may have been made in the final version.This post contains affiliate links (in this case with Craftsy). That means if you click the link and buy through it, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.


The Cherry Blossom dress is the latest pattern released by Mandy K Designs (affiliate). The dress is an Asian inspired dress which features a faux front placket, a cute mandarin style collar and a ruched sash. It comes in sizes 12m to 14. (Read to the end to get the sale code!)


Lulu & Celeste: Cherry Blossom dress pattern by Mandy K Designs
Cherry Blossom Dress pattern by Mandy K Designs sewn by Lulu&Celeste


Amanda, of Mandy K Design, released this pattern as part of the Aspiring Designers Challenge which is hosted by Pattern Revolution. It’s a pretty cool challenge that encourages new designers to come out with new designs. You should check it out if you haven’t already and read about some of the lesser known designers out there. (And hint: if you want to try pattern testing following some of the “smaller” designers is your best bet since your chances of being picked are greater).

I’ve sewn/tested for Mandy K Design a few times before: The Princess Party Dress, the Tiers of Joy Dress, and the Tilt and Twirl dress (that I never got around to blogging about! whoops!). Can you tell I like her designs? 

Now, on to the Cherry Blossom!

Lulu & Celeste: Cherry Blossom dress pattern by Mandy K Designs
Trying to show that she does have a neck!

Like all of Amanda’s patterns, the instructions are very detailed and great for beginners. I would recommend any of her patterns to a newbie to sewing because of how clearly the instructions are written. More advanced sewists can probably “do their own thing” I suppose.

The trickiest bit of this pattern is attaching the collar. I still haven’t mastered collars yet. And also doing the bias trim along the armhole. Take it slowly and you should be fine.

 Lulu & Celeste: Cherry Blossom dress pattern by Mandy K Designs


There are also instructions for adding decorative buttons or frog closures on the front. Unfortunately the only frog closures I could find in the time I had to make this dress would have been way too big for this size dress. So I’m going through my vintage button collection trying to find three matching buttons. Hard work because they need to be tiny (or at least I want them to be tiny).

Lulu & Celeste: Cherry Blossom dress pattern by Mandy K Designs
If only she would have stayed looking at me! It would have been a good shot

I believe that in the final copy of the pattern the skirt will be slightly longer, hitting mid knee. (I think the issue with the length was only on a couple of the smaller sizes, the larger sizes seem to hit the knee on the testers). Although I do like this length (but a diaper cover is needed), it’s adorable and Baby V has cute little knees!

Pattern details:

  • Sizes 12m to 14 ; Chest sizes to 19″ to 31.5″
  • Includes cutting charts, finished measurement charts, and child’s size charts, fabric requirement chart
  • Pattern pieces are nested but split into two group sizes with the option to print in layers as well
  • Clear photos with each step
  • Instructions included for doing either snaps or button holes
  • Includes 18″ doll pattern
Fabric:
  • Main is Anisa Floral in Lavender by Hoffman Fabrics. Purchased from Fabric.com but I don’t see it on their website anymore.
  • Contrast is Kona cotton in Turquoise also purchased from Fabric.com
Lulu & Celeste: Cherry Blossom dress pattern by Mandy K Designs
Her Tiers of Joy flashback moment
Lulu & Celeste: Cherry Blossom dress pattern by Mandy K Designs
Note to self: Remove wheelbarrow from background next time
Pick up a copy of the pattern in their Craftsy shop (affiliate) or on Etsy. Until August 22nd all her patterns are 20% off! The prices are already reduced by 20% on Craftsy, or go to Etsy and use code CHERRY20 to get 20% off. And head on over to the Pattern Revolution blog to try your chance at winning a copy.
You can find Mandy K Designs on Facebook here (and the Facebook group page here) and her blog here to keep an eye out for the next pattern releases!
 
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This project is project #4 for the August Sewing from the Stash challenge. The main fabric has been in my stash only since April whereas the turquoise has been hanging out with me untouched since last October!
See you next time!
 
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