The Secret Garden dress blog tour

Secret Garden Dress pattern by E+M Patterns sewn by Lulu & Celeste
PATTERN: THE SECRET GARDEN DRESS (MODIFIED) BY E+M PATTERNS | FABRIC: FLIRT FLORAL BY DEAR STELLA
Disclaimer: I received the pattern for free back when I tested it. This post contains affiliate links to Craftsy. That means if you click the link and buy through it, there is a slim possibility that I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links are marked with a *. All opinions are 100% my own though.
Edited April 25, 2015 to update shop links.
I’m super excited about taking part in this blog tour! Look at the lineup (links at the bottom of the post). There were some super nice dresses that were revealed during this tour, and here I am on the last day to show you all my version. (There’s also a giveaway so go to the bottom of the post to enter!!) AND there’s a coupon code! Use SGTOUR25 to get 25% off the pattern in the Etsy shop.
 
 
 
 
The Secret Garden Dress was designed by Audrey & Tiffany, a collaboration between Allison of E+M Patterns, and Deb of Sprouting JubeJube. I first got a sneak peek of the dress back in March when Deb was working on an early version of the dress, then I got to test it and I showed off my version with the “bow” back here during the tester tour. The “bow”version is a showstopper. Silly Bean got so many compliments on it each time she wore it (which was a lot since it has been her favourite dress the last few months).
 
 
Secret Garden Dress pattern by E+M Patterns sewn by Lulu & Celeste
 
 
For this tour I decided to do the simple version. Originally I really wanted to do the simple version in a pink polka dot I had but I was a few inches short of enough fabric and no time to get more since I was leaving on vacation (I just got back a few days ago). So I used this gorgeous fabric from Dear Stella, and decided I wanted to do a super full gathered skirt.
 
 
Secret Garden Dress pattern by E+M Patterns sewn by Lulu & Celeste
 
 
I really love the back on this dress. With the high neckline in the front, the low back adds drama. (But don’t worry, it’s not too low).
 
 
 
 
The version with the flounce is a little tricky in some parts, it’s labelled as an Intermediate level pattern and I would agree with that. The simple version isn’t as tricky and an adventurous beginner should be able to tackle it. (There is a side seam zipper in both versions though, but zippers aren’t really that hard, I prefer them to buttons).
 
 
I ♥ this fabric
 
For my modified simple version of the Secret Garden Dress I cut two pieces the full width of fabric for the skirt. I wanted a very full skirt. Silly Bean is about 43″ tall, and I cut the skirt pieces at 17″ but I could have added another inch to the length I think. 
 
 
Is rolling your socks the “in” thing with 4-year-olds? I haven’t seen people do that since I was in highschool, lol.

 

 
 
Now I just need to find a little cardigan for Silly Bean to wear with the dress and she will be ready for a wedding we’re going to next week!
 
 
Don’t forget to enter the giveaway. You could win some great prizes 🙂
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 
Don’t forget to check out the rest of the tour below!
 
September 22
September 23
September 24
September 25
September 26
September 27
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17 thoughts on “The Secret Garden dress blog tour

  1. the back of that dress is so lovely!!! The fabric you used is great too. Beautiful signature style!! I just linked up my all boy style and I’m loving all the other links! Emily

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