I had the pleasure of testing this adorable set. Options for a boys shirt & shorts, or a girls blouse & shorts. The PDF pattern comes with sizes newborn to 6 included.
The shirt or blouse has several feature options, including a panel to smock if your that clever! Or add piping or embroidery. I left my samples as is, simple & beautiful. With front pleats the shirt is special all on its own!
The pleating instructions are clear and an adventurous beginner would cope & produce lovely results. The pleats in the boys shirt are fixed at the bottom with the hem. The girls blouse option has the pleats left open to create a more feminine silhouette.
My little model just shone in his version! The shorts have a flat front waistband & are elasticated at the back to give dressing ease. The shorts were very quick to whip up & you'll find if you sew for boys, that you will use this pattern again & again - even just for the shorts!
The classic peter pan collar gives this shirt such a vintage feel, keeping that yesteryear vibe alive. The boys shirt has straight sleeves which ease in.
The front can be done up with buttons or snaps, but I personally LOVE buttons & can't resist an opportunity to purchase cute buttons!! Like the candy of the sewing world!! (Or well, that's the way I feel about them!)
My models mum informed me that this is the sort of outfit that she would dress her little man in & I myself really love the look. For Sunday best or everyday play this outfit is simply all class.
I also sewed up the girls version for my daughter - in a 2T. I highly recommend checking your child's size against the size chart. While the sizes I sewed for both outfits fitted the children very well, in store bought clothing their off the rack sizing didn't correspond with these sizes generally speaking. If you don't have the child on hand to measure, choose the next size up! Always sew the size that corresponds with your child's measurements - not necessarily with their off the rack size.
For my daughter's blouse I chose to add piping to the collar. This was a simple add on. Piping add on instructions are given in the pattern.
The sleeves for the girls version differ, and are a puff type sleeve, cuffed at the bottom of the sleeve & gathered top & bottom. Sleeves for both versions need easing in.
I of course went to town again on her buttons & chose some sweet red love hearts. For her shorts I chose to modify them. The only difference in the girls & boys shorts aside from the slight length difference, is the ruffle that can be added to the girls version. I replaced the recommended ruffles with a wide cuff as I wanted the print on the shorts to sing on its own merits. This photo always makes me instantly smile! She had gotten something icky on her hands & was very unimpressed! Of course I just had to photograph her!
The pattern has the option to print only the sizes you require - which is a HUGE bonus in my books. The instructions are clearly written & for a novice with some experience, the most difficult part of the pattern would be the attaching of the collar & making the buttonholes. If you have never made a blouse or a shirt, this may be a small challenge, but don't let it deter you! The results are just schmick! (Which is Aussie for amazing!)
To purchase the pattern or find out more, see Grammie's Dolls at https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/279717876/emorys-park-outfit?ref=shop_home_active_1 or at her website http://grammiesdolls.com/
Special thanks to my friend Jane. You know your a star!
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