Petal is a sweet 'A' line tunic top/dress that I recently had the pleasure of testing for Sparrow at Pumpkin & Bunny.
I paired sweet Petal with Lily - a semi-lined cropped jacket, also by Pumpkin & Bunny. The weather here in Oz is actually cooling down (we aren't always desert-like in climate! Only 6 months of the year...... give or take!! Well.... some places any way!)
Petal is a great quick sew & any beginner sewer could achieve a beautiful garment. There are of course little extras you can do to add that special touch - and I will share a little tutorial on how to add piping to your Petal! Pockets and or sleeves.
Petal comes with a HUGE size range - from Newborn to 14 and would make a great investment. Everyday playwear made stylish - by you!
The optional pockets are super sweet and just like her name-sake, are petal like in their cross over feature. Although you could omit them & the pockets completely if you chose to do so. The sleeves also reflect petals with a cute cross over. Adding piping to them really makes them *POP*!
The back keyhole closure makes getting dressed a breeze, while being a great excuse to put a bow in there! (I really love bows!!)
The whole PDF tutorial is well written & easy to understand. It includes fantastic, clear photos of each step. I needed to blend sizes (a 2T but required a 18 month width) and this was also easy to achieve with layered pattern pieces. I simply selected the size 1 & 2 and only printed those sizes.
I have now sewn a couple of Pumpkin & Bunny's patterns and each one has always had such wonderful insights on how to achieve beautiful finishes without the use of a serger/overlocker. With French seams, binding & a semi-lined bodice, this dress is as beautiful inside as it is out.
Piping Tutorial for Petal
I made two Petal dresses for this test and on each one I decided to add piping to the dresses. The first dress as shown above, has piping on the pocket & sleeves. My second dress I chose only to put piping on the sleeves. I believe it just added such a refined finish. Don't be scared of piping!! You can buy it ready made or make your own.
I like to make my own and if your VERY keen, you could also make your own bias binding too! That way you could create the exact look you wanted. For size 2, you will need 1.5m of either 20mm or 25mm bias binding tape & 3mm piping cord. If you are only doing the sleeves, then 1m is enough. For larger or smaller sizes, more or less will be required.
To make your piping place your piping cord into the centre of your bias & fold the bias over. Pin the cord in place at the top. Make sure you fit your machine with the zipper foot. Then carefully sew in the cord, folding the bias as you go & making sure the piping stays in the centre. Take your time!
**HINT: Set your machine needle over so it sews as close to the cord as possible.
Once your piping is made (or use your bought piping instead), pin your piping on to the main sleeves or pocket pieces. Make sure your piping is facing inwards and allow for your seam allowances. When you sew the linings onto the main pieces, where your cord is, is where you will be sewing, so be careful that it is not too close to the edge! Baste your piping to your main pieces, again using your zipper foot.
Once your piping has been basted on, place your bodice or pocket lining on top - with right sides facing. Pin carefully.
With zipper foot at the ready, carefully stitch your lining & main together, go slowly and feel where you are sewing - so you don't just jump over the piping or go wayward and have uneven piping.
Once sewn, trim with either pinking shears if you have excess fabric or simply just clip around the corners.
Turn your pocket piece or sleeve out the right way & press well. I find with a good pressing, there is no need for topstitching. Continue to follow Petal's complete instructions to finish the garment.
Petal with Lily
This is my second Petal with a custom made Lily jacket to suit - which is also by Pumpkin & Bunny. This pattern is completely FREE! I could hardly believe it, as its such a beautiful jacket design, perfect accompaniment for dresses or pretty tops.
The Lily jacket comes with a huge size selection too, 6 months to 14. It is a fitted jacket, so be very careful when selecting the size you need. Measure your child first! If in doubt, size up!! It needs to be quite fitted, as there are no closures & loose jackets are not conductive with busy play.
Lily is semi-lined, and features a beautiful ruffle that acts as a collar also. Sleeves are puffed at the top & fitted at the bottom.
I made this jacket from a velour stretch and lined it with the cotton canvas that the Petal is also made from. Believe it or not, the canvas was quite soft, although thick, so great for cooler weather. It also provided some structure that the velour lacked.
In closing, I really love Petal & Lily together - well thought out patterns and designed to be worn. You will not be disappointed with the finishes on any of the Pumpkin & Bunny patterns.
If your interested in purchasing or reading more on Petal, please click HERE
or to view the Lily Jacket, click HERE
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