Saturday 3 September 2016

Sunkissed Sunsuit/Dress - Pattern by Bella Sunshine Designs

 
It brings me great joy to introduce the latest pattern by Bella Sunshine Designs. The oh-so-summery "Sunkissed" playsuit/dress.
 
 


With the help from some friends, I was able to test three of the different possible variations of the pattern. From left to right I made the dress with the flounce, playsuit with flounce and playsuit without the flounce (embellished with lace at the top.)   


The PDF pattern includes sizes 6 months to 12 girls. This pattern suits adventurous beginners. It has no buttonholes or zips! The fit is made using elastic at the waist & chest & the straps are tied at the shoulders or a halter tie option can be used. 
 

 
 
 
The playsuit also has elasticated leg holes and can be made with crotch snaps for easy changes or toileting.
 
 
This pattern includes instructions on how to make the romper versions or a regular or maxi length dress. You can choose to add the bodice flounce or leave it off!! The flounce makes for a wonderful opportunity to add some pompom trim, lace or any other decorative trim you so desire.

 
Dance like no one is watching! Life is beautiful!
 
 
For my little girls I chose to make their garments with shoulder ties - I personally try and avoid halter ties on young children & babies due to health risks. However, instructions are given for both options and you can make the call for yourself.

 
I made the rompers from quilters cotton, but the dress is made from fun printed rayon. The rayon gave the dress a wonderful flow, perfect for twirling!

 
And who doesn't like strawberries with their summer dress?!

 
This pattern is easy to grade between sizes - something I needed to do with all the girl's outfits. It is recommended to use the hip measurement for the romper to achieve the best fit - of course adjust for height if needed and cut waist & chest elastic to suit your intended wearers sizes. Use the chest measurement to start your sizing for the dress.

 
I love the playsuit in vintage floral print, it really has a timeless feel about it. My model was also willing to strike a pose (which helps when trying to photograph 3 year olds!)
 
Side view of playsuit without flounce

 
I do adore pompom trim and this pattern was made for pompoms!!
 
 **Tip** Pompom trim can be tricky to attach. Make sure your hems are well pressed, pin the trim to the hem carefully - do this before you attach the flounce to the romper! Use your zipper foot to sew the trim on. This means you will avoid running into those bobbly pompoms!

Side view of playsuit with flounce
 
 
 
**Tip** When attempting to photograph groups of 2 & 3 year olds, make sure you are armed with:
 
- Helpers
- Bubbles
- Sweets
- Bribes
 


Sweets & bubbles in action!


"Look at us up there!"

The Sunkissed sunsuit will be a summer staple! Perfect for those sweltering hot days. Like all Bella Sunshine patterns, this one is very well written & illustrated. The pattern pieces are layered for printing ease & cutting charts given for rectangular pattern pieces (for those not wishing to print all of the pattern.)
 
If you've never sewn a romper before, this pattern is a wonderful place to start and can be a quick sew.
 
A huge thanks to Shell & Olivia for lending me the extra models - they are totally adorable!
 
 
 
 
If you would like to purchase the pattern, please click HERE
 
 
 
To see more photos and read other reviews, please visit some of these fabulous blogs by other pattern testers!
 
Visit Analina Rag Dolls HERE
 
Visit Giggle Poo HERE
 


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