Ruthie's Picnic Dress for Valentine's Day

I was really impressed with myself this year because I was able to sew up my daughter's Valentine's Day dress to wear to church wayyyy back in January.  Go me!  However, she woke up sick on Thursday morning, and on Friday we found out she has the flu.  So we've been at home all day...

She's been in good spirits this afternoon, so I asked her if she wanted to put on her V-Day dress to take some photos.  And since she's the perfect girly girl, she obliged.  So here she is modeling her Valentine's Day dress, flu and all!

I used Ruthie's Picnic Dress from Foofoo Threads.  I left off the underskirt, sash, bib, and bottom ruffle.  I wanted it to be sweet and simple and love the basic silhouette of this dress.  I used a white eyelet lace for the skirt and sleeve ruffle and a plain white broadcloth for the bodice.  The embroidery design is from Applique Corner.  Love how it turned out!

VFT Lavinia Outfit

Here is a quick peek at my daughter's Christmas outfit this year.  I used the Lavinia blouse and skirt from Violette Field Threads.  Love the big bow!  And the skirt is reversible, but I just used a solid white on the other side since the main fabric had a lot of white in it.  Didn't want anything to show through.  

This Dress is Simply Enchanting!

 

I was given this pattern for free in exchange for this review, but all opinions are my own.

 

I always love a good, versatile pattern.  I knew immediately after seeing the Enchanting Dress from Lilac Lane that I was going to be a huge fan because of its simple lines, yet stunning features.  This dress is great because you can play around with the design to change up the look.  Want a fancier dress to wear to church or for photos?  Make it with the ruffle sleeve and oversized bow!  Prefer a more casual dress?  Leave them off!  I personally think it looks pretty stellar with a monogram, and an applique would be a nice touch, too ;)

 

 

This dress is a very easy sew.   There are no buttons or zippers, and the dress just slips over the head. There's a dramatic dip in the back that's just gorgeous, and it allows for the dress to easily be put on or taken off.   It's probably my favorite feature of the dress.   There's gathering on the sleeve ruffle, but other than that, it's just pretty much just sewing straight lines.  The "trickiest" part was attaching the bias tape to the neckline, but the directions are straight forward, and it really is quite simple if you go slowly.

 

 

I made the size 3 for my soon-to-be 4 year old after referencing the sizing chart.  I thought the fit was spot on.  I added the 3 inches of lace (that the pattern didn't call for) to the bottom because I thought it was really pretty, ha!  Baby girl is tall for her age anyways, so I didn't think it would hurt.  It turned out really cute! 

 

 

The pattern file itself is 168 pages, but don't let that scare you!  The first 13 pages are the tutorial with the remainder of the pages being the pattern pieces.  The pattern fits sizes 2T - Girls 10, and each of those sizes is printed out separately.  Just look at the handy chart on page 13 to determine the size you need, and then you'll be directed to which pages you need to print out.  Super easy.  I always love when a pattern is labeled with the designer, pattern title, and page number on every page, and this one fits the bill.   Each step of the tutorial is numbered and has a corresponding color photo.   Also included is a cutting layout, supply list, and recommended fabrics, plus there are several design examples sent in from testers (I love seeing those).

 

 

I'm sooo excited about how stinkin' cute this little dress turned out!  I wasn't sure about using a solid color fabric at first, but I am definitely pleased with the results.  Sometimes it just gives a nice backdrop to all the fun extras like the lace, monogram, and bow. 

 

 

Photographs courtesy of Leigh Ann Goodin Photography