Little Lizard King Blog Tour: Sweetheart Dress

I am soooo excited to be on blog tour with Little Lizard King! I was told to be creative with the pattern I was given... and I really hope the team at LLK doesn't regret uttering those words to me. HA!

I'm here to share my take on the Sweetheart Dress which features a round neckline yoke, fitted bodice, and gathered skirt. A button enclosure adorns the back.

As soon as I started brainstorming for ideas, a sweet Spring top popped into my head and I just had to see if my vision could come to life.  As much as my 3 year old loves her dresses, sometimes jeans & a top are more practical.  Although, I'm not sure how "practical" all white is on a toddler. HA!

Enough backstory, right?! Let's dive into the pattern!

I'm sure you've heard me say this, but my girls are SKINNY so I often have to mix a couple of sizes because they need the narrow width, but are height-wise on par with their peers .  This is one of these reasons we sew, though, right?  I can customize a perfect fit each time.  I do recommend a muslin each time you start a new pattern.  Each time I think I can skip one, I'm proven wrong.  So my first attempt became my muslin and I made the necessary changes and sewed this one up during an afternoon.

I must say, though, the pattern measurements are accurate - just be sure to follow them!

For my fabric, I chose a lightweight white dotted Swiss with a white batiste lining.  Because the dotted Swiss is so lightweight, I opted to add a second layer for the skirt portion and cut that one slightly longer than my top layer.  A pop of red ric rac, two red heart buttons on the yoke, and 4 red buttons on the back made it complete.

Added bolero is from Nonie's Baby (Ellie inspired) 

Because the skirt measurements were not provided for shirt length, I merely used total length measurements provided and subtracted the intended length I wanted and then reduced the skirt height by that answer... did you follow me?

And to make it even easier for me to put on her in the morning, I left the back open and just added buttons down to where the skirt portion is attached.  Sometimes, wrangling a fitted bodice onto a wiggly 3 yr old takes longer than I'd like.  If buttons aren't your "thing", you can always use snaps instead.  I make my buttonholes on my embroidery machine so it's not much more than pushing a button (well, you have to line it up, I guess).

Thanks for stopping by and if you haven't checked out the rest of the stops so far, here are the links!

Snickerdoodle Stew - Blue Ribbon Winner Dress
Paisley Roots - Sweetheart Dress
Stitched by Crystal - Blue Ribbon Winner Dress
Leighlee - Blue Ribbon Winner Dress
Lily Shine Boutique - Sweetheart Dress
Sewing in BeTween - Blue Ribbon Winner Dress

Stop by Little Lizard King

and browse the multitude

of cute patterns available!

Join the LLK Cafe on Facebook

and chat with other LLK enthusiasts

and stay in the "know" on new patterns

and upcoming sales!

Liz has so graciously offered

one lucky winner at each blog stop

a $35 gift certificate to Little Lizard King!

Enter below!

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