{Sew Coordinated} Special Edition: Linen & Lace

I have been keeping a secret.... and I'm so glad I can finally share!

{Warning: This post is loaded with pictures. There was just too much gorgeousness to not share.}

Sew Coordinated is offering a Limited Edition "Linen & Lace" Sewing Kit! This special package has been a year in the making and it contains gorgeous Robert Kaufman fabric (Essex Linen and Raw & Refined), several yards of lace and three different types of embellishments.

{~~But you seriously need to hurry because quantities are limited~~ UPDATE: There is currently a waiting list as the kit is sold out.}

{Package Contents}

1 yard - Robert Kaufman Essex Linen {Flax}
1 yard - Robert Kaufman Essex Linen {Rose}
1 yard - Robert Kaufman Raw and Refined {White}
2 yards - Imported Lace Border {shown on the bottom hem of Adelaide}
2 yards - Imported Lace Overlay {shown on Bella's Dress}
2 yards - Imported Sequin Lace {shown on Elise Doll Dress}
4 - Pearl Organza Flowers from Miss Rose Sister Violet
1 - Pearl Cluster from Miss Rose Sister Violet
2 - Gold/White Bow Shank Buttons
1 Spool - Gutermann Thread - #20
1 PDF Pattern from Simple Life Pattern Co.

{Bella's Dress - Simple Life Pattern Co.}

I've been eyeing the Bella Dress by Simple Life Pattern Co. since its release, but just never took the plunge in buying it. When I had the opportunity to pick a pattern to showcase this Linen and Lace edition for Sew Coordinated, I knew this one would be perfect.

There are 3 strap options - straight, angled or combination. I decided the combination straps had that extra wow factor. The fit of the bodice is amazing. I mixed size 2 width with a size 4 length for a custom fit (*per my child's measurements).

Because I was using a lace overlay, I chose the simple skirt option (as opposed to the ruffle option) and simply gathered my lace and underskirt separately. The lace overlay was wider as I used the full two yard cut for maximum twirl.

I used the leftover lace border (from the Adelaide Dress, shown next) as a sash and attached it along the bottom of the front bodice and up the side seams. Then, I simply tied the lace into a bow in the back. To adorn the sash, I used 3 of the Pearl Organza Flowers. I attached the remaining flower to skinny elastic for a super quick, but matching headband.

{Adelaide Dress by Violette Field Threads}

As I was searching for inspiration for this collection, I came across one of the newest releases for Violette Field Threads, the Adelaide Dress. Immediately, I had the idea to use the lace border on the bottom band and bring the contrast upward by using the Raw & Refined for the collar and back tie.

This back is simply stunning. There are no other words to describe it.

I used the cap sleeves, but added a pleat and trimmed them with bias-cut binding (Kaufman Raw & Refined -white) so I could feature the little gold and white bow buttons.

{Note: My daughter has very slim arms -- the pleat may not work for everyone.}

The pearl cluster is perfect as a hair accessory. I hand-stitched it onto cream fold-over elastic.

I always aim to match my pattern across the seamline. My matching skills know no bounds!

{Elise Dress by Little Lizard King}

I couldn't help but make a doll-sized dress to match the rose Bella dress. The Elise Dress by Little Lizard King is not an exact match, but it was close enough. I used the sequin lace overlay, along with the scraps of the Essex Linen in Rose for the skirt and the Raw & Refined in white for the bodice. I had to lengthen the bodice because I had a limited amount of linen left. I styled it with the headband (from above) wrapped around her waist and a pearl necklace.

But, shhh.... my daughter has no idea that I played dress up with her doll while she was at school ;)