Happy Easter!!
A couple of weeks ago, I looked through my PDF sewing pattern library for a new pattern to use for Lil' Miss' Easter dress. I came across Mouse House Creations the Norah Dress and Tunic. Easy, simple styling with classic lines and nothing too over-the-top... perfect for our planned casual Easter Brunch with our little family of three.
First, let's talk about the pattern basics:
-The Norah Dress and Tunic comes in sizes 12 months-12 years.
-The Norah Dress and Tunic can be sewn up in wovens are knits.
-The Norah Dress and Tunic has three sleeve length- sleeveless, short sleeve and long sleeve.
-The Norah Dress and Tunic can be sewn as either a dress or a tunic.
-The Norah Dress and Tunic has three color options- Peter Pan, Peter Pan with faux tails, or none at all.
-The Norah Dress and Tunic also includes directions for how to sew in piping along the color.
-The Norah Dress and Tunic is a simple A-Line dress with a single button/loop closure in the back.
-The Norah Dress and Tunic PDF sewing pattern includes a yardage chart, a finished measurement chart and a size guide.
-The Norah Dress and Tunic includes a glossary of terms, a fabric cutting guide and a pattern layout diagram.
After looking at the size guide and comparing it to my model, I sewed up a size 6, dress length Norah Dress. I would HIGHLY recommend taking a moment to measure your model and compare it to the included size chart. I'm glad I did because typically, I sew a size five. However, according to the Norah Dress and Tunic measurements, I needed a size six- a size five wouldn't have given my daughter enough ease in the shoulders.
I did include the piping along the edge of the Peter Pan collar with a contrasting yellow cinch. I sewed short sleeves on my dress with my own addition of a contrast sleeve band. I used cotton woven fabric that I purchased last spring, on clearance from Hancock Fabric. The pink piping, button and yellow cincher all came from my stash.
The Norah Dress and Tunic- Peter Pan Collar with Piping and Cincher.
The Norah Dress and Tunic- Short sleeves with added contrast sleeve band.
Cutting out this dress is a dream- everything is laid out for you in a handy fabric cutting guide. It is especially important to follow the grain of the fabric when cutting out the collar (on the bias).
Sewing up the Norah Dress and Tunic is pretty simple and straightforward. There are lots of helpful pictures throughout the tutorial. Honestly, I believe I sewed this dress up in about two hours- from start to finish.
I will admit, though, that I did stumble a bit at the "Sewing Up the Back Seam" section. the pictures and drawn arrows really had me baffled for a bit. However, I figure it all out and I ended up with a nice, flat back center seam with a lined bodice. I love that there are no zippers to install or button holes to create on the Norah Dress and Tunic! Just a simple button loop (created from fabric) and a hand-sewn button- easy peasy!
The Norah Dress and Tunic- Back
The Norah Dress and Tunic- Back Button Detail
There's lots of room for creativity with the Norah Dress and Tunic! Because it is an A-Line dress, the Norah Dress and Tunic would suit all different body shapes. Also, because it's an A-Line dress, there is lots of room on the front for embellishments and creativity. I added large ric-rac at the bottom hem of my dress.
I was really pleased with the length of the Norah Dress and Tunic. For the size six, it falls right below the knees. Juuuust right!
All in all, I'd consider the Norah Dress and Tunic a great wardrobe staple. No zippers, button holes or other closures to fuss with. With the classic A-line profile, it uses minimal fabric and there are no ruffles to bother with. I had lots of fun sewing up The Norah Dress and Tunic!
***Disclosure: "I received a free pattern in order to review this pattern for Mouse House Creations. The opinions expressed here are my own."***
1 comments:
Looks great!!! I love this pattern, I have made it a few times myself! I got tripped up on the back seam part too. But once you have done it one time, you got it!
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