Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Uptown/Downtown Dress Expansion Tour

This story starts with me making a rash fabric purchase (is there any other kind?).  I grabbed some Frozen themed cotton lycra knit for Miss M on a destash page.  Then of course I needed to find the perfect pattern.  I knew I wanted a dress, and I also knew that due to the larger print I wanted the front and back cut in one piece each, rather than a separate bodice and skirt, easy right?  Well actually I had to d a bit of searching but then someone pointed me towards the Uptown/Downtown dress by Sew Straight and Gather.  I was just getting around to buying it when Terri released the free expansion pack and then I HAD to have it.
So lets start with the original, you get a choice of 3 sleeve options (sleeveless, cap sleeves or 3/4 sleeves), lovely clean lines with just enough twirl to be perfect, a lined bodice (meaning a nice clean neckline) and even the option of lining the sleeves (or a fully reversible option for the sleeveless dress).  All this comes in sizes 2-10y as well, I told you it was perfect!
So here is my version of the original Uptown/Downtown dress with cap sleeves, it is so perfect for all those knits that you have with larger prints.

 I love the nice clean neckline.
And a certain small child was pretty pleased with this one too given her current Frozen obsession :-)  I made a size 3 with 4 length and added about 4cm to the hem just to be sure this would last us through summer.  The fit is fabulous.



 Following the success of this dress I had to jump at the opportunity to join in the blog tour and try out the expansion pack.  So what is included int hat you ask?  There are 5 expansions including a cowl neck, maxi option, pockets, long sleeves and a tank version.  I love them all but since we are heading into summer I decided to try the tank version.  I even had the perfect fabric in stash (now that's surprising), again a nice large print cotton/spandex mix that is really shown off beautifully in this pattern.
Front

Back

 I hadn't actually done a tank with binding like this before but the instructions were fantastic and I had no issues.  I stitched this on with my standard machine and then used my twin needle to give a nice finish.  I used a white cotton/lycra for the binding the straps and cut this to the length of the armhole of the original dress and got a perfect length strap - whew.  This will depend a lot on the fabric you use for the binding however.
Binding


 I also twin needles the hem :-)
 And decided to add in pockets this time too.

 Again this is the size 3 with 4 length (plus 4cm) and the fit is spot on. I'm really pleased with how well teh straps and binding sit as I was a bit worried they might bag a wee bit but no!  Woohoo.





Please check out the other amazing creations for this blog tour during this week :-)

You can grab your copy of the Uptown/Downtown Dress pattern including the expansion pack here.  And even better than that until Saturday you can get 25% off with the coupon code UPTOWNEXPANSION25, or you can try your luck and enter the giveaway below :-)
a Rafflecopter giveaway


10 comments:

  1. I adore your knit! I can't wait to make the tank version too! It looks perfect on your little girl!

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    1. Thank you. I was so pleased with the fit of the tank, I've been a bit nervous of trying straps like this but they went together like a dream.

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  2. I NEED that frozen fabric!!! You did a great job on the tank it looks fantastic! Thank you for touring with me :)

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    1. Thanks for the opportunity Terri. I'd been saving that Frozen fabric for the perfect pattern, totally found it! I'm looking forward to making some long sleeved ones for next winter as well. I can see a lot more of these in Miss M's wardrobe over the next few years.

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  3. I am in love with the tank dress you made! It looks perfect for summer! Makes me wish it wasn't below freezing here. LOL

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    1. Thank you. I must admit the weather hasn't been feeling too summery here since I finished it. Hopefully things will improve and she will be able to get some wear out of it int he next few months.

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  4. So cuuuuute! The color is perfect for that style and summer.

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  5. Great work! Perfect combination of fabric, pattern, and model. ;)

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