Good morning! A while ago, Toni of Make It Perfect Patterns checked in to see if I would be interested in trying out her new patterns. Since I wear the Coastal Breeze dress all the time, I knew that I wouldn’t be disappointed and because I’ve never tried any of her children’s patterns, I was keen to give the Joey dress a go. I’m so happy I did.
I love it. Well, okay, I love the grey and stripey version. I’ll go into the leopard print in a bit.
I think this may be one of my favorite things I’ve made this year. I cut the size 8 and the fit is perfect, and for the first time ever, I was able to get the stripes to line up everywhere. This knit print has a little lycra or spandex in it, so it was super easy to sew, and I knew that the sporty vibe would go well with the pattern. Love love love love.
K concurs, and she couldn’t wait to wear the dress. I always know when I’ve hit it out of the park for her, because she busts out with dance moves. I didn’t want to inundate with you too many photos, but there was a lot of dancing.
If I was forced to nitpick, I would say that the skirt is a smidgen short, and I would add a few inches next time. I’ve made so many knit dresses at this point, beyond glancing at the kangaroo pocket section, I didn’t look at the instructions very closely (sorry, Toni). I think I may have attached the sleeve cuffs a little differently since the 3/4 sleeves in Toni’s version looks a little longer. I folded it in half lengthwise and sewed it with raw edges matching to the sleeve end. I actually love the length I ended up with.
Now, with this leopard print I decided to go big or go home, and went with the full-on cowl, long-sleeved version. I was convinced that K would adore it knowing her obsession with animal print.
This is a rather realistic jersey print and actually looks like fur. It was too late by the time I realized that this imparted a costume-y impression and…I don’t know, it seems sort of like a uniform for a jungle-themed restaurant in Disneyland. Or worse, it seems too adult for her and not in a good way.
She’s not a fan. Don’t get me wrong, she’s all over the animal print, but she doesn’t like cowls, and it seems to be a deal breaker for her. Not much dancing in this dress.
Should have stuck with the shorter sleeves and regular neckline. I’m contemplating altering it to look like the other version, but I bet she’ll be wearing this dress a lot more when the weather turns cooler. The overpowering print notwithstanding, this is an extremely comfortable dress. Let’s look at the beloved stripey dress again, shall we? Sigh. I just love it so:
Oh well, one solid score, and a possible miss. Can’t win ’em all….
Thank you Toni for gifting me the patterns! If I can dig myself out from under the enormous mess in my house at the moment, I just may have the grown-up Skippy version to share this week!
The stripe dress is adorable! I’m generally not a big fan of animal print, but I do think the leopard dress looks cute on K too
I’m usually not an animal print person either, and I made this purely for K, and so it was a bummer that she didn’t love it, but I do plan on modifying it a bit. Thank you, Teri!
I’ve loved seeing all the great versions of this dress make their way through blogland, and I was so happy to see a Sanae version today! Lover of all things striped, my favorite is also the red/grey stripe dress but I think the animal print one is quite on-trend as well. I’m so glad that at least one of them was a big hit, as evidenced by the dance moves:) It looks like a perfect school dress – comfy but also cute. Perhaps she could wear leggings with it if the length bothers you down the road – my Lilah practically lives in them. Looks like you had a productive weekend – great job!
K totally wore leggings with this dress – she is very much in love with it! I’m feeling pretty meh about the animal print but I think with a few tweaks, it will be just as loved as the stripey one
Thanks, Lucinda!
It actually looks like two different patterns! And two different Ks! I can see what you mean by almost too grown up in the animal print. But the stripes:jackpot!
And I found your last post very inspiring. You are so brave for not taking medicine and believing in an alternative way for healing. Your words motivated me to start making some necessary changes. Thank you!
It does look like two different patterns, doesn’t it? The power of fabric…I’m so pleased that you liked the Friday post, Ute! My doctor’s visits always make me very introspective, and it’s a good thing!
The stripey dress is perfect! I see what you mean about the leopard print. Nice but not quite there. With that high neck it looks sort of severe.
If it were me, I’d start with ditching the cowl. If that doesn’t do it you could try binding the neck in black (or maybe cream) and putting a contrast cuff on the sleeves (or make them 3/4).
Good ideas, Lynn! I love the idea of a cream contrasting neckband. I just might have to do that if I can find cream knit in my stash. Thanks for the suggestions, Lynn!
Those stripes are to die for. I have been quite slow to warm up to this pattern based on a couple other versions I’ve seen but this version is making me reconsider. However, I still have to get my hands on some amazing fabric first!
It’s a really fantastic dress. K’s already worn the stripey one twice and although she’s not as into the leopard print, but she’s worn it too
Thank you!
I love the stripe version. Seriously so cute.
I like the thought of a contrasting binding that lynn said…maybe a contrasting waistband too? I don’t know. I am not a fan of realistic animal prints so i am biased.
Hmmmm, a contrasting waistband would be cute too, but that would involve a lot more seam ripping….ha, you can tell that I’m pretty lazy about alterations
Thanks Anna!
Oh Sanae, these dresses are beautiful and fit on K nicely. I have sewed the grey knit fabric too, your kangaroo pocket reminds me, I promised JC to make blouse with kangaroo pocket!
K loves the kangaroo pocket! It’s bound to be a hit with kids. Thanks for your sweet words, Yeka!
I think they are both really cute. I could see the leopard print one with some leggings and boots and a big scarf!
I agree, the leopard print has a lot of winter potential
Thanks, Liza Jane!
Love the striped dress…I this this is my favourite version of this dress I’ve seen in blog land! Well done!
Thank you, Heather! I love love love that stripey dress too!