Divided Dress :: Call for Testers

I’ve been giving small peeks on Instagram at the progress for my next sewing pattern – the Divided Dress.  After a couple of reshuffles of the priority queue, I’m ready to put out a call for testers!!

The pattern is for a knit colorblocked a-line dress for girls sized newborn to 12 years.  There are two views – one with an angular blocked bodice and the other with a circular shawl neckline.  Sleeveless, long or short sleeve with hem bands and optional half-oval pockets.  This should lend well to panels or stashbusting as the largest portions are the skirt and sleeves.

The first prototype is modeled by Arden.  This was a size 6 intended for Hadley, but she suddenly is measuring at a stocky size 7.  What I mean by that is she is carrying a bit of squish in her torso (preparing for a growth spurt?) so this really didn’t look good on her.  It also doesn’t exactly fit Arden with a size 7 chest, but since she’s leaner in the midsection it looks better on her.

Since it doesn’t fit her properly, the sleeves are a little short and the length is intended to hit at the knee, but you can see the style for the angular blocked bodice.  Most of these fabrics are from Girl Charlee – the polka dots and solid black are Ponte de Roma, and I have no idea where I bought the pink.

Now the view with a circular shawl neckline on Hadley.  This is a straight size 7 so both girls can wear it, but it’s a bit long in the sleeve and length – again it’s intended to be knee-length.  This also has the optional pockets.  There’s a little puckering in my version, but I’ve corrected the pattern pieces after this prototype.  Also my neckline where the shawl attaches to the bodice is a bit wavy, but that should work itself out better after a wash.

I also have the pattern pieces set up so a plain bodice can be made if you want.  This dress is made using mostly fabrics from Emrose Fabrics – the floral and stripe are Stoffprinzen.  Then the solid pink is Art Gallery.

I really like both views, but the circular shawl is super cozy for cooler weather.

If you would like to help test the Divided Dress, apply using the Google form here.  I’m finalizing the tutorial and will select testers tomorrow.  Testing will be managed through a closed Facebook group and will run 7-10 days from when I get it set up.

Follow along with the progress on Instagram with hashtag #divideddresspattern.