There are so many kids’ clothing patterns out there. I mean so, so, so many. I get dizzy just thinking about it, so I usually just stick with the ones I know and trust – Oliver + S, Made by Rae, Make it Perfect. There are other good ones, of course, but I get nervous – sewing is such a huge time commitment, and I have no extra hours or patience for things to go wrong. So I tend not to stray. But when Erin of Brooklyn Pattern Company contacted me and asked if I’d like to try her first pattern, the Franklin Dress, I have to say I was intrigued. She has a 15 year background as a patternmaker for Broadway, ballet, theater, and circus, so while she’s new to kids’ clothes, she’s certainly been around the pattern making block a few times. I decided the Franklin Dress was worth a shot, and I joined the tour.
I’m glad I did! The result is a sweet and simple dress with some really nice little details, like a pleated, button-up yoke, gathered sleeves, and side seam pockets. Sizes range from 6 months to 8 years. Lila fell into the size 4 range, but I chickened out and made a 5 – I think either size would’ve been fine.
I totally had my heart set on making this dress in baby wale corduroy, but I checked two local stores, and the color options were abysmal. I gave up and chose a Kaufman chambray shirting, this one I think. The shirting is soft and lightweight, and has a kind of sheen to it. I used the reverse for the bodice facings and pockets.
The trim at the hem is one of Anna Maria Horner’s new designs for Renaissance Ribbons – they have an amazing selection of ribbons by some really great designers, and I’m always looking for an excuse to use one.
Before I added the buttons or the ribbon, Lila was skeptical. Here I was thinking the chambray highlighted the pleats so nicely, and the best she could say was, “Hmmmm. It’s really…..this color.” Which I guess it totally was. Kind of dark, kind of plain. But hopefully the shiny pink buttons and the trim jazzed it up a little. A zinnia probably couldn’t hurt, either.
About sewing the pattern – my experience was really good overall. The dress came together without any hitches. Taping the PDF together was a breeze, and all the pattern pieces fit together just right. There were dots and notches, hallelujah! It was polished and professional, and I think the design and the fit are spot on.
I’d say there were a couple spots in the directions that were a little sparse, and a few places where an extra illustration would’ve been helpful. I made a few inferences, and they happened to work out just fine, but I could see where that could cause frustration. From Tara’s post it sounds like Erin is very receptive to filling in those gaps, which is so great.
And one thing the pattern didn’t say (but I would suggest) is to add interfacing beneath the buttonholes. My machine makes much prettier buttonholes with interfacing, and luckily I remembered to add a strip between the bodice and facing before turning the bodice right side out. And I’ll admit that I longed for buttonhole placement markings on the pattern pieces – I’m not a big fan of measuring and drawing them in myself because chances are I won’t place them correctly and I’ll have to rip out a buttonhole. Or two buttonholes, as the case may be.
BUT, like I said, everything came together quite nicely, and I love the end result. If you’re a fan, there’s a Rafflecopter giveaway on Erin’s blog for a chance to win a copy of the Franklin Dress pattern. I’m really excited to see what Brooklyn Pattern Co. has in store for us next!
This is a terrific dress, and you have done a wonderful job interpreting it. I really like the fabric choice with the details (ribbon, buttons) you’ve chosen. I love the pleats on the bodice. My only “complaint” for the pattern designer is that it only goes up to size 8…I would love to see it go to size 10 or 12. This is a great design for an older (i.e., picky, impossible-to-sew-for-these-days) girl, like my 3rd grader. She would wear this. I’m so glad you tried it and shared the results! Your little girl gets more adorable every year. đŸ™‚
This turned out beautifully! I would love to sew this up for my daughter, but am going to have to hold off for a while since a new baby is expected any day now. I do love the choice of fabric.
oh it’s so classic and pretty! love your addition of the ribbon. the comment by lila is totally something em would say, haha. “THIS color.” love it.
Lovely work. The choice of fabric is simple and gorgeous. I will be buying this pattern for sure
The buttons and ribbon are the perfect touches for this dress! And hooray for notches! I agree about the overwhelmingness of patterns these days, though. I’m almost relieved when my girl outgrows a pattern just so my list of possible things to sew gets a little shorter. On a different note, Oscar’s yellow (corduroy?) pants are quite adorable!
Love your version. Perfect choice of ribbon! It really is a sweet design. đŸ™‚
This is great. Makes me want to sew this pattern!
Gail, I’ve been meaning to comment on this all week! I love it. Lila looks so sweet in it and it really looks so professional. Pairing it with the boots makes it even sweeter!
I love this! I mean REALLY love this! There are a lot of very ‘samey’ dress patterns out there, but this pattern with its nostalgic look and high yoke is something I’ve not seen before, and had in my mind. I love all the details, the pintucks, curved yoke. And also that you’ve sewn it in simple, understated fabric. Looks pretty and practical. I’m going through a ‘less is more’ phase in my sewing taste right now, and this is just so lovely.
TRULY LOVELY CLASSIC YOUNG GIRL’S DRESS . . . perfectly sewn with 3 hot pink buttons on the yoke and geometric ribbon trim near the hemline for highlights. This FRANKLIN DRESS pattern is FABULOUS! Your girl is a great model in your photo shoot. My favorite is the photo of Lila walking in rain boots with Oscar at the right side. I agree with Zoey and Elizabeth’s comments, too. Sarah in Minneapolis
This is a wonderful dress. She is beautiful and it suits her perfectly! I like it so much I wish there was an adult shirt version.
where can i get this pattern?
here! http://www.brooklynpatterns.com/shop/franklin-dress