Uptown/Downtown in my Town

I’m back!  And I sewed something besides version after version of the LOL Swing Top!  Terri from the brand spankin’ new label Terri Lin Collections and Sew Straight and Gather invited me to participate in her release tour of the Uptown/Downtown Dress – who could say no to such a sweet little dress?

Sized for 2T through 10 years, the pattern comes with three options for sleeves – sleeveless, short sleeve or half sleeves.  I chose to make the half sleeve version because as much as I hate to admit, fall is just around the corner.  The fabric that Arden chose from Jo-Ann Fabrics also seemed more appropriate for a more cool weather dress.

For the photo shoot, I decided to take Arden and her Uptown/Downtown Dress Downtown in our home town.  We walked up and down the streets a bit and then headed over near the riverfront.

I’m in love with the neckline.  It’s a little wider than a scoop neck, but still modest and comfortable (I asked!).  Terri gives a couple different methods for finishing the bodice – I chose to do the lined version.

If you ask Arden her favorite thing, it’s most definitely the twirl factor which it has a-plenty.  She made herself dizzy with all the twirling!

For me, I love using the layers feature to print only the size you need.  Terri gives a ton of instruction – different methods for finishing, some ideas to customize, and on and on.

One thing I’m still deciding how I feel about is how she used the sizes as the lines for the pattern pieces.  I think it’s amazingly helpful so you don’t have to figure out if you’re on the right line as you cut – it’s right in front of you the entire time.  I just felt a little unsure of the wide line it makes, so you don’t know if you should cut on the inside, outside or right down the middle.  That being said – it’s a pattern for knits, and the 1/8″ or less difference you could potentially cut is not going to affect the finished garment.

This pattern results in a lovely finished garment as you can see!

Some ice cream reward for being a good sport.  I think I’ve set a precedent of working for a treat, but eating ice cream on a warm summer evening is part of being a kid, right?

Outfit details:
Pattern: Uptown/Downtown Dress by Terri Lin Collections/Sew Straight Patterns
Fabrics: Floral jersey Jo-Ann Fabrics
Shoes: Osh Kosh B’Gosh

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the tour – I’ve been scoping out the amazing versions out there!

And there’s the rafflecopter giveaway with some great prizes – including my LOL Swing Top!

a Rafflecopter giveaway