Horris and Deedle: The Willow Dress - One Thimble Edition 10

Hello!! I'm back blogging as part of the One Thimble Edition 10 blog tour. Firstly I cannot believe that One Thimble now has 10 fantastic editions, and secondly I wanted let you know that I do plan to be blogging more frequently this year. Life does have a way of disrupting plans, but I'm quite determined.

Anyway, as part of the tour I am reviewing today a really cute little pattern - The Willow Dress by Bubby and Me Creations. And yes Ive added some rainbow lights into the picture below because the threenager absolutely insisted...And I do feel like these photos should come with a disclaimer for the funny facial expressions

I've sewn up a short sleeved version of this pattern owing to the fact that it is Summer here, but rest assured, there is a long sleeve option too. This is a super cute pattern that combines the best of different fabric types - a knit for the bodice and a woven fabric for the skirt. The ruffles that go over the shoulder are sure to keep all of the fans of ruffles happy, but they are not over the top and also perfect for those who don't like too much ruffle (such as myself). The shoulders are fully covered, meaning it is sun safe as well, which is a huge consideration for me when sewing something for Zoe.

I made Zoe a size 4 - she is now measuring just under a 4, but well and truly above a 3 and I have found the fit to be spot on. The sizing covers a great range with sizes 2-10 and the instructions are really easy to follow.

As most people know, I am a big fan of knits. Zoe complains about back closures in woven dresses whenever she sits in her carseat, and won't wear them to preschool because when they have to have rest time, she finds them uncomfortable to lie on. Knits get around this problem for me, but I do like the fullness in the skirt that you can only get from wovens, and so I like patterns that allow me to use both, such as this one.

For my dress, I used a cotton lycra knit that Nikki Marsh - the pattern designer and owner of Bubby & Me Creations was kind enough to send me. I combined it with a quilting weight cotton from my local sewing store Spotlight. I think for the top it is important to use a knit with a good recovery that can handle the weight of the skirt. The instructions include a thorough explanation of how to stabilise the knit bodice before attaching the skirt, but the dress will look best if the recommended stretch recovery included in the pattern is adhered to. This knit I used is one Nikki designed herself - it's lovely and soft, has great recovery and is bright and colourful, and rainbow like, which ticks a big box with Zoe! Anyone who would like to purchase some can contact Nikki via the Bubby and Me Facebook page.

All in all this is a quality pattern that I will sew over and over, and this Edition of One Thimble is one not to be missed. Be sure to follow along on the tour and Don't forget to join the One Thimble Sewing Enthusiasts Facebook group for more inspiration.