Pattern review: Girls Ritzy Ruffle Top by Tenderfeet Stitches

I've decided to make a concerted effort to sew just one thing a week for my little owlets (or me) and that I would share my journey with you here.

So first:

The Girls Ritzy Ruffle Top by Tenderfeet Stitches

I ahem 'acquired' this gorgeous Tilda fabric (that's code for hubby can't know I've bought more!). I've been meaning to try this top for ages as Miss 4 loves to layer and is all about the girly dresses and skirts right now.

So much easier to take photos
when your 'model' doesn't move

Ok I'll admit, I didn't measure her (she was asleep at the time) and just went ahead and made the size 4. It is far longer than I thought it would be. More a tunic length don't you think? Not going to work with the shorts I had planned to make next week! You wouldn't even see them. If I want to make this again for her, I would probably go for a size 2 or 3 (she is 4).

Got this photos with promises of chocolates!

The pattern was slightly unique - one that you have pattern pieces to cut out of the rectangles to make the armholes rather than a full pattern to cut (does that make sense?).

Am I the only one who gets ham photos like this?

Constructed in a similar way to a peasant dress it was quite quick to put together, until I tried to attach the neck ruffle. There was a warning in the pattern that if you don't cut the pieces out correctly, the neck ruffle may not fit. mmmm that's me! Needless to say, I had to add an additional 5 inches to make mine work. Not happy to have three seams to hide instead of two but the end result still looks great. 

When she finally smiles (and giggles) normally!

Sewing through for the neck casing was tough - see the photo below. I was sewing through 6 layers there (1/4 inch folded and then the two layers each side). It does mean that the neck casing is quite chunky. Again, not a big deal but worth noting as it may affect fabric choices.

Close up of the ruffle around the neck

Will I make this again? - absolutely. The pattern is from size 9-12 months to size 12 so will get a lot of mileage from this one. Will I make this to sell for Lil Pip? - unfortunately no. I took quite a while to cut and put together which wouldn't be economical to sell. 

Pattern: Girls Ritzy Ruffle Top or Dress

Fabric: Teal and pink stripe from the Country Escape range 

Next week (or this weekend) it is something for Master 6 and I'm excited to see how it comes together.