St. Patrick's Day Frock and Simplicity 2265 pattern review

A couple days before St. Patrick's Day I found this lovely green tone on tone Swiss dot fabric in my stash.  I just had to whip up a St. Patty's Day frock for my little one.  The emerald green material has great drape and texture.  It was calling to me, "Hello, I have been sitting here for too long.  Make something with me!"  Yes, my fabric does talk to me.  Doesn't yours?

          It really was a great excuse to try out the Simplicity 2265 Project Runway Croquis Kit.

Simplicity 2265

I had this pattern reserved for Easter dresses for my girls, but I could not help myself. 

Don't you just love view B with the petals on the bodice? 

The pattern gives you the option to add trim around the petals and around the bottom.  For a more formal occasion the additional detail would change the look.  For this dress I wanted to keep it simple.  The fabric's weight allowed the construction of the dress to shine.

The pattern was easy to follow once you understand that the instructions for all the variations are included as you go and not separated out.  For example I had sewn on the tab on the front before I realized I was not making that look.  

I really love the back detail with the optional bow.  With everything (the petals and the flower) that is going on in the front, it balances out the garment.

It was a bit of a challenge to find the right buttons.  This green fabric is more emerald but all the green buttons that I found were more of a limey green.  I thought maybe a metallic tone might work like a brassy gold, but I was not loving it.  THEN I found these great iridescent buttons that pick up the light. They are perfect little rainbow additions to the back.  I am a sucker for beautiful buttons.  When I am making clothing, I want to add little touches like trim or buttons that you do not readily see in a ready made garment.  These are the things that make the handmade garment truly special.

Overall, I would say this pattern is a success!  I am definitely keeping this one in my back pocket.  The simple square neck bodice and full skirt compliment a variety of occasions and fabric choices.

 

Sydney and Tuffy- our kitty likes to join us whenever the kids are outside

So go pick up the pattern and try out a variation.   Let me know what you think!