After I made the recent somewhat disappointing dress for Eva, I got a lot of recommendations from readers for little girls dress patterns that actually fit and go together well. One of the names that came up several times was the Geranium Dress, by Made by Rae. I ordered the pdf download and printed it out to once again try to make my grand daughter a little dress.
This Geranium dress was a dream to sew together. You print the pattern out in color, and the pieces are all clearly marked and have the cutting lines for each size in different colors so you can easily keep your place as you cut. The directions were more than complete, with color photos of each step to guide you.
Aren't those instructional photos great? Nothing like the tissue patterns you buy at Joanns.
See the printed lines for each size? So clear. The pattern has multiple sizes, so if you print out the entire pattern, it has 50 some pages! You can of course, select just the right pages to print out for your size dress. There are very complete instructions as to what pages to print so you don't waste paper. Once you print out your pieces, some of them will need to be taped together to form the whole piece. This is easy too, and clearly explained.
Here is a detail of the back. I had to practice a bit with my Bernina to make buttonholes. I don't think I have made a button hole for 25 years! I didn't even know I had a buttonhole foot that had come with my machine!
This Geranium dress fits Eva perfectly. She is three and a half and I made the size 4T. It is plenty big enough and will certainly fit her through the summer. There are a few neckline options, as well as sleeve options. I chose to do the classic round neck and capped sleeves. I am totally thrilled with how it turned out, and will use my pattern again and again.
Beautiful dress! I am sure Eva will wear it all the time :-)
Posted by: Jennifer in Indy | February 18, 2015 at 04:06 AM
I am so glad that you found the dress pattern a positive experience.
Posted by: Barbara | February 18, 2015 at 04:27 AM
Such a pretty dress! I'm glad you found a good pattern - it certainly makes the job easier.
Posted by: Donna | February 18, 2015 at 05:04 AM
Thanks for such a glowing review! I've been on the fence about purchasing this one for my little girl, but you sold me on it :)
Posted by: Tricia L. | February 18, 2015 at 05:13 AM
I enjoyed your review of this pattern and have considered buying it but I just can’t bring myself to spend so much for a pattern download and then have to spend more money on ink and paper to print it.
Posted by: Nancy Ratliff | February 18, 2015 at 05:43 AM
How satisfying to find a cute pattern that's easy to sew, has good directions, and fits! Love the fabrics, too.
I am reminded of my 1950s childhood when my mother let me wear favorite sleeveless dresses in the winter if I had a long sleeve shirt, corduroy slacks, and tights underneath for warmth! These days, those kind of warm clothes are as cute as can be, too.
Hugs!
Posted by: Barbara Anne | February 18, 2015 at 06:02 AM
That is darling! Aren't those Kaffe pinks and oranges beautiful?
Posted by: sillysally | February 18, 2015 at 07:36 AM
Just adorable! it sounds like a really well done pattern. She will love this! super cute.
Mary
Posted by: Mary Kastner | February 18, 2015 at 07:50 AM
That couldn't be cuter! I'm sure Eva loves her new dress!
Posted by: Lisa Durst | February 18, 2015 at 09:28 AM
that is so cute!!! eva's official dressmaker is armed and ready to sew! ;p
Posted by: ina | February 18, 2015 at 11:37 AM
Darling! Has Eva twirled in it yet? I love it!!!
Posted by: Beverly | February 18, 2015 at 12:11 PM
I'm glad you have found a pattern that you are happy with.
I've been looking at boys shirt patterns for my grandson.
Posted by: Ailsa | February 18, 2015 at 02:15 PM
I definitely wouldn't know how to make a buttonhole on my Bernina without looking it up! Dress is lovely!
Posted by: Laura @ Prairie Sewn Studios | February 18, 2015 at 05:35 PM
I loved sewing for my daughters and will certainly look forward to making as sweet a dress someday if I have a granddaughter!
Posted by: AnnieO | February 18, 2015 at 08:05 PM
The dress turned out adorable! More importantly how does Eva like it? Bet she tried it on right away :)
Posted by: Anita | February 18, 2015 at 09:30 PM
Wow, if I ever decide to do any garment sewing for my grands, I'll choose PDF files instead of the patterns you buy in the store. And that dress you made - too adorable for words!
Posted by: Kathy | February 19, 2015 at 05:57 AM
I have often admired this pattern. It is little-girl perfect. Your version is fabulous!! Eva is going to love wearing it, which, I predict, she will do a lot.
Posted by: Debbie R. | February 20, 2015 at 08:19 PM
Thank you for this recommendation! I am soooo behind on blog reading and have missed yours! Thank you for this! Love all the quilts and inspiration you share!
Posted by: Bari Jo | February 21, 2015 at 11:28 AM