Oh, I am a big fan of Laura and all of her Titchy Threads patterns! In fact, my kids are too...they have been ever since I made them their very first pairs of Fancy Pants leggings...
Of course, if you've been reading for a while now, you likely already know how much I love all of the Titchy Threads patterns... So, when Laura asked me if I wanted to sew up a version of the Rushbrook Dress and Top pattern for the blog tour, I was in!
Of course I said yes!
First, because it's sizing, up to 12, means that I actually could sew it! More and more Violet is aging/growing out of sizing for so many patterns lately, especially those for wovens, but she hasn't yet grown out of wanting and liking mama mades.
Second, because of the back of this pattern... though I will say, that I got so carried away with taking pictures of the front...I nearly forgot to get a shot of the back...
But isn't it great? I am a huge fan of racer backs in tanks...but never have I seen that style in a woven...and I am, perhaps, even more of a fan now!
Third, well, I've already said this...we love Titchy Threads patterns and this pattern is no different!
A few things...the Rushbrook Dress and Top pattern includes 13 sizes from 12-18 months to 12 years, there are two lengths (top and dress), two hem styles (facing or ruffle) and other fun options such as a flutter sleeve, placket ruffle and gathered patch pockets...Not to mention that (as always) the instructions are impeccable. All of Laura's tutorials are detailed and easy to understand with illustrations, tips and PDF layers for each size.
The Rushbrook also has all of the seams either finished with bias binding or by using French Seams, so it looks as nice on the inside as it does on the outside.
I will say that my original intention had been to sew up the top version and pair it with a pair of Twisted Trousers...Alas, time and heat got the better of me! I've got the trousers all cut out but I didn't quite have enough time to sew them so, for now, sadly they've been pushed to the back of my "to make" pile...No worries though, because as it seems we are having an unusually HOT and HUMID October so far, who wants to wear pants anyway!
I made the top version in size 12. It's a bit on the big side under the arms but, since it's (supposedly) fall my plan had been to have it big enough to be able to wear a long sleeved shirt underneath. Also, as you can see, it's not a top but a dress...
The top length was a little too long to be worn as a top, I suppose I really ought to have sewn a size smaller. I checked in with Violet and she agreed. We decided then to add the ruffle to the top and make it into a dress after all.
Violet is not typically a ruffley kind of girl, but lately...they seem to be growing on her. She loved the idea!
I added about 4" to the height of the ruffle pattern for the top, to add both a bit more length (not wanting it to be too short) and a bit more of a color pop.
I really could not love this dress more!
From the ruffle to the vintage buttons we bought from the antique store down the street from us...
To the sweet little flutter sleeves...
which I didn't give Violet a choice on, I just love that detail so I told her she was getting flutter sleeves! This dress is one of my favorites!
Maybe it's just these eyes that make me so partial to it...
or maybe it's the smile and giggles...
Or maybe it's the way the Cotton & Steel apples pair perfectly with this pattern...
Whatever it is...I love it! And, lucky for us that it's a bit on the big side as that mean there will be plenty of times to wear it!
Thanks for asking me to be a part of the Rushbrook Dress and Top blog tour Laura, I'm already looking forward to sewing another!
In the meantime, please check out the rest of the tour...so many lovely tops and dresses and so much inspiration!
10th - my cozy co / while she was sleeping
11th - Made by Sara / Pear Berry Lane
12th - Buzzmills / Fairies, Bubbles & Co
17th - Sew Many Adventures / it's Liesel
18th - Spools + Oodles of Fun / S is for Sewing
19th - Giddy Ants / La Folie sewing booth
Want to sew your own Rushbrook Dress and Top? Find it here!
