Debbie's Birthday Dress Blog Tour

I have been so lucky lately to have been asked by a few very talented pattern designers to be part of their blog tours! Today is no exception - I've had the pleasure of sewing up Debbie's Birthday Dress by Sewpony Vintage.

I love the swingy shape of this dress - it has a really 60s feel and is very reminiscent of a few vintage pinafore patterns I've picked up at op shops over the last couple of years.

I chose view 1 which has separate bodice and skirt at the front and a single back piece with a button closure. The main reason I chose this view was that I had some gorgeous vintage trims I wanted to use. I don't use trims often so because I sew a lot with prints so it was great to have a reason to get them out and choose one. I settled on a red trim, but it didn't seem to be enough on it's own so I also included a couple of red buttons.

I trialled a couple of other fabrics for the dress itself, and anything with a print just camouflaged the trim, which I wanted to be the feature, so I settled on a solid I had in the cupboard - Kona Marine blue.

I love a hidden detail, especially on a simple dress like this, so there is a party going on inside - I made the lining from a really fun Michael Miller camping holiday themed fat quarter I had bought in the bargain bin at my LQS.

The back is a button and loop closure, and I chose a vintage button that I had in my stash, as well as a pretty red and white trim for the loop.

The pattern was really comprehensive with lots of pictures and instructions. The design lends itself to a variety of fabrics and I think it will be lovely in heavier fabrics for cooler weather, to be worn over a long sleeved tee with tights. I made mine in cotton as warmer weather is just around the corner for us.

I made a size 4 which fits Anna perfectly. I received a test copy of the pattern, and Suz has adjusted the skirt length to make it slightly longer in the finished pattern, however the shorter length suited Anna as she is quite petite.

To celebrate the release of her first pattern, Suz from Sewpony Vintage is offering a 20% discount during the blog tour. Just use the code BLOGTOUR1 at the check out! You can buy your copy here.

This pattern was meant to be made for my girls - by coincidence the dog from the book Suz used as her inspiration is a golden haired dachshund.

Just like ours!

They are best friends.

I would recommend this pattern for all sewing levels. It's a lovely project for a beginner, for anyone who loves vintage style, and a great basic shape to add features if you like to be more creative and hack your patterns.  The ladies who've already taken part in the series have made some incredible versions of  Debbie's Birthday Dress. You should definitely pay them a visit and see their versions!

A couple of my favourites so far are these ones by Monica from Adirondack Inspired and Tasha from I Seam Stressed. You can also check out more in the Debbie's Birthday Dress Flickr group.

Hopefully soon I'll sew up view 2 with a Peter Pan Collar! I've never sewn one before, but I think Lucy would really rock it!