It’s no secret that I love how Bella Sunshine Designs’ patterns come out when sewn up. I’ve made a lot of the patterns as a tester (Bow Tie Leggings 1 and 2, Kelly’s Twirly Skirts, Coffee Shop Lace Dress, and Sweet Lilly Pintuck Dress), and I’m always impressed with the details in the patterns. So, when I had the opportunity to test the newest pattern, the Vintage Grace Flutter Dress (and top), I jumped at the chance. In exchange for honest feedback about fit and photographs, I was provided with the various versions of the pattern. I first made the top and leggings, and then I made the dress for my little gal (I promise, I’ll get around to making little guy some clothes soon!).
Top and bow tie leggings
The detailing on this dress is great. I love the flutter sleeves with lace attached, and the fully lined bodice makes the dress and top sit nicely. 
For the first test, I used a chambray with silver glitter dots, cotton with owls, and silver lace. The only problem I ran into was when I was turning the top after closing the lining on the arms. Because my lace was thick and my lining fabric was a little thick, it took a lot of patience to turn it. However, I think it was well worth being patient for!
I’ve made the BSD Bow Tie Leggings (affiliate link) before, and as I’d expected, they sewed up quickly. Little Miss has quite the spring and summer wardrobe at the moment, as you may imagine, but if there’s anything she “needs” more of in her wardrobe, it’s leggings. I like to stretch dresses that fit her last year to this year by adding leggings under them so she can wear many of them like tunics. I used a similarly colored knit fabric from JoAnn’s and then made the bow from the owl cotton print and the smaller part of the bow from the silver dot chambray. I wish I’d had more of the lace, because I’d have added that as a trim on the bow. She was a big fan of the top and leggings set, and had she not dumped her milk and dinner all over the leggings, I’m sure she’d have worn them a few more days.
The Yellow Vintage Grace Flutter Dress
For the second test, I used a blue seersucker, yellow twill (for the lining), and yellow cotton with butterflies printed on it. She spent all day Mother’s Day running around in my make of the yellow Vintage Grace Flutter Dress, and it’s the third day she’s worn it (she’s been getting into these funny jags where she wants to we
ar the same thing every day for several days in a row. In this case, I really don’t blame her. I’d wear this dress a bunch too! In fact, I have more of this fabric left!
The Vintage Grace Flutter Dress pattern is on sale for $5.95, and that price is good through Thursday, May 12th, when it will return to its regular price of $9.95. It’s a great pattern for those who are looking to expand their sewing skills set, but it’s still easy enough for an ambitious beginner to complete successfully. Purchase the pattern here before the sale ends. (Affiliate Link)
Meanwhile, here are some more photos.
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So cute! And so smart to add the leggings to make your handmade items last another year! We like to do that too.
Thank you! Yes! The leggings trick is golden. Too bad it doesn’t work as well for boys 😉