Texas Rose Shirt Dress by Ellie Inspired
/Welcome back readers - you are going to love today's pattern for review. We have the newly released Texas Rose pattern by Ellie Inspired! This is a great pattern for back to school and the transition to cooler weather ahead. It comes in sizes 1-16 and with options of a tunic top, dress, long sleeve and short - this is a pattern you will certainly make more than once! And if it looks like it might be too hard for you (IT'S NOT!!!) We have a Sew Along going on here on the blog to help you through every step of the way. The sew along will include two new options - A Peter Pan Collar and Puff Sleeves - that aren't currently involved in the pattern. And Ellie Inspired is offering 15% off this pattern HERE.
- This review was completed by a 3rd party objective reviewer who received a complimentary copy of the pattern in order to complete the review. Neither Pattern Revolution nor the reviewer received any additional compensation for this review.
Now here are Trisha and Theresa to share with you both the dress version and the top version of this versatile pattern...
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The first time I saw the new Texas Rose dress from Ellie Inspired I knew I had to make it for my daughter. She has to wear a uniform to school, and most of what I make her sits in her closet most of the time, since it isn't uniform appropriate. This dress would work perfectly for school, if I used the appropriate colors. The first thing I said was "Yay! It has a collar!" I loved the extra touches, like the ruffle down the front, that still make it girly, yet appropriate for school.
Now, here's all the details about the pattern.
I had never done a real collar before, so this was a new thing for me. It was so much easier than I thought it would be! The top was a little time consuming to do, but it wasn't hard, just lots of little steps. I managed to make this during nap time of 2 different days.
The only thing I changed from the pattern was the ruffle down the front. I knew I wanted it smaller, so instead of folding the edge over and hemming, I simply folded the whole thing in half. I think I might go back and shorten the sleeves a touch too, as they seem a touch long on her.
Overall I thought it was great. The pattern was fairly simple to make, even thought it looks more complicated than it is. And if you're a little scared, go join the sew along over on Pattern Revolution! She will walk you through it step by step with lots of pictures. Plus she is including two new options- a peter pan collar and a puff sleeve for those of you who want to change it up a bit.
When my daughter saw it she said, "Ooh, I like it." Whew, it passed the kid test. That's always important!
- It comes with a shirt and pants option, or a dress option.
- Collared shirt that buttons down the front, and a faux button tabs on the sleeves.
- Tie belt that attaches with 4 belt loops.
- Double layer ruffle skirt for the dress
- Pattern is nested, with measurements given for all rectangular pieces. No need to waste ink printing off a rectangle!
- Specific page numbers are given letting you know which pages to print for which option you are doing, so you don't have to print off the whole pattern if you only plan on doing one view.
- Pattern has drawings instead of pictures for the instructions.
- There is a long sleeve, or short sleeve option.
- Buttonhole guides are included!
I had never done a real collar before, so this was a new thing for me. It was so much easier than I thought it would be! The top was a little time consuming to do, but it wasn't hard, just lots of little steps. I managed to make this during nap time of 2 different days.
The only thing I changed from the pattern was the ruffle down the front. I knew I wanted it smaller, so instead of folding the edge over and hemming, I simply folded the whole thing in half. I think I might go back and shorten the sleeves a touch too, as they seem a touch long on her.
Overall I thought it was great. The pattern was fairly simple to make, even thought it looks more complicated than it is. And if you're a little scared, go join the sew along over on Pattern Revolution! She will walk you through it step by step with lots of pictures. Plus she is including two new options- a peter pan collar and a puff sleeve for those of you who want to change it up a bit.
My name is Theresa. I am a stay at home, homeschooling mom of six. I taught myself to sew a little over two years ago using pdf patterns. I sew every free moment that I get! I enjoy testing patterns, writing reviews and getting to know some awesome designers! One of the amazing designers that I have come to know very well is Laura of Ellie Inspired. So, I am honored to be here at Pattern Revolution to review Ellie Inspired’s latest release, The Texas Rose.
I love this pattern! It has different options that make this an all season pattern. But, with summer coming to an end, you will find this pattern perfect for transitioning to fall/winter. The tutorial/pattern downloaded and printed easily. The pattern pieces matched up perfectly and are clearly marked for each of the different sizes for easy cutting. A large range of sizes are included in this pattern: 1-16! You will use this pattern for years! There are charts to help you determine what size to make and let you know the fabric requirements.
The tutorial is very thorough, clear, and easy to follow. Diagrams are included to aid in the
understanding of the instructions. The pattern includes two variations, a dress and a tunic with pants. The tunic/dress is collared and buttons up the front. Several options are included. It can be made with short or long sleeves. You can choose to embellish it with super cute front ruffles, button tabs on the cuffs, and/or a belt with belt loops. The pants have a comfortable elastic waist with the option of bottom ruffles. I choose to make a short sleeve top with button tabs, front ruffles, collar buttons and a belt and pants without the bottom ruffles.
This pattern is so versatile. You can make it for the Spring or Summer with a lighter weight fabric for a short sleeve tunic or dress. For the fast approaching Fall and Winter, you can choose a mid weight fabric for a long sleeve dress or tunic and pants. It would even look good layered with a nice cardigan. The possibilities are endless with all the various options and fabric choices! I think next time I am going to choose a fancy fabric for a dressier look on the top. Then of course my daughter needs the dress too! I love how it looks on and will be making many in different variations!
