The Uptown/Downtown Dress Pattern by TeriLin Collection sewn by Knot Sew Normal

Last week I had the pleasure of testing a new pattern from a brand new pattern designer. The Uptown/Downtown Dress is the first pattern from the TeriLin Collection. TeriLin Collection patterns are designed by Terri Olson of Sew Straight & Gather. Her tutorial on tracing Ottobre patterns in 15 minutes is genius.

As I was testing the Uptown/Downtown dress I was shocked that this is Terri’s first pattern. It is well thought out and so easy to understand. There wasn’t anywhere in her instructions where I was left scratching my head or turning to Google for help. Terri also includes a whole page of tips on sewing with knit fabric if you are new to sewing with knits.

 

This pattern is for sizes 2 years – 10 years and it looks fabulous on all age ranges. With Miss G being almost 6 I am most interested in patterns that will look appropriate now and also in a few years. The fit on the pattern is perfect. I made the size 5 with no alterations for Miss G and it couldn’t have fit any better. This dress is so comfortable and it is a great length to allow for play without showing undies, which is a big concern for me. The drape and flare of the skirt are fantastic and allow for a beautiful silhouette. The recommended fabrics are • Medium to lightweight jersey knit fabric • Light to Medium weight knit fabric with at least 30% – 60% stretch recovery across. I used a medium weight jersey knit from Joann’s Fabric and it is very “snuggly” according to Miss G, which means it is really comfortable. I would love to try this dress in a Bisou Stretch Mini Ruffle Knit, a Stretch Velvet or a Sweater Knit. The options with this dress really are limitless.

This dress has several sleeve options that include sleeveless, a cap sleeve and a 1/2 sleeve. It would also be easy to alter into a flutter sleeve or long sleeve dress. You can also do a lined bodice and cap-sleeve or opt to skip the lining and just use a binding on the neckline and arms. I am really looking forward to playing around with this pattern to see what all I can do with it. Terri has also added the options of making this dress fully reversible, and a lace overlay design.

Another thing I love about this pattern is the fact that it isn’t a fabric hog. The fabric that I used was a 2 yard cut and I still have plenty of fabric leftover to make Miss G some shorts to wear under the dress.

This dress is going to be a staple in our back-to-school wardrobe. I plan on making a bunch of these with matching leggings. I think they will be perfect for school.

Make sure you go over and get this awesome pattern. You will not regret adding this one to your collection.

Go over and check out some of the other tester’s posts about this dress.
Vicky Myers Creations