This summer I had the opportunity to make & review the Pippi Pinafore pattern by Jennifer Lauren Handmade. Unfortunately, I didn’t get it finished as quickly as I needed to because of a crazy summer schedule, plus myself and the kiddos were sick for several weeks. But it is finally done, my oldest is finally back at school, and I’m finally blogging about this super adorable make.
This is my first experience sewing with one of Jennifer’s patterns. I’ve followed her social media & blog for a few years, and I love her style so I was very optimistic going into this experience. The pattern itself is very well written, the directions are well laid out, and the diagrams provided for each step are helpful in the construction of the pinafore.
The pattern offers the opportunity to make the dress based on your number size, plus your bust cup size. I love that this is included in the pattern so that you do not have to worry about making an additional FBA or SBA. For my version I made the size 10 – cup B, but in retrospect probably should have graded to the size 12 for my hips. 😉
I love the side button detail. This was my first time installing jeans buttons, and it was kinda fun to take out some stress while banging them together with a hammer. I did have a little trouble because I didn’t use an awl to punch holes for the buttons before installing them, but I was able to make it work with my seam ripper. The pleats and waistband give the pinafore a more feminine shape, and I love how the straps cross in the back.
For my main fabric I chose this Daisy Fields Cotton + Steel canvas by Melody Miller. The C+S canvas is a cotton/linen blend so it is a good mid-weight fabric for this project. A few seams were pretty hefty, especially around the waistband and button closure side, but nothing too difficult.
For my lining I pulled some scraps from a wide backing I used as a quilt back a few months ago. It is the Story wide back by Carrie Bloomston for Windham Fabrics. I originally bought my yardage at my local quilt shop Quilters Crossing, but I’ve seen it available online too.
One of the things I like most about this make is how easy it will be to transition from summer to fall. I love that I can wear this right now with a t-shirt while Texas temps are still hanging out in the mid 80’s, and then when it finally cools off I can pair it with tights and a long sleeve tee.
Of course once I finish a project, I already start planning for my next 2 or 3! 😉 This would look adorable in a corduroy, like this deep teal from Harts fabric, and I’m dreaming of a Rifle Paper Co. version in this fabric. Plus a classic denim version would be a perfect closet staple.
