Portabellopixie Gracie V-Neck Dress and Tiered Skirt - Size 6-12 mths

When I first received the Gracie pattern I tried out the tiered skirt and V-Neck Dress in size 6-12mths.

My sewing on the bodice of the dress leaves a lot to be desired. One side seam is a centimeter or more off from the skirt seam. The straps are different widths, and the front of the bodice (joining the straps) are different widths also.

The top stitching on the bodice is wonky, really wonky.....

.....but I love how it looks anyway. lol.


The skirt surprised me, I thought it would be smaller as many of the portabellopixie patterns are said to run small, but my almost 5yo can still fit in it (it is quiet short though and only just fits in the hips).

I have made another of these skirts (in different fabric) to give to a family member for her birthday, she has turned 2 but is petite and I think this size would suit her better.

I have now used up all this fabric making my daughters birthday dress but just might see if there is any more on the quilting cotton clearance racks at spotlight next week.....the pink is just so romantic.

Portabellopixie Gracie Tiered Round Neck Dress - Size 6

My Daughter is turning 5 in a couple of weeks and I really wanted to sew her a nice dress, I chose the Gracie tiered dress with round neck.

I made it in a size 6 as she is quiet tall. I did a few things differently to the pattern instructions, of course, lol.

It fastens with snaps rather then buttons, the bodice is top stitched and has a fold over bias binding with isn't as clean lined as the way the pattern does it (I think it goes with the layered effect though).

I am planing on making DD a few more dresses, I would like to try the reversible jumper from this pattern and also am interested in sewing some of the dresses from the Claire pattern.....I just need a new overlocker that does a rolled hem.

My DH has told me just to buy a new overlocker, what a sweet heart, I am just trying to get my house in order first. A spring clean is in order before anymore sewing gets done.

Thanks for looking.

Welcome....Come Sew With Me

Welcome to my new blog "Come Sew With Me".

I am learning to sew (no lessons just trial and error), I find it fun and interesting, if a little frustrating at times. I plan on putting my crafty creations here, the successes and the failures ;)....things made from bought patterns and online tutes.

I will hopefully regularly update but with four young children my sewing time is limited, I hope you like what I show.

Sandi Henderson - PortabelloPixie Patterns

I like Sandi Hendersons PortabelloPixie patterns, I currently have "Claire" and "Gracie" and am tempted by the ruffle pants pattern. I have made a couple of things from these patterns and will blog a few of them over time.

The majority of her dresses are just so girly, all ruffles and soft lines. Her fabrics are gorgeous but I have not bought any of them.....yet ;).

The instructions to these patterns are sometimes wrong (or is it that I suck at reading instructions?) but the instruction books are very colourful with heaps of pictures. They are supposed to be for begineers but they can be quiet time consuming....lots of gathering in the skirts and the round neckline is a little fiddly (for me).

My old overlocker (serger) doesnt do a rolled hem so I am yet to try a few of the patterns as turn and topstitch just isn't the same.