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delia creates

Roly Poly Pinafore Pattern Review and giveaway!

· 140 Comments

Have you spotted some Roly Polies floating around blogland? I am simply dying over THIS bumble bee one.

Well, get ready for another one, because I made one too! I am super thrilled to be apart of the Roly Poly Pattern blog tour (go HERE to see everyone who is participating!)
Rachael from Imagine Gnats has created this really fun, versatile pattern. It’s called the Roly Poly Pinafore.
It’s for girls ages 6 months to 10 years. Talk about a pattern that will last. You can make it a top or an art smock, and it’s reversible!
So smart. I can see myself making these for Natalie as a top for a few years and then switching to a stylish art smock after that.
It’s smart simple construction too. It’s designed with the beginner sewist in mind, but is a rewarding sew for any skill level.
I chose to hand stitch my opening closed and not top stitch around. I quite like the clean look it gives.
I also made a few other simple changes:
I taped the two pattern pieces together with washi tape (so I could separate them afterward) and omitted the side pockets. I was going for speed but I also like the seamless look this created on the sides. I guess this isn’t technically a “change” because it’s not my original idea. Rachael provides lines on the pattern for this purpose.

I adore the pleat detail. It’s the perfect little touch.

Instead of ironing and top stitching the pleat though, I sewed it where the pleat marks were, on the wrong side of the fabric and then pressed it in place afterward. This married well with the clean look of the rest of the pinafore.
I also added little pockets with some mini pom trim and I sewed on two sets of buttons for each side, back to back. I didn’t add space to make buttoning easier, but I believe the tight buttons provide more comfort on the underside.
Natalie is a petite baby. Rachael strongly suggests you choose the size by measurements rather than the age listing. I am so glad I took her advice, because Natalie is still almost is too small for the 6 month pinafore!
I love how this sits on Natalie like a dress though, rather than a top. I couldn’t resist whipping up some cute little baby bloomer shorts to go underneath (tutorial coming next month- ish!).Update on the shorts tutorial (6/21/13):
I was preparing a 12 month pattern and tutorial when I discovered that Sewing Mama RaeAnna has already done all the work! She has a pattern that actually covers sizes newborn to 24 months! So, I won’t be sharing my tutorial because Raeanna has already done such a great job! Go HERE to get it. 🙂
Fabric sources:
Black Chambray from Walmart (of all places!) – although it looks more gray than black
Oh Deer, Tiny Deer in Tangerine from Momo, Moda (from my sponsor Lily Bella – but it’s out of stock – sorry!)
**Please Note: I was given a free copy of this pattern to review but all the opinions are my own. I really do like this pattern! 🙂
Now, do you want to make a Roly Poly Pinafore too? You can purchase one HERE in her shop.
And….
I get to giveaway ONE Roly Poly Pinafore pattern to a lucky reader!
Simply leave a comment either with your email listed or your email linked to your profile.
One comment per person please.
That’s it!
The giveaway will run from today through Sunday, June 2, 2013 at 10 PM MDT.
 
Good luck!

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED.

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Comments

  4. This pattern really appeals to me! It’s beautiful. Natalie looks gorgeous 🙂 I’d be SO happy to win!

    Joannajeanes at yahoo dot co dot uk

    Reply

  9. What a cute top! Course I have yet to see anything that isn’t amazingly adorable on your sweet little girl. What a cutie!
    aliben7 (at) gmail (dot) com

    Reply

  13. Aww, such a fun little dress, i’d love to make one too. And you used one of my favourite fabrics, i love the little deer in all colours. Natalie is the cutest little girl! Thanks for the giveaway

    Reply

  18. I love this pattern! I've been looking for one for my 15 month old and was about to just wing it on my own, haha. Thanks! rachel(dot)d(dot)burns(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply

  19. I have been searching for a pattern that is vintage feeling and modern at the same time. I just love this, and I have many young cousins and nieces that would be super duper adorable in this!

    Reply

  26. I have a similar pattern that I love but it only goes up to a size 5…since my girls are bigger now I've been looking for one in bigger sizes; this is perfect!
    kaitlynsuzanne (at) gmail (dot) com

    Reply

  29. I do love the look of the pinafore's I've seen online. They look like a simple thing to sew, which is right up my alley.
    jaxhardin (at) yahoo (dot) com

    Reply

  30. ADORABLE!!! I have a little girl on the way…. (yikes can't believe she could be here in a month!!! how pregnancy flies by) Would love to start collecting some sweet patterns to sew for her!
    I am in LOVE with that tangerine Deer fabric, great choice it's gorgeous!

    thanks for the giveaway!

    jodanajensen at gmail dot com

    Reply

  38. What a cute little pinie, and what a cutie wearing it. Would like to give it a try for my granddaughter.
    Thank you for the chance.
    lovebirdmom at gmail dot com

    Reply

  40. This is so cute! I love the orange and black/grey, and the pockets and buttons are perfect. Love that you made bloomers to match too. =)

    Reply

  45. okay, another try! I really really hope to win this pattern. it's just too cute. and your version is so adorable (annikaferk(at)googlemail(dot)com)

    Reply

  59. This is brilliant – thanks for sharing your adjustments to it, I know what you mean about sizing, my children never fitted the age size when they were little!
    mary(at)emmens(dot)co(dot)uk

    Reply

  64. I'm not a wild fan of Wal-Mart in general, but when their fabric dept has something good, it is REALLY GOOD!

    This is darling. Excellent work!

    Reply

  67. I just might get some of that walmart chambray. I've been eyeing it for a while. This is so cute, especially with the little bloomers!

    owlisheyes(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply

  70. Love this pattern! Thanks for the chance my two girls would love this! Especially my three year old who only wants to wear dresses

    Georgiabrungs(at)gmail(dot)(com)

    Reply

  88. I love the orange and gray together. She's such a cutie and so lucky to have a mumma that makes adorable, fashionable clothes for her! I'm really loving all the different versions of this pattern:)

    Reply

  94. Oh this is so great!! I've loved these popping up all over, they're so fun.

    I love how one side is subtle (but cute) and one side is loud and fun. It's a good balance.

    And no stripes? Or yellow? You are shaking things up over there. 🙂

    I have JUST (literally, this naptime) finished Geranium #1, and am feeling so pleased with myself. I'm such

    Reply

  100. Aww, such a sweet version! I'm loving all the variations popping up everywhere. The bloomers are a very sweet touch too!

    Thanks for the chance.

    -Laura (www.craftyhour.com)

    Reply

  110. I would love to have this pattern. I have three girls, so it would get plenty of use! My 15 month old was looking at this with me, and she could not stop pointing and giggling at Natalie! She loves babies her size!
    clbiehl @ gmail.com

    Reply

  113. Such a darling pattern! Love the gray and orange together. The bloomers you made go perfect, great outfit. This pinafore looks so lovely in all the different sizes we're seeing. Thanks for sharing, great job!

    Thank you and Imagine Gnats for a super giveaway and a chance to win.

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply

  117. Natalie looks so cute in the pinafore. She looks like she loves the outfit too. WOuld love to win the pattern for my granddaughter. Thanks for the chance.

    Reply

  121. I have a petite little girl, too – I would love to make my little one a cute little dress like you did, I especially like the little bloomers!

    jdeemarie @ gmail.com

    Reply

  135. Your version is SO CUTE (especially on your adorable little lady). I'm a huge sucker for chambray and simple modern prints, so this speaks to me. I also like the way you did your pleat, and think I'll do mine that way the next time. The whole sizing thing for a small person is something I know alllllll about. Violet is turning 3 in August and I sewed her bee pinafore in a 12m size. haha.

    Reply