Say hello to the Miss Forest Fern (add-on) from Sofiona Designs
They combined their previous Fern Skirt as an Add-on to the new Forest Dress. And it's magical.
You can buy Just the Forest dress, or the combo. If you already have the Fern skirt and want to get the add on package then choose that one. They have something for everyone. Here are the links to each listing. They are ALL on sale until July 17th so pop on over and check them out. No codes needed.
I've been jealous of my daughter's green maxi tiered skirt ever since I made it. When I saw the maxi was an option on this pattern I was over the moon. I'm not gonna lie it's a LOT!!! I mean a LOT of fabric. But wow it is so fun to wear, and I have been wanting a dress like this for quite some time.
This was my first time making a fitted woven bodice for myself. I was very apprehensive but their sizing guide was spot on, and I love that they have A-D cup pattern pieces, it's so nice to not have to do my own adjustments for that. Due to the fact that it is fitted, and that all fabrics are a bit different you really do need to do a muslin. Or at the very least baste your seams and do the fit tests where recommended in the pattern. I was able to do this for my daughters dress. It needed no modifications besides blending sizes.
On my muslin I didn't need to make any adjustments. On my final since the fabric is a bit stiffer I did ease a few of the seams, but then after adding the skirt and zipper I found myself going back in and actually sewing them back up again. So keep in mind that the fit will change when you add the skirt.
My daughter chose the flounce sleeve I chose sleeveless
We both chose to do the Fern Add on.
We wanted the fuller, ruffle skirts.
This is not a beginner pattern. It's not hard, but you do need to follow the pattern, and instructions carefully. Also be VERY mindful of your seam allowance. Since you have 7 seams around the bodice just being off a smidge can make a big difference on the over all fit. I put a piece of tape at the 5/8 SA on my machine to make it easier.
I like to gather with elastic thread, I zig zag over. I find if I hold the thread fairly tight and don't give out too much as I sew it's pretty close to the right length. I also section my layers in 8ths or 16ths depending on the length it just makes it sooo much easier to sew them together. if you need to serge the seams I recommend doing it Before you sew the layers so you don't end up with so much fabric near your serger....or at least drop the blade down....don't ask.
All of the skirt versions of the dress are lovely, but I really prefer a fuller skirt , I feel it helps balance out my broad shoulders and large bust. The add-on waistband is very flattering and comfortable. Let me know in the comments which version was your favorite.
FABRIC!!!! In testing we learned a lot about fabric choices for this pattern. It will make a big difference on how this dress fits, and hangs. So be sure to check out their blog post that goes into more detail so you get the fit/style you want. Making More of Miss Fern (blog post)
I used Wax cotton for both of these dresses, and the Fern Skirt. Wax cotton is VERY stiff and structured which is what I wanted. My body type is an inverted triangle and so I really wanted the skirt to have a lot of body and fullness so that it helped to balance me out. I am also wearing a full petticoat under the skirt for fullness.
If you want to have less volume on the bottom but still a tiered maxi, then a lighter weight flowerier fabric would be a better choice, but this can make the bodice fit differently as well. All in all make sure you do make a muslin of the bodice in whatever fabric you choose to use so you love the final make as much as we do.
Don't forget to join their Facebook group so you can see the rest of the dresses from the testers, ask questions and share your own Miss Forest makes!!!! Sofinoa Designs Facebook Group
This is one of my favorite photos I think I've ever taken.
The colors, the feel, it's a whole mood. The photo shoots at the end of a pattern test are my favorite part. It means for one that I'm DONE and I have made something we both love. But the best part is just the one on one time I get to spend with my daughter. We always have a lot of fun with the shoots, and I don't have to bribe her lollipops anymore.
It's been an incredible way to document her journey from young girl to teen. She has blossomed into a lovely young lady and I couldn't be more proud of her. To see her have fun, and confidence in front of the camera makes me so grateful for these moments we have together.
This Pattern is the Miss Fern skirt, by Sofiona Designs. Too see all the different options available with the Miss Fern Skirt please check out my follow up blog post.
I started doing pattern tests over 8 years ago. What happens is a designer has a new pattern, they do a call out for testers, and you are given the pattern. Once you have the pattern you need to do some proofreading (which I'm awful at), cut out your fabric, follow the directions and give them feed back on the written part of the pattern, as well as construction and fit. I have learned SO much being involved in the behind the scenes aspect of PDF pattern development.
My second reason for loving to do pattern tests is because it really pushes me to try new techniques and learn new skills. For example this pattern was the FIRST TIME I have ever installed an invisible zipper. I purposely looked for patterns without zippers. But it wasn't hard at all once you knew what to do. In other pattern tests over the years I have learned how to gather, shirring, facings, alterations, buttons, elastic, basically every skill I have has come from testing a variety of patterns for myself and my daughter.
Miss Fern Skirt comes in 3 styles, short, midi, and maxi. I went with the maxi because I have been so inspired by two amazing creators on YouTube and Instagram.
Marcy is an incredible seamstress and performer. She makes incredible maxi tiered skirts and it's made me want to make them myself. I finally got up the courage. Marcy always goes for bold color and bold print, so I hope she'd approve of my choice here. https://www.instagram.com/marcyharriell/ AND
I follow Becca on Instagram and I've seen her posts in sewing groups on fb for years. She is also homesteading so I absolutely love her content. She definitely gets the gardening with glamour award. She loves to sew and wear dresses and has greatly inspired me to try wovens. I just needed to get over my fear of zippers. https://www.instagram.com/itssewbecca/____________________________________________________
I loved the skirt fabric but my daughter didn't have anything in wardrobe to go with it. This dark green cotton lycra was all I had on hand and the colors really worked, my problem was it was an odd shaped remnant so a regular top wouldn't work. I started looking online for a crop top so we could see the lovely waist ban I worked so hard on. I was thinking I might need to end up using a crop top or something with smaller pieces, and I ran across the Tide Halter Dress/Top pattern in my collection. Tide is also from Sofiona designs, it is in their kids sizing and goes from 2-16. I lucked out when the size 16 bodice would still fit. The original Tide pattern has a bodice and then either a shirt length peplum or skirt. All I did was add a 2" band around the bottom to finish off the hem.
Tide was exactly what a I was looking for. I wanted something fun and strappy for summer I NEEDED something that I could use small odd shaped pieces for.
The lovely green beaded necklace was a gift from her grandfather, and it went perfectly with the outfit.
Since the weather here is still cold, and muddy I decided this outfit needed some tropical surroundings. So we went to the Greenhouse at Chinguacousy Park, in Brampton.
Despite the cold temperatures and the fact that there was still ice on the deeper part of the wading pond/ice rink my daughter wanted to splash through the water. So we took a ton of pictures outside as well. It's so wonderful as a mom to see your child feel comfortable with themselves and to have fun being creative. She loves the outfits I make for her, and the time we spend doing the photo shoots with her. Without the pattern tests, and sewing I probably wouldn't have a fraction of the photos of her that I do. I will treasure them always, and she will have a fun legacy to pass down as well.
I hope you enjoyed this blog post. I hope to start blogging again and documenting my adventures in the sewing room, kitchen, and garden.
And the 3rd reason I love pattern testing is the sense of community in the sewing world. It`s always nice to chit chat with fellow seamstresses and troubleshoot things.
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