Need a quick win for your sewing ego? This is it: the Wiksten Baby and Child Smock Top/Dress!
If you have two girls you need to dress for Easter, this is definitely the way to go!
The pattern is well drafted with clear instructions. The smock style is loose fitting and looks comfy with a smidgeon of gathers at the front neck and again the back on each side of the keyhole closure.
I made the size 2-3 and the size 5-6 for the dress forms in the shop at the same time. It took me about four hours for both working in an assembly line fashion, that including tracing the pattern. I used the "old fashioned" method of zig zag stitching to finish the seams. I would probably do french seams if I made it again.
Make the pattern in either the dress or top length, with or without long sleeves.
Since it was still snowing in Cleveland as of two days ago...I opted to make the long-sleeved dress for the smaller size, as little people often have trouble keeping a sweater on. I used Cotton + Steel Dear Friends "Love is in the Air - Sky" (also available in pink) with Art Gallery Fabrics Petits Check Sky for the bias trim and pockets.
The larger size is the sleeveless top combo which can be worn with a skirt for Easter, then leggings or shorts all through the spring and summer. The fabric is Art Gallery "Open Heart - Cherished Gatherings Glint" designed by Maureen Cracknell with Tilda's Medium Dots in Pink for the contrast trim and pockets. Tilda's dots come in so many beautiful colors and go with literally everything in our store; so don't be shy to use them liberally!
Merchant & Mills elastic grey cord is a great option for the button closure. It's 50% recycled cotton and 50% natural rubber and the perfect size to slide into the bias opening and top stitch it in place.
The buttons are our nylon blossom buttons in grey. I used one for the back keyhole closure and one on each pocket...just because.
Have fun playing with this pattern! It would look so different made up in a solid linen/cotton as shown on the pattern cover. It's just fun to mix and match sometimes.
~Nan