Hadley's Tween Halter Top Dress - Review

This is a 3 in 1 pattern including a top, dress and maxi.  Overall, it's a good pattern.  My biggest pet peeve is the illustrations.  Some of the photos are of completely different fabric, meaning they weren't using the same fabric for the bodice in every photo.  It is very confusing for an intermediate sewer let alone a beginner, and this pattern is marketed for beginners.  I also wish the seam allowances were more prominently displayed.  I actually thought there were none until I went back through the pattern for this review and found it.

I made a size 14 for growing room, and there will be very little.  This pattern runs small.  But that's okay, it's just a note for anyone else wanting to try the pattern.

I didn't like having a raw seam at the waist, so rather than stitch the bodice and lining to the skirt as one unit, I chose to only attach the bodice then stitch the lining down to enclose the raw edge.  I used the stitch in the ditch method, and hand tacked any places that didn't catch.  Don't mind my stray threads.  Oops. :)

Pattern Review:


Pattern Description:   Hadley's Tween Halter Top, Dress and Maxi - PDF pattern

Pattern Sizing: Girls' 7/8 through 15/16 - I made a size 14.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes 

Were the instructions easy to follow? For the most part.  Some of the photos were different fabrics, and that makes it confusing.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? It was fairly easy once I realized the photos were different.  That is my biggest complaint.  

Fabric Used: 100% cotton

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: The bodice and bodice lining are treated as one when attached to the skirt.  I chose to only attach the bodice then stitched the lining in place to cover the raw edge.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? No, I won't be using this one again.  I recommend it to others but with a note about the illustrations.  Pay attention.  

Conclusion: I think after having this experience with a PDF pattern and it being the first, I'll stick to the big 4.  They are better written and illustrated.  This pattern runs small, so measure if you can.  This little girl wears a size 12 now, and this dress fits her loosely, but it won't last as long as I wanted or expected.  I thought it would have much more room in the waist.  

I also made a matching doll dress using another PDF pattern, and I had some issues with it as well.  I'll review it at a later date.

I would advise buying these PDF patterns based on reviews.  There were no reviews when I bought these, and I won't do that again.

I hope this helps.  If you have questions, please feel free to ask.

Happy Friday!
Angela