My Brynley girl has a birthday just a few days before Christmas. And we try to make it a big deal. We also have a tradition where I make a skirt or dress for the birthday girls, so I like to make Brynley’s really fun. This year, I knew I wanted to make her a Georgia Twirl dress from Shwin Designs. I love the full circle skirt, the underskirt, and the v-neck back.
And while going through my fabric I came across this plaid shirting from Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts a year or so ago and knew it was the perfect pairing. Brynley has a vibrant personality, and the fun colors and bold plaid just fit her perfectly. And when she “ooh”ed when she saw the fabric, it was a done deal.
I didn’t realize at first that the bodice had this fun cross-over detail, and I really like the subtle detail. It really speaks to what I love about Shwin Designs patterns–Shauna always adds details that set her designs apart.
Pattern Name and Designer: Georgia Twirl Top/Dress by Shwin Designs
Price: $9
Size Range: 12-18 mo to 8
Size I Made: 2T with a 3T length
What I Like: I like the bodice cross-over detail, the back neckline, and the double-layered circle skirt. I love the silhouette of this dress.
And what does Brynley love about this dress? The twirl factor of course!
What I Don’t Like: That the back of the skirt is open unless you tack it closed. Also, the front neckline is a bit high. And because of the way the bodice is created, adding sleeves wasn’t possible, which I would have liked.
Modifications: I lowered the front neckline a bit, raised the back V by an inch, and cut a size 3 length for the skirt. I also tacked the back skirt together for a little more modesty.
Would I Sew It Again: Definitely. The high neckline and open skirt are super easy to adjust so they don’t bother me. Also, I would try to extend the shoulder piece just a tad to create a faux cap sleeve next time.
I really love the way the busy plaid pairs with the fresh white underskirt. And of course I love that my little girl loves her birthday dress and can hardly wait for it to come out of the dryer so she can wear it again.
What do you think about this dress? What modifications would you have done?
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This is adorable!!
Thank you Tammy!
I am thinking I need to make this dress in my size!
My daughter just grew out of this one and wants another one. Its a great dress!
This is absolutely happy and adorable. How difficult was it to work with the plaid? You’ve matched the lines so beautifully. I get so frustrated working with plaida.