Over the past few years, I’ve worked with several pattern designers to draft, digitize, grade and market their patterns, but I’ve never had the courage (or patience!) to release my own. Instead, I spent many sleepless nights drafting in my head – imaging how this bias tape would fit over that facing and how this lining would be turned with that closure, etc., etc. (You designers know what I mean!)
So, I am just ecstatic to release my first pattern under my new company name, Selvage Designs.
Selvage Designs will feature simple, clean lines with modern edge. You’ll see a lot of knits from me (they’re just too comfortable and easy-to-sew) and some wovens, too…children’s and adults…and maybe even some men’s? We’ll see – I’m still feeling my way through this whole thing! I swear, I’ll decide on a design to pursue, and by morning, I’m drafting something else. Ah, the creative mind…
So, I’m releasing my first pattern, the Soleil Dress, TODAY! And I can’t wait to show you all the tester photos. So let’s do that…shall we?
(Or, if you are the impatient type and just want to buy it already, go here and enter code soleilrelease2 through Sunday, April 13 at 11:59pm to get $2 off!)
First up, we have Maria of Creative Needle & Threads with her two adorable girls (and just look at her photography – drool!).
She tested both the size 7 and 4T. I just love the headbands!
Next, Jenn of A Jennuine Life created this precious dotted version for her little girl in a size 5. Love it! I happen to know this fabric came from JoAnn Fabrics’ Doodles Collection – and they have lots of 4-day stretch knits that would be great with this pattern.
And this one…this one is just to-die-for! I think *I* need a Soleil dress after seeing this one in a size 12! You can see here that this dress translates well for the little ones AND the big girls. This model is a petite 15-year-old. Her sister made this for her and said she was ecstatic to wear it to school and show it off. Don’t you love the fabric combo?! Jessica doesn’t have a blog…but perhaps she should with such excellent sewing!
This next Soleil dress is by Veronica of sewVery in the size 6X. She used fold-over elastic around the edges with excellent results! As noted in the pattern, I recommend cutting a little off the neckline if using FOE since it pulls in tighter than ribbing. 
I just love these blue polka dots and pretty much everything Veronica sews! I met her at Sewing Summit last year, and she’s is just lovely.
Okay. This next one. Are you not DYING??! How cute is this? And can you believe this fabric was hand-stamped? This size 4 was created by Al of the talented Shaffer Sisters. I just love everything about it.
What a precious, precious girl. This size 3 Soleil dress was sewn by the amazing Renee of Nearest the Pin. I just love the simple solid color with the gray edging. And don’t the big pockets look like so much fun?!
Unicorns. UNICORNS! You can’t go wrong with UNICORNS! Amirite? Jessica of Kendall Paige Designs created this 18M version, and it’s amazing. UNICORNS!
Okay, I had to include a front and back view of this one because I. CANNOT. handle the cuteness. Seriously? The fabric and the smile are just perfect. This little girl looks great in her Soleil dress. Emily of Lady and the gents made this 12M size, and now I think I need to make one for my little boy just so I can see a precious tiny person in it. Just kidding. But seriously, do you see the cuteness?
One thing I LOVE about this pattern is the large range of sizes – so it’s perfect for sister dresses! And the sizes 5+ have a tapered waist, so the fit is perfect for the little girls AND the older ones, too! Linda of Sew Happily Ever After made these for her beautiful daughters in sizes 6X and 10. I love that she paired them with leggings on one of the girls. You could even put a t-shirt or long-sleeve under the top to make this dress work for any season!
Are you overloaded with cuteness yet? No? Well fear not, because you’re about to be! Just check out Heidi’s size 2 on Handmade Frenzy. The polka dots are so simple, but they have such a big imact. This is such a classic look with the closed back – perfect for preschool!
This sweet size 12m was made by Natasha at Friends Stitched Together for her chubby 7-month-old girl. All I have to say is, WOW, she is standing so well! What a great model. And she is just gorgeous. Look at those eyes! (The dress is nice, too.)
Oooooh, don’t you love this tribal print fabric? This is another great example of how fabulous Soleil works for the older girls, too. Shawnta of Shawnta Sews made this size 8 for her stunning daughter, and it’s one of my absolute faves.
And another little one. Photos like this make me need more babies!!!! Steph made this 18M size for her little girl, Baby A, and it’s just perfect. The purple color suits her skin tone and hair color so perfectly. She’s just starting to walk, so I see more Soleil dresses in her future! Oh, and Steph is a professional photographer…you will just love her work on her blog!
And last, but certainly not least, Mel of Filles a Maman sewed this fantastic size 3. Mel has some more of these in the works, and she’ll be joining the blog tour in a few weeks. Isn’t this fabric the best? Sooo cute!
I have a few more tester photos still in the works, so stay tuned for the rest of the fabulous Soleil dresses!
If you aren’t already convinced that you NEED this pattern, I’m offering $2 off through Sunday, April 13 at 11:59pm. Just enter code soleilrelease2 at checkout to get your discount. And feel free to share that code via your social media channels!
Here’s where you can read reviews and purchase your copy of the Soleil dress pattern.
Happy sewing!!
laurenydahl
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