We don’t pattern test much these days.

But, the time was right, and we thought we could squeeze one into our “sewing schedule”.

We love and appreciate Children’s Corner patterns. These patterns are some of the first we ever sewed. And, they are ones that fit our nieces quite well, with minimal {if any} adjustments, time and time again. The Allie Dress is no different. We sewed a sz 4, Allie Dress for EA and lengthened it to a sz 6. We don’t have a similar pattern in our stash, so it benefited us to sew.

For those of you unfamiliar with Children’s Corner pattern, here are some important things to note:

1. Children’s Corner patterns have been around for 40+ years. Their designs are classics. Years ago, when Ashley worked at our local heirloom shop, Handmades, this company was one of our go to pattern companies for children’s handmade clothing.

2. Children’s Corner patterns are printed on tissue and are NOT stacked (except possibly an occasional skirt piece). Each piece is separate, so there is no tracing involved.

3. Many of the pattern pieces are interchangeable (sleeves for example), giving you the ability to mix and match, therefore creating your own custom design.

4. Impeccable fit. We are continually amazed at how well their sizing works for our nieces.

We can say without a doubt none of the four things mentioned above have changed.

For those already familiar with Children’s Corner patterns, here is what has changed:

1. Updated graphics and images for their pattern covers.

2. Updated illustrations and instructions. In the past, we felt like the instructions were written for a generation that is much more familiar with sewing than ours. For beginners, like us, at times it was a struggle to follow the directions (**however, Ms. Lezette’s videos always seemed to pull us through**). We think for those familiar with these wonderful patterns you will see the difference, and be pleased (even if you could follow the directions with ease before)!

Recently, Children’s Corner released the Nora pattern – which sadly we weren’t able to test due to our Disney vacation – a knit dress with 2 options: drop waist with a circle skirt or an A-line dress with either long or short sleeves.

However, we were able to pattern test their most recent pattern, the Allie. We have always had a soft spot for patterns that button down the front of the dress. The pattern comes with a blouse and dress option, as well as two collar options, short and long sleeves. You may also choose to elasticize / cinch the waist or leave it loose. We think the cinched version is perfect for the older child or tween, while the uncinched version is precious for a younger child or toddler. Really the possibilities are endless. The only slight modification we made was lining and piping the sleeves, instead of adding a ruffle as indicated on the pattern.

The dress itself is a simple sew.

Nothing fussy or troublesome about it really.

We did think the elastic waist casing was irritating to EA when she initially tried it on.

So, we shot it to her straight and said we’d take it out and she could wear it as an a-line dress.

No . . . that was her “favorite part”. . .

Alright then . . . it stays.

Goes to show you what we know!

Tweet