It might be an indication as to how shielding has affected me that I totally forgot to write up the pattern review for the Fleur Pinafore which I made back at the beginning of June!
Firstly, a shout out to Felicity Fabrics from where I sourced the beautiful floral cotton for this project. It was absolutely perfect. I wanted something durable (this pinafore is likely to see a lot of gardening action over the next few months) but yet pretty and I have a love of any fabric with a vintage vibe.
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To be honest, I have nothing like this in my wardrobe – I don’t really think of clothes as utilitarian; however, I’m embarking on sorting out my garden space over the next few weeks and months and I figured it would do no harm to dress suitably and save my dresses from dirt (and paint). It’s also the kind of pinafore that could double up as a kitchen apron – perfect for a baking day.
While pinafore dresses have never really appealed to me, there was something so innately feminine about this one that I just felt inspired to make one. It may well have been the name ‘Fleur’ that made it sound so perfect, given how I plan to wear it. I had also loved how Brittani, the amazing designer behind UT, called the pattern a “palate cleanser” and recommends doing it in between projects. Having been sewing for 6 months now, it sounded like the perfect project, especially because solitude it causing me to lose my focus a little at the moment, too.
Brittani’s description is spot on – this was a wonderfully straightforward make. The pattern pieces are, basically, all rectangles – there’s nothing complicated about that!
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You don’t need to bother with a toile and adjustments – so long as you have your waist measurement, you are ready to go!
There are options for the straps – I went with the ties because they add a little more femininity to the pinafore. It also meant there was no faffing about with the fitting to get them sitting just right – so if I a wearing a thin summer tea or a sweater underneath, the fit will be spot on.
I love the size of the skirt pockets – perfect for pottering around in the garden. I also opted for the bib pocket, just for a little extra sewing time and practice with pattern matching (which, admittedly, has always scared me a little but I’m slowly building up the courage to just go for it now).
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I cannot overstate how relaxing a project this was – even the waistband was so easy to construct.
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It probably took more time getting the buttonholes in exactly the right place than it did completing any part of the actual pinafore. The only fault I could find with this pattern is that it allows for a little more ease than what I’m used to (but that’s because I’m usually in fit and flare style dresses) so I had to fiddle around with button placement a little bit just to feel comfortable. Loose doesn’t necessarily mean comfortable, in my book.
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It’s a cute one, the Fleur. Such a satisfying make and perfect for beginners as well as more advanced sewists who are looking for a relaxing make- so simple and yet so sweet. It’ll make an appearance again at the weekend when I get started on the kitchen garden.
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I have never been so content to look casual – in fact, I’m not sure I’ve ever dressed casual so I guess sewing has opened up another door over the last 6 months.