Wednesday 2 August 2017

Eva Dress + Little Shopper Tote ~ Baby Shower Gift

I recently sewed up a darling little dress for a yet to be born baby. Presented in a reusable gift bag, this was my contribution for the baby shower.


What a difference natural light makes to photos. It's a little washed out, but the outside photo is truer to colour - showing off the beautiful Japanese cotton. The dress is reversible - the other side being Penny Lane, by Riley Blake.

Made to fit a size 1, the dress is sewn with the Eva Dress pattern by AngelLea Designs; available on MadeIt and Etsy as a PDF download. The pattern has a good range of sizes - 6 months to 6 years. 

I was lucky enough to be able to choose the pattern as part of my winnings in a competition a couple of years ago. 


The pattern is easy to tile and tape together, and includes both a pattern piece joining guide and a cutting layout. I couldn't see an option to just print the size you need, but that doesn't bother me as I prefer to print all sizes and then trace the size/s I'm sewing.

A chart with finished dress measurements is included. There's no body measurements chart, but there are instructions detailing how to take body measurements and choose the right size, as well as how to lengthen or shorten the pattern.

Quantities of materials are listed and suggestions given for suitable fabric types, including quilting cottons which I've used.

All necessary information is marked on the patterns pieces - grain line, fold, name of each pattern piece, name of pattern, pocket placement, etc. 

Size lines on the pattern are indicated by solid or dashed lines.


Tying the shoulder knots was the hardest part of making the dress. I simply couldn't get the two knots to match. I'm sure the Mum of the soon to be born little girl will have no problems.

The directions are well set out, comprehensive and easy to follow. It's been a long time since I've seen an Indie pattern designer refer to grading seams - a detail which makes for a professional finish.

There are clear photographs for every step of the process. I don't mind if pattern designers include diagrams or photos, as long as they illustrate each step, are easy to interpret and clearly show right and wrong sides of the fabric.

Measurements are given in both metric and imperial.


Much as I like them, I omitted the two shirred pockets included in the pattern. Other than that, I followed the pattern as is.

The Eva Dress really is a quick and easy make. It's a great pattern, and one I'm sure I'll make again.


I popped the dress inside a little tote bag, made using my Little Shopper Tote tutorial. As the dress is made for a one year old, she'll be able to use her matching bag for carrying toys to her Nana's, when out shopping with her Mum and Dad, or for trips to the Library.


Sewing for babies is such fun! Here's a few baby items I've made in the past...

What's your go to gift for babies?

Eva Dress by Angel Lea Designs ~ pattern review + Reusable Gift Bag - baby shower gift ~ Threading My Way

If you are looking for baby gift ideas, check out out the Everything Baby link party, here at Threading My Way. Feel free to add your own projects.

... Pam


10 comments:

  1. JOY @ http://joysjotsshots.blogspot.com/3 August 2017 at 01:23

    Yes, using scraps to make the reusable gift bag is a great idea. I've had several receivers to be as amazed by the bag as the gift.

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  2. Mimi3 August 2017 at 08:22

    That's super cute Pam! My go to for Baby Shower gifts is always hand dyed and embroidered Muslin Wraps. These are ridiculously expensive to buy (around $60-$80 for 'designer' ones in a box of three!), and are universally loved by all. I remember making similar reversible Christmas outfits for all the babies in our social circle going back 25 years ago. They are simple aren't they! Mimi xxx

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  3. Celtic Thistle3 August 2017 at 17:16

    Lovely dress Pam and it sounds like a well thought out pattern, which is always such a bonus. Hopefully one day I will need to use baby dress patterns :)

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  4. Sewing by Shirley3 August 2017 at 21:59

    What a fabulous gift! I love the idea of putting it in the little matching tote. I am going to save this post because this makes such a special little baby shower gift. It is so much more personal than just picking up something at the store. The fabric is perfect!

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  5. margaret4 August 2017 at 15:30

    such a cute dress and pretty bag too

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  6. Jenya @ While she was sleeping5 August 2017 at 15:00

    It is a very thoughtful present Pam. I hope the little girl will enjoy wearing it :) I have made a few dresses with ties on shoulders, and they always look better on! So no reason to worry :)

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  7. Schulz Family5 August 2017 at 17:57

    so gorgeous. Great material, great pattern.

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  8. Josie12 August 2017 at 05:30

    This is an absolutely darling little gift, what a lucky baby xx

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  9. Annie15 August 2017 at 04:55

    What an adorable dress, I love your fabric choice! And how great is that you made a matching bag. I bet the mother can't wait for the baby girl to grow big enough for the dress :)

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