Issie top and dress by Sewpony

You have probably heard by now that Suz from Sewpony has updated her Little Betty pattern, added more sizes and views, and recently re-released the pattern as the Issie top.

When Little Betty was first released I wanted to sew it so desperately, but was simply terrified of sewing knits. I eventually mastered up enough courage and made a winter version in merino sweatshirting with ruffles made from Liberty. Oh boy, how little does Miss R look in those photos! She was only four then and still the only child.

Fast forward two years. I now love working with knits. I have been meaning to sew Little Berry for my little love for a while now, but I knew that Suz was going to upgrade the pattern so I decided to wait until the pattern was re-released.

The wait was worth it! The Issie top offers a lot more options - two ruffles on the bodice section, one horizontal ruffle, no ruffles at all. Traditional neck binding or gorgeous tie collar. Ribbing on the sleeves and the body or plain... Then there is a very simple way to turn the top into a dress. The size range for the Issie top is 12 months to 12 years.

Miss L loves ruffles, so that dictated the choice of the view I made. I purchased gorgeous Art Gallery printed knit from Ministry of Fabric last year. I made a few things for my girlies from it last summer and had a small piece left over. There was enough for the body of the Issie top! Ruffles are made from this knit, also from Ministry of Fabric.

When I showed the top to Miss L her feedback was, and I quote, 'I liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiike it'! With an appropriate spark in her big blue eyes.

Seeing how much she liked the top I decided to sew the Issie pattern for her again, as a dress this time.

Suz gives very simple instructions on how to turn the Issie top into an A-line dress. Personally I love A-line dresses, however I notice that my little love prefers gathered skirts. Perhaps due to their twirl factor. OK. Definitely because of the twirl factor!

I used the same bodice, ruffle, sleeve and neck binding pieces and cut two rectangles to make a gathered skirt. The width of the skirt is the width of the bodice X2. The length of the skirt is outlined in the pattern instructions.

Miss L's wardrobe features a lot of blue, so I decided to add a little colour to it. A splash of bright colour has not hurt anyone yet, right?

The gorgeous pink knit was purchased from MaaiDesign, and the solid knit from Ministry of Fabric. Neither of these fabrics are currently available, but both shops carry a wide range of other beautiful products!

It is probably important to mention that this pattern has not only 'grew' in sizes and offers more options, it is now available in three languages, English, Dutch and French!

If you would like to sew one or twenty Issie tops you can get the pattern now with a 10% discount by using the code ISSIERELEASE10 at checkout.

Today Katrien, Emily and Qwinta are also sharing their creations, so make sure to visit them. If you missed any of the 'stops' during the tour, you can catch up following these links:

MONDAY 23/10: anaaisID//frl.love//naaisgerief//
WEDNSEDAY 25/10: VINK//amore//MeToezie//
FRIDAY 27/10: Beletoile//Flaflinko//Froleintilia//Ariane//
MONDAY 30/10: Riddersenrozen//128//
WEDNESDAY 1/11: WithlovebyEva//ByDagbjort//Stannel//
FRIDAY 3/11: Nah-connection//DoGuincho//Groovybabyandmama//liiviundliivi//
MONDAY 6/11: Pistolwhip//Mendandmakenew//Kneesocksandgoldilocks//
WEDNESDAY 8/11: Creativecatoo//Justaddfabric//Casennina//
FRIDAY 10/11: Enjoyfulmakes//Kaatjenaaisels//Larth//Whileshewassleeping//