Bedford Blog Tour | Dots Gallore (plus a discount code)

Hello!

Welcome to the Henry & Bedford Blog Tour;)

I was lucky enough to test the Bedford dress, one of the two new patterns from Brooklyn Patterns.

I had tried the Franklin Dress for the Flip this Pattern challenge and was quite impressed with Erin’s work. The Bedford dress is obviously a very different dress and one that actually took me outside my comfort zone (sewing-wise, of course). It’s an A-line tank dress with a (very clever) racerback and exposed zipper.

At first I wasn’t sure if I could actually sew one for my girl (I don’t think I have ever sew or bought a racerback top/dress for her!), but she was over the moon with the back design and keep pushing me to have it done.

I did make a previous version with the exposed zipper, but after some adjustments (I took 2 inches off the dress length, just because I prefer it a bit shorter), in the final version the zipper is not fully “exposed” – just the zipper tape. I guess we all need to compromise 😉

Trust me, this was really a major challenge for me. Even the lady at my local shop, gave me a funny look when I told her I was about to try my first “exposed zipper” (I keep purchasing her the same notions and I’m sure I’m her best customer for mother of pearl buttons) … The fabric combo used for the first version was really sweet (swiss dot cotton in mint with an exposed pink zipper), but it was this “bolder” second version with big green and blue polka dots, that really made it for us.

As usual, I was a bit unsure about this fabric option until I actually saw it on her – it looks really cute and, fortunately, she loved it!! The fabric is a cotton print from Fabric Finders and it’s been in my stash for quite a while …

I guess I don’t have to tell you which was her favorite feature …

Yes, the racerback 😉

To be honest, and although the Bedford is rather easy to sew, one really needs to take some time to sew around the armholes. Nevertheless, Erin’s instructions are really helpful and comprehensive – just take it slowly and enjoy the process 🙂

Thank you so much Erin! I really needed to be challenged and this dress was the perfect excuse for it.

Plus, it’s absolutely amazing and made a little “lady” very happy (she also “needed” this dress – “it’s so cool, mum!”).

Do take a minute to check the other blog tour participants. Plus, to make it even better, there’s a 20% discount on any Brooklyn pattern in the shop from July 6th to July 15th, with the code: SUMMERFUN15.

Happy sewing,

Ana Sofia