Today we are sharing with you the S ugar and Spice Dress by 5 Berries. This adorable knit number is great paired with leggings or tights, and could easily be a summer frock with the short sleeve option. Made with knit, this is super comfy even if it looks a little fancy. Take a look at the second review and see how you can easily adapt this to more of a play dress for a little girl.

Get a great discount at 5 Berries - 15% off with code: 2014. ( offer expires midnight 1/7 EST. This offer can not be combined with other offers and is good only in the Shop).

Here are Theresa and Kara to show off their reviews of this pattern....

This review was completed by a 3rd party objective reviewer who received a complimentary copy of the pattern in order to complete the review. Neither Pattern Revolution nor the reviewer received any additional compensation for this review

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Hello everyone! This is Theresa again and I am happy to be back today with a review of the Sugar and Spice Dress by 5Berries Patterns. I have several patterns by 5Berries but have not had a chance to sew any up. I don’t know about you, but I only seem to get things done when I have a deadline. So, I was very excited to review this and finally try one out, especially since it is one designed for knits, my fabric of choice!

As the designer states, this pattern has the comfort of knit fabric while still having the look of a boutique design! The front of the dress has four ruffles and the bottom one extends around the back of the dress as well. It has three different sleeve options, short, ¾ and long, that make this an all season pattern. While not included as an option in the pattern, it would be very easy to make this sleeveless for the very hot months. I just love options! A large range of sizes are included in this pattern: 6 months-12! You will use this pattern for years.

The tutorial/pattern downloaded and printed easily. The pattern pieces are computer generated and the pages match up perfectly. The pieces are nested together and each of the different sizes are clearly marked for easy cutting. There are charts to help you choose what size to make and to determine fabric requirements. I do recommend that you double check the measurement chart for sizing because I noticed that the chest measurements run a tad bit smaller than I usually see in patterns. My daughter is usually a solid size 5, but may have been better off with a size 6 in the Sugar and Spice.

The tutorial is very thorough, clear and easy to follow. The designer gives step by step instructions, including how to print and piece together your pattern, how to lay it out on your fabric for cutting, and how to construct your garment. Pictures are included to aid in the understanding of the instructions. A glossary of terms and a few helpful hints for working with knits are also included. There are even notches for lining up your pieces and marks for ruffle placement so that you don’t have to measure yourself, making construction super simple! The actual construction directions are only 8.5 pages long and broken up into 9 easy steps. It is a quick sew. It only took me about an hour after cutting to construct the dress, and that is with finished hems (since it is knit, you can choose to leave the hems unfinished). While a serger is helpful, it is not necessary. Instructions are given for completing the dress on a sewing machine alone. While the pattern listing says it is an advanced pattern, I feel that it is more of an intermediate pattern. It is an easy sew, it would even be an advanced beginner pattern if it contained some more hints and tips for sewing with knits.

While the name says dress, it is more of what we in America call a long tunic, falling above the knees. You can dress this up with fancier knits paired with leggings, tights or linen pants or capris or you can make it more casual and pair it with jeggings or jeans. It would be very easy to lengthen it to a full dress length and I think I may do that next time. The pattern calls for ribbon across the top ruffle on the bodice and a bow, which gives it a super cute look! You could easily substitute stretch lace or fancy trim for the ribbon for a dressier look. All though not included as options in the pattern, you could decide to leave the three front ruffles off and just have the one going all around the bottom of the dress or you could even add ruffles to the back so that all four ruffles go all the way around. Did I mention that I love options? This dress is versatile, comfortable and stylish! My daughter just wore hers to the ballet and received tons of compliments on it! I can’t wait to make some more!

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5Berries Patterns

Sugar and Spice Dress

Pattern Review by Kara Orr

Of course she's the teacher's pet!

Well, here it is folks! The 5Berries Sugar and Spice Dress is just that, something very sweet! I modified the dress by taking out all of the ruffles, except for the bottom layer. My DD doesn't love tons of ruffles, but one ruffle at the bottom is perfect for her. That is the nice thing about the Sugar and Spice Dress, it is very versatile.

The pattern as is, is so cute and dressy to me. The modification I made makes the dress casual and a "wear anywhere" type of dress. Casual or dressy, the Sugar and Spice Dress fits the bill.

The Sugar and Spice Dress is designed to be made with knit fabric, and boy is it comfy! The pattern includes a size chart, finished measurements and fabric amount charts. The main parts of the dress are a printed pattern and the ruffle measurements are given to cut yourself. I can see this dress going from dressy to everyday school wear, to play clothes! The Sugar and Spice Dress really works for any occasion.

Never worked with knits before? Don't be nervous! The pattern includes LOTS of tips and hints about sewing with knits. Everything from your fabric choice to the type of stitch you should use while sewing.

The Sugar and Spice Dress goes together lickety split! It only took about an hour and a half since I didn't have all the ruffles. I can't imagine it would take much longer even with the ruffles. This dress is super easy with great neckband and armhole instructions.