Clever Charlotte Flip

Let me begin by saying that this pattern is true perfection!  Clever is the perfect name for this darling line of patterns. For a while now I have had my eye on the chickadee blouse pattern simply for its adorable collar.  So when this pattern was available to 'flip'  I nearly flipped myself.

The pattern is expertly created and carefully constructed.  I was impressed with the clear directions and attention to detail.  Two darling woven labels were included to add to the wow factor.  (The labels were used up early on my "muslin" of Christmas jammies.  Too bad there aren't a few more labels for the 2 chickadee blouses that are cut and sitting on the sewing table.  Can you tell I'm loving this pattern?)

I used the offset Peter Pan collar as my inspiration.  For the dress I lowered the yoke to create dropped waist dress.  I kept the box pleat on the back of the bodice, but turned the single front pleat into a knife pleated skirt.  I loved the long sleeves, but gathered the wrist and bound with a bias strip. I then used covered buttons with loop closures to finish it off.

My favorite ( and simplest) part of the project is the little cape.

 I used a wool blend to make a simple hooded circle cape with the same collar.  I tried to mimic the cute skirt hemline in the cape, but I don't know if I pulled it off.  Hmmm.

 Oh, and it has the cutest clasp closure hiding under the collar.

This project was shared over at FrancesSuzanne.  Come over for a huge dose of inspiration and talent!