A Ruffley Blue Linen Coquelicot Pinafore

 I received a fun email back in March. A year ago I tested the Wildflower Designs' Coquelicot Skirt pattern, and now the Designer, Melanie, was expanding the pattern and asked if I'd like to test the expansion.

YES!!!!

Coming was the addition of a bib so the skirt could be turned into a pinafore or an apron. 

Ever since making my Little Women inspired pinafore dress last fall, I've been on the pinafore train and dreaming up new ones to add to my wardrobe. Using a skirt pattern I already had and knew I liked as the base for a new pinafore? Perfect!

I quickly sent off a reply to Melanie saying I'd love to test the new pinafore options and preceded to go pick the perfect material from my fabric stash.

I found a bright blue linen blend in a bin of fabric I was given a couple years ago. It was just the thing!

I decided to make the view A skirt with the ruffle hem hack from the Wildflower designs blog.

To keep the garment as versatile as possible the new bib is actually made to be entirely detachable from the skirt. 

The bib and skirt are made separately, then buttoned together inside the front waistband.

When the garment is worn you can't at all tell that the bib is a separate piece!

I appreciate having the option to wear just the skirt on it's own if I'd like to, but even more than that. . .

The total separation means I can use just the bib pattern with my fabric scraps to make just about any skirt in my wardrobe into a pinafore! All I'll have to do is add buttons to the inside of my skirt waistbands for this to work! How cool is that??

Ok, so I don't think I'm actually going to turn every single skirt I've ever made into a pinafore, but it is a fun option to have!

The bib features straps that criss-cross in the back and button to the sides of the bibs under the arms.

The bib is fitted with tucks at the waistline, but these could easily be changed to gathers or darts if you want a slightly different look.

Personally, I like the look of the tucks! And I really like the square neckline!

I've enjoyed wearing my new pinafore all spring.

My husband calls in my "Dorothy Dress" and comments on how cute it is every time I wear it.

If you're interested in giving this pattern a whirl it can be found here on the Wildflower Designs website.

Thank you Melanie for inviting me to test this pattern!