Pattern Review: Sophie’s Vintage Sunsuit by Haute Diggity

I originally saw this pattern on Pinterest and had to move it to the top of my sewing to-do list.   It’s so sweet, unique, and retro. Seriously, how adorable is this sun suit?

I’m a huge fan of PDF patterns.  I much prefer them to the traditional ones.  I purchased this pattern here and instantly downloaded it.

The pattern is pretty easy to follow. but there were a couple things on the pattern and/or instructions that could use an update to make this outfit easier to complete.  I wrote Haute Diggity and she actually did find these things and update them so if you buy the pattern from a third party as I did, check to ensure #1 below is updated in your version of the PDF pattern.

(1) The pattern piece for sizes 3T-8 called the “Back Elastic piece” (pg 111-112) is missing the detail on it that you need to cut on fold. Part A of the piece is missing cut lines for each size (they only show on Part B). Part A says the piece is for “All Sizes” but it’s actually only for sizes 3T-8. And since it’s missing those cut lines, it appears as if you’d cut a rectangle with a notch but that’s not the case (it should be a full rectangular piece).
(2) I guess it’s assumed but the pattern doesn’t tell you when to serge or zigzag raw edges which would be nice (mostly on the bloomers as most of the seams on the bodice are encased).
(3) For sizes 2T and up you sew the crotch (in lieu of snaps) and that’s the only details you get. Pics or more detailed instructions on how/where to sew the crotch piece correctly would be super helpful for people who don’t sew a lot of pants. I’d say I’m an intermediate level sewer and I had to seam rip and figure it out on my own.

These are pattern critiques but just a few points of interest:

• I had to make a size up for my daughter.  She just turned two and the 3T measurements matched her specific measurements better but I’m noticing her 2T clothes could stand to be a 3T so that’s probably just due to her being at the top of the size charts for her age.  
• She still has those chunky, adorable baby thighs too so the leg elastic lengths the pattern has you use for the 3T could’ve stood to have an extra inch for her so I may rip those out and add in a bigger piece of elastic.

Overall, though this is one of the cutest little outfits ever and the instructions were thorough with great instructional pictures (which I personally find more clear than written instructions a lot of the time). I’ll definitely be making more of this pattern, especially now that I’ve worked out the kinks.