York Pinafore

I had the pleasure of testing the newest pattern from Helen’s Closet, the York Pinafore. The pattern was released today and I’m happy to be able to show off my tester version of the dress.

The York Pinafore is a beginner friendly jumper with a cocoon shape and scooped sides. There are options for 2 styles of pockets, 2 necklines, and 2 lengths. I made the view with the higher neckline and the kangaroo pocket. My pinafore is the longer knee length.

This pattern is great if you need an instant gratification project! It’s a really quick sew that doesn’t require a large amount of fabric. I used a printed cotton/linen blend that had been hanging around in my stash for a while with no real purpose. I thought the cotton/linen blend would be a good weight for the pinafore and would showcase the cocoon shape nicely.

The only problem with this fabric is that it doesn’t match anything in my wardrobe other than my white t-shirts. I suppose that’s OK since I love wearing white t-shirts and, happily, my Birkenstocks are a great match, too. I would really like to make one in denim or chambray since that would match the majority of my tops. I think a chambray York would make a great everyday dress and would make a good swim coverup for our trips to the local beach and splash park.

The pinafore is pattern is just two pieces plus the pocket (or pockets, depending on the view.) The neckline and armholes are finished with bias tape. I used self fabric for my bias tape. The pattern calls for double fold bias tape but since my fabric was pretty substantial I cut it a little narrower and did more of a single fold situation. Helen made a couple of sizing tweaks since testing, so I plan to reprint the pattern and compare it to my tester pattern before I cut another.

I’m still generally a little bit uncertain about cocoon shaped dresses on my pear shaped body, but each time I sew one I’m pleasantly surprised. I really like the curve at the hips– this feels like the perfect amount of ease.

I’ve been seeing a resurgence of overalls, dungarees, jumpers, and pinafores lately. I am of the age that I lived through (and seriously loved) that trend once in the 90s. I sort of feel like I might be a little too old to try overalls again, but wearing this pinafore has reminded me of why I loved this style the first time around. It’s just the right amount of loose and so perfect for days when you don’t want your clothes to touch you. Will the York pinafore be my gateway back into overalls? Only time will tell!

The York Pinafore pattern is currently 20% off until May 31st and available here.

Thanks for reading!

~Teri

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