The Nivalis has two special necklines (besides a "normal" round one). You can either make an asymmetrical collar or a hood. My kids LOVE hoods, so that was an easy choice (or actually no choice at all). The hood construction is interesting because the hood is on the outside of the neckline, I think I had not seen that yet. Due to this feature you can have an unlined hood without neckline stitching showing when the hood is down. The serger stitches for connecting the hood halves to each other are visible of course. If this bothers you, just line the hood or make a French seam (not explicitly explained in the pattern).
The Nivalis has several nice color blocking options (which are NOT interchangeable with the Hibernis). In our version I went all in and color blocked both the front and the back. Only using one colorblocked side or no color blocking is also possible, and easy (those pattern pieces are on the pattern as well). The dress I made has cap sleeves, my favorite kind of sleeves, they are just so cute.
Last special feature of the dress are the tabs. These cute little flaps give just a little bit extra to your dress, especially if you add a fun button detail. I again went for a flower snap, man I really love those! The pattern does not have pockets, but a pocketless dress is a No-go here, so I asked and got permission to add inseam pockets. If you would like to do the same, but do not know how to, check out the last part of this post on Sofilantjes. I that is not enough I might come to the rescue in the near future.
I have not much of a fashion sense. For example, I just kept on liking bootcut jeans through the entire previous decade. Apparently they are back in style, but I never realised they had gone out of style... My lacking fashion sense is a part of why I love reading sewing blogs. By looking through pictures I get a sense of what I like and what is hip and happening. Over the last year I have seen "stripes and florals" sprouting everywhere around me. I feel it is a very pleasing combination. Looking through my fabric stash in search of the perfect combination for my eldest, I decided I wanted a slightly more grown up version, compared to what she usually wears. Stripes and flowers jumped in my head, and I personally love the result. The people in the Facebook tester group had to get used to the combination though, so I would love to hear your opinion. The stripes are from Stoffenelf and I bought the flowers as a coupon on a market sometime ago.
For my Dutch, Belgian and German readers (the ones that have the same weather as me), yes I made these pictures this week and yes it was cold, very cold outside. I would never dare to ask my four or six year old to make pictures outside now, I would probably not even get them out of the house. They would be crying or looking grumpy in all pictures. My brave eight year old was very happy to help her mother out, and very happy when she was allowed to put her winter coat back on.
As usual the pattern is on sale for two days only, so grab your copy for 5 dollar (excl tax) in Sofilantjes's shop (affiliate link) in either Dutch or English pdf. While you are there check out the Hibernis as well if you did not get it yet!
I love to hear what you think of my creations. Feel free to leave a comment in the language you prefer (although Google translate might have to assist me if you choose something different than English, German, Dutch or Hungarian). If you buy anything through my affiliate links, I get a small commission (the price stays the same for you), I am very grateful for everything that feeds my fabric addiction.
