I want to thank Tadah! Patterns for giving me the Pleatie Dress and Shortsuit for this review. As always, all opinions remain my own.

The last full week of July is Frontier Days here in Cheyenne Wyoming. As "The Daddy of them All", Frontier Days is a 10 day long outdoor rodeo and cowboy celebration. All things cowboy are celebrated and I'm so excited to get in on the action!

In trying to decide what to do with this HUGE celebration I knew it had to be something really great. HOWEVER, seeing as we're still trying to get settled into our new place, I also knew I couldn't go too over the top because there just wasn't enough time. I spent a lot of time browsing pinterest and looking for ideas. And then, I knew that what I needed was a versatile pattern that could be the same, but different for my 3 girls. So this week I have 3 versions of the Tadah! Pleatie Dress and Shortsuit (PDS for short) for your viewing pleasure. Each day, I'll review the specific details of the options I choose.

I have to apologize in advance, because I'm sharing the versions out of order. BUT, to save paper, I always sew the biggest size first and then cut the pattern down as I go. So, up first is the PDS as a blouse. Now, if you own this pattern already, you know this isn't one of the options that comes with the pattern. BUT, it is on the Tadah! blog and it was the perfect little touch to show just how versatile this pattern is. The skirt paired here is a simple gathered skirt.

Due to the insanely hot weather we've been having, I opted for the sleeveless blouse WITHOUT pleats or collar. I figured any extra piece of fabric would make the blouse just too hot.

The pattern comes in sizes 1-12. There are no layers, but most of the pattern pieces are nested in such a way that the lines do not overlap. Each size is a different color, but that doesn't help you if you are printing in black/white. That said, I didn't have any problems cutting out any of the pieces EXCEPT the facings. Due to all the curved lines on the facings, there was a lot of overlap. Cutting out the first size was fine. But you would need to reprint the facings if you wanted to make a smaller size as the overlap cuts off pieces of each smaller size.

With a pattern line this, you really have 3 options for finishing the neck and armscye; full lining, bias tape or facings. It would be very easy to do a full lining (however a bit bulky and maybe hot). Bias tape can be tricky for some people and it can take up more time making the tape. I may consider this as a way to add more color to another version. This pattern, however, comes with facings. It includes 2 different ways to finish the facings, a quick/cheater way with a serger and a more finished way with bias tape. If you know me, you know I went with the quick way. ;)

The placket is very nicely done and all the pieces fit together well. I absolutely recommend putting in the interfacing on the placket as it not only provides reinforcement for the buttons but it also makes it easier to fold the placket into place. I opted for kam snaps. Partially because they're fast. Partially because I'm lazy, but mainly because I have about 50 different colors (about 100 each) of kamsnaps left over from when I used to make diapers (about 4 years ago) and I'd really like to use them up before I die. This top took 7 sets of kamsnaps (14 total) If you do the math, I'll need to use about 5000 kamsnaps, which works out to about 357 more shirts.

I found this perfect fabric at my local Walmart. $2.50 a yard. it is a poly/cotton blend, which makes it breathable but wrinkles less. It is a nice light weight and came in 4 coordinating colors. I hope you like it, because you better believe I bought all the coordinates. :)