Sometimes there are pattern companies that you just DROOL over whenever they release anything! (aff) Simple Life Pattern Company does that for me. Every single time they put out something new (or I see something of theirs that’s “old”) I’m captivated with how beautiful it is.
That dress you’ve seen with the heart cut out of the back? Simple Life. The leggings with the bows down the side? Simple Life. That dress with the bows in the back? Simple Life. Their stuff is just SO CUTE!
So I finally sucked it up and bought the (aff) Simple Life Aria at full price. If you know me well, you’ll know I NEVER pay full price for anything. But I had to have this pattern and had procrastinated during the last (rare) sale, so live and learn! I’d considered hacking something I already owned, but that would take too long and there was no guarantees I’d figure it out.
Constructing this pattern was a breeze – and the bow construction details were so clever – I don’t think I would have worked that out on my own to be honest.
The pattern seems to be graded and nested well, it contains layers for each size, line drawings for each option, photographed tutorial, easy to follow instructions, and the pattern itself just uses 15 pages of paper. The dress comes with various sleeve lengths (I used 3/4 length w/ flutter), three skirt type options (circle, ruffled, gathered — I used gathered), and multiple bodice back options (I used modest bow back). Sizing is from 2T – 12, but there’s a separate version for babies.
The doll is wearing a mashup of the Liberty Jane Trendy T-Shirt (FREE!) and the circle skirt from QTPie Easy as Pie Bandeau Dress. I forgot about the hem allowance in the t-shirt though, and forgot to cut it off, so it ended up having a drop waist rather than the regular waistline that I was originally going for.
About the Fabric
For these dresses, I used this super fun Euro fabric from Mabel Madison with umbrellas, rain clouds, happy clouds, suns, and rainbows on it! This fabric is so unique in that 12″ of its width is devoted to appliques! These appliques include German and English text (You are my sunshine!), suns, rainbows, rain clouds, happy clouds, and umbrellas. The rest of the fabric yardage (about 46″) is the main print.
Mabel Madison scored this brown sunshine fabric from their distributer in Europe who was getting rid of it, so they’re able to pass on some savings to you! Normally this type of print would retail for over $20 p/yard, but TODAY ONLY you can get it for just $14 p/yard (preorder price!), with shipping starting tomorrow! You’ll love this fabric! Not only is the design super cute and unique, it’s also the same quality you will come to expect with European cotton lycra – soft, comfortable, vibrant, and easy to sew.
Join the Mabel Madison Facebook group to stay in the loop with their preorders and sales, and also sign up to their newsletter so you don’t miss anything!!
Pattern & Fabric Summary
Sunshine Brown Euro Cotton Lycra – Mabel Madison
Pink polkadot Cotton Lycra – Mabel Madison (Sold Out)
White Cotton Lycra – Simply By Ti
Brown/White Stripe Cotton Lycra – Purple Seamstress
(aff) Aria Dress – Simple Life Pattern Company
Disclosure: I’m a Brand Ambassador for Mabel Madison and received a yard of brown sunshine fabric complimentary for purposes of review and promotion.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
auschick sews 
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