Simple Life Pattern Co. Emilya Skinny Pants Update & Hampton Top

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links that help support my blog.

For the last few weeks I’ve been testing the updated Emilya Pants from Simple Life Pattern Company. This is a cute fitted pant for woven fabrics with Simple Life’s signature bow on the pockets and cute optional cuffs at the bottom.

I had not made the original Emilya Skinny Pants, but this one has been updated to reflect the company’s new hip measurement chart.

About the Emilya Skinny Pants

• Size 2T – 12
• PDF with layers and projector file
• 3 lengths – cargo shorts (bermudas), capris, pants
• Optional cuff
• Optional cargo pocket with (or without) bow
• Optional inseam pocket
• Designed for woven fabrics

My daughter measured into size 3, so I did that in capri length with no adjustments.

One thing to note is that the cuff is supposed to overlap by about a half inch or so. I couldn’t work out why mine wouldn’t do it – I possibly messed up a seam allowance somewhere, or my denim stretched out before putting the cuff on… or something. Not sure!

We tested a couple of iterations of the pants as some of us had trouble with the crotch curve. Pants are just one of those things that can take a bit of extra effort to fit, so I would suggest definitely making a muslin in the shorts size so you can make any adjustments before committing to your special fabric.

While these look cute on, my daughter isn’t used to wearing close fitted woven pants so didn’t seem to be a fan of them at first (we did go for a bike ride after our photoshoot and she was all about them, so I’m not sure… maybe they’ll be a favorite! You never really know with 4 year olds!). For a future pair, I would look at using a stretch woven instead as I think this would be more comfortable for her.

The pants do come together fairly quickly, especially if you omit the extra details. I’m a lover of top stitching though, so I made sure to do all the extra things!

Top Stitching tip:  Use 2 spools of thread through your needle (I have two spool holders on my machine, but if you only have one, you can usually stack a spool and bobbin onto one spool holder) – much easier than using top stitching thread, and looks just as good! Also be sure to increase your stitch length to about 3mm.

And for my second tip! If you’ve been around my blog for a bit, you may have seen this one before, but I just LOVE to use Quilt Basting Spray to position my patch pockets before stitching them down. Spray the pocket first (I do this on my ironing board), then position onto the pant. I haven’t had a problem with tacky residue on my ironing board in the many years I’ve been doing this.

Fabrics used: lightweight denim (JoAnn remant), Ralph Lauren striped shirting cotton (Fabric Mart)

About the Hampton Top

The Hampton Top/Dress came out in February and had been on my to-sew list since then! Making these pants was the perfect excuse to get them made! My daughter adores this one and would happily wear it every day (though this is mostly because of her avocado obsession!).

Pattern features:

• Sizes 2T – 12
• PDF with layers and projector file
• Top, dress and maxi length
• Full coverage back or cut out back option
• Flowy sleeves with a band in 2 lengths
• Sleeveless option
• Many skirt options! Simple gathered; high low; handkerchief; circle; handkerchief-circle.
• Mix and match with the Malibu dress for another cool back option!

One thing I love about Simple Life patterns is the special details and clever construction tricks. I loved the way the back strap was done – completely sandwiched between the main fabric and lining with little difficulty.

I blended a size 2T chest with 4T length and was able to JUST squeeze it out of a fat half of Wolf and Rabbit Fabrics avocados. This particular version of avocados is no longer available, however they have one with a striped background available for preorder (fabric is currently in production and has a mid-late June arrival). If you’ve never tried fabrics from this store, you’re missing out!! Ella, the designer, hand paints most of them and has them printed on organic GOTS certified fabric in Europe. It feels absolutely divine and is wonderful to sew and wear!

And the Headband!

My 4 year old’s hair is… crazy! This time last year it was dead straight, and then BAM, next thing we knew, it was fluffy, curly, and all.over.the.place. It is very cute, but so messy, I decided last minute I needed to hide it with a hairpiece.

I figured SLPCO probably had a free pattern and sure enough – they did! Barb’s Knit Headband was quick to assemble, a great way to use up my leftover avocados (*sniff*), and a perfect way to make her outfit look more put together! (I also paired it with solid Avocado, also from Wolf & Rabbit). You can get the free coupon code in the Simple Life Pattern Company Facebook Group.

Finally, Emilya is on sale this week, so be sure to grab it, and use the coupon codes (found on their FAQ page) if you’re buying additional patterns.