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Yay for new pattern releases! For the last couple of weeks, I’ve been testing the Camilla top and dress from Simple Life Pattern Company. Camilla is adorable, and even though my 8 year old declared that hers made her look like a giant napkin (some of our table linens are in the same fabric, and my 4 year old Slytherin has intentionally been wiping her hands on her dress just to mess with her), she has actually been choosing to wear it! Phew!
About the Pattern
Camilla features a scallop back with button down back. The front bodice has an option for a scoop or sweetheart neckline. The straps cross over at the back and while I chose the fixed style, there’s also an option for an adjustable button down strap. Camilla can be made either as a top or a dress, with the dress version having two styles – tiered (which is what I chose), or gathered. Sizing is from 2T – 12.
My youngest daughter is also modeling her top with the Emilya Skinny pants that I tested last month.
Fabric
In terms of fabric, this pattern is designed for wovens. I used a rayon (JoAnn remnant) for my youngest’s top and quilting cotton (Art Gallery Fabrics) for my eldest’s dress. Some testers had trouble with drapier fabrics not playing nicely with the scallop design, so to avoid that I interfaced the back and front bodice lining pieces on my top version (I get my interfacing from either Palmer and Pletch (via Fabric Mart) or Fashion Sewing Supply).
Fit & Sizing
I found the fit to be accurate. My eldest measured a size 5 chest and was between an 8 and 10 for height, so I went with a 10. To be more precise I could have shortened the straps by about a 1/2″ since they are possibly a little long for her right now (her height is probably a size 9), but at least she has growing room ;-).
My youngest measured size 2T for her chest and 4T for height, so I lengthened the top and used the 4T straps.
Tips & Tricks
I did modify the instructions for finishing the seams in this pattern. My serger was set up with red thread and knit needles because I was still working on July 4 outfits, so I decided to do French seams throughout and a burrito roll on the bodice. Never heard of a burrito roll? Let me enlighten you! Below is a video tutorial from Melly Sews.
To do this with the Camilla, I attached the first tier to the bodice outer layer, burrito roll attached it to the lining, then attached the second tier to the first tier (dress version).
Do you need this dress in your pattern collection? Be sure to grab Camilla this week while it’s on sale!
auschick sews 