Mila's Tulip Sleeve Top and Dress from Simple Life Pattern Company
/Crystal here, from Stitched by Crystal! I am a sucker for a tulip sleeve...so as soon as I saw the Mila dress and top pattern from the Simple Life Pattern Company I had to have it! This pattern features a sweet tulip sleeve, a notched neckline, an optional contrast band on the skirt, and an optional bow in the back. It closes with a zipper back and it can be made as a dress or a top!
I made my daughter the top version in a size 5. The fit is spot on! And I was able to make the top out of fabric in my scrap bin, it took less than a yard of fabric!
The size chart in the pattern makes it easy to choose the right size to sew and the layers option for printing makes for easy assembling and cutting. There are only pattern pieces for sleeves and bodice, the skirt and sash measurements are included in a chart that prints on the pattern pieces, less pages to print so you save some trees!
I always enjoy sewing patterns by the Simple Life Pattern Co. The instructions are easy to understand, the photos are clear, and the finished product is always stunning!
Tasha's Version:
Hi all, Tasha here from Sewn at Seams. Recently my 2 daughters started asking me to sew them more dresses. Of course I am happy to oblige and it definitely makes my heart sing to know they like wearing Mommy-made clothing. I was searching for a pattern with a simple yet eye-catching detail and the Mila pattern from the Simple Life Pattern Co. caught my attention. I have all the heart eyes for both the tulip sleeve and the notched neckline.
I made the dress length version for my youngest daughter. It took me just under a full yard of 44/45” width fabric to make this dress and that included lining the bodice with the same fabric. Using my daughter’s measurements and comparing them to the size chart, I sewed a size 3 width for the bodice but cut the skirt measurement length closer to a size 2. Even if my daughter hits a growth spurt this spring/summer, we can still get plenty of wear out of this adorable piece by wearing this version as a tunic or top.
I admit I was a little hesitant about the back zipper because I still struggle with installing them, but the clear instructions from the Simple Life Pattern Co. helped me produce a beautifully finished dress. It lines up beautifully and the tip on topstitching definitely makes a huge difference.
My sewing machine and iron definitely had fun constructing this dress. I’m still swooning over those tulip sleeves and my daughter is tickled pink with her new dress.
Nothing shows off a pattern better than a variety of fabrics and sizes! Today we are featuring the Kyra dress by Simple Life Pattern Company, sewn by three of our reviewers.