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I am so happy with the results of my most recent pattern test. This is the new Camille Dress Pattern by Laela Jeyne. Isn’t it such a cute dress? Marisa did a great job designing a casual, yet sophisticated dress. And that back cutout is so pretty. Below I will give you all the details on this pretty new dress pattern on the market. You can purchase the pattern on sale during the release here. 
Dress Pattern Review: Laela Jeyne Camille Dress
- Pattern Description
The Camille Dress PDF pattern includes:
- Comfortable and beautiful open back summer dress with two sleeves: Cap sleeve and flutter sleeve
- Above knee or tea lengths
- Scalloped hem or standard hem
- Button back closure on top with an invisible zipper at the waist
- Clearly written instructions with color photos or technical drawings to illustrate each step
- Detailed information on how to print with layers so you print only the size you need
- Detailed fabric layout
- Yardage and size charts
- Tested pattern pieces for women’s sizes 00-26 with sizes A-E
- No trim pages for US and A4 paper
- A0 copy shop file
- Recommended Fabrics
Woven fabrics with a nice drape such as: Rayon challis, chambray, tencil denim (lightweight),
seersucker, polyester blends, linen, and satin-like fabrics.
- Pattern Sizing
I like that the pattern has cup sizes. I used the size 2 bodice, a cup, graded to an 8 waist and a 4 skirt with an 8 waist. I feel like I was a little bit more all over the place for the sizing on this dress and I don’t know why. My measurements are the same, but I really had to go up for the waist fit on this one.
- Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, this is sewn according to the pattern and no pattern hacks/modifications were made. BUT, after taking photos I did notice that my button is sewn too far over causing tightness and pulling that shouldn’t be there. Moving the button closer to the back opening will help fix that.
- Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes they were easy to follow, however I would not say this is a beginner friendly pattern. For people who have sewn with zippers and linings the directions will not be a problem. I also prefer to install my invisible zipper using this tutorial from the fabulous Mimi G. It is so easy and works every time.
https://youtu.be/E_luj9hqBx8
- What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I absolutely love the back detail on this dress. The way it is open yet not too revealing is my favorite design element. I really like the scalloped hem option. If I had more time to sew I would have chosen that hemline for sure, but I was in a bit of a rush on this one. The button loop closure is fun too. I don’t love flutter sleeves so I chose the cap sleeve option for myself. It is nice that there are different looks that you can make to suit your taste. I also wish the dress had pockets, but those could be easily added.
- Fabric Used:
This is a chambray dot from Hobby Lobby. Make sure to use a zipper that is the same color or closer to your dress fabric and it will look much better. Clearly my cream zipper was not ideal…and in my stash of well over 50 invisible zippers I didn’t have any better matches…go figure. I do have this stash of zippers I bought from Amazon and they have been great (well, as long as you have the color you need). I usually have better luck matching and this offers a great variety of colors.
- Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
During testing some changes were made to the bust area of the a cup. While the end result was a much better fitting bust my little teeny tiny chest still needed a little help. I raised the under bust darts by 1 inch to further take in some extra fabric. Also, I used a nifty little bra hack so that I could still wear a bra with this dress and fill it out a little better. Here is a video showing this easy trick in case you need a backless bra option for this dress or others like it:
- Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I plan on making this again. I definitely want to try the scalloped hem and a more appropriate fabric choice. I would recommend this to others who consider themselves advanced beginners or higher.
- Conclusion
This is a pretty dress to add a sophisticated touch to your wardrobe. I see many different looks and possibilities that you could get from this dress and think the unique style is absolutely lovely.
An additional pattern review for Laela Jeyne can be found by clicking the image below:
All of my pattern reviews can be found HERE.
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Until next time, Happy Sewing
About 18 years ago I decided to teach myself how to sew. Long before blogs and resources available today which meant it was often disastrous. But I never gave up because I loved it so much. Today I love helping others get started on their own sewing journey. You can read more about my family and I