Today we have a fun and versatile pattern to share: Ruby's A-line Dress and Top from Simple Life Pattern Co. Check out Leonie's review of the dress and Rachel's pictures of the top to find out all about it!

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Hello! Leonie here, to chat to you about the new Ruby Aline Top and Dress from Simple LifePattern Company.... I really like the contemporary designs produced by Simple Life Pattern Company, so I was keen to jump on board with reviewing their latest round of releases.

First tip... READ the ‘Tips & Notes’ section, especially the point about the autorotate/autoportrait! I automatically unclicked the autoroate box when I printed my pattern pieces (I have had trouble previously with patterns not printing properly)... big, big, BIG mistake! The bodice piece is landscape, while the rest in portrait, and despite having an inkling that things didn’t look right, I surged ahead and made a bodice that cost me hours!

Just for your smug viewing pleasure:

So most of the pattern pieces you will require are templated, but there are a few rectangular pieces that are cut from a measurement table. Measurements are imperial only, so get out your conversion devices metric people!

The sizing chart only provides a chest and waist measurement, and my daughter measured for a size 6 according to those, which aligns with the sizing of the vast majority of her wardrobe. I found the finished product to be a little longer than ideal, which I possibly could have avoided had I consulted the ‘Finished Length’ chart more closely though that seems like a bit of a rigmarole to work out which size I should have been sewing and whether I needed to make adjustments. Overall, it's not really a huge issue, she will get taller and I will be grateful for the extra length.

The stepbystep instructions are well written, and give clear instruction as to which step apply to which pattern option. For illustration, they are accompanied by photographs, with computer generated line overlays to highlight stitchlines and so forth {I was easily able to glance and sew}. I really love that construction process allows the finish on the final product to be so professional, I am huge on the inside being neat too.

There are several links and instructions for hooking into online support groups, where additional inspirational photos can be found and a wealth of knowledge from fellow seamstresses can be garnered. If that is not your thing, there are plenty of pattern option photos within the pattern.

This makes up a lovely, simple dress suitable for everyday wear and I really do love the square neckline, especially from the back. I think next time, I will try out the blouse option, I have been told “no more dresses Mummy, just make me pants!” LOL!

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Rachel sewed up the top version and it is so cute with this full skirt!