I’m finishing up all my summer sewing so I can start on the fall things that I’m wanting to make.  In my stack of items was a Cambie from Sewaholic Patterns.  I bought this because it’s a Canadian company, and I will support everything Canadian made as much as I possibly can, and Tasia drafts for a large hip:waist ratio which I wanted to check out.

Well, peeps, I really like this pattern.  This is the first pattern EVER that I have not had to alter from the waist down.  It fit as a straight size.  I’m still rather in a state of disbelief.  Really?  I don’t have to alter anything?  And it fits without tweaking!!!

I did have to completely redraft the bodice, which was easy to do with my DT double.  Drape, slash, add gingham and transfer to paper pattern.  Why did I sew for so long without a double?

I used a lovely cotton batik with bemberg lining, both from my stash.  And the zipper was from stash, too!  Bonus!  This was a very straight forward sew.  The instructions were easy to follow and the dress went together perfectly.  The only change I made was to eliminate the pockets from the skirt front. Pockets are not a necessity in my life, and I don’t like the extra padding around my hips.  So I used the front skirt lining pattern as my skirt pattern, and it worked brilliantly.

I wasn’t 100% sure about the sweetheart neckline on this dress.  I’ve read every review and looked at probably every single Cambie in SewingBlogLand, but I just don’t see myself as a sweetheart type of girl.  This dress changed my mind!.  Nothing sickeningly sweet about this neckline at all.  It’s modest and there’s no gaping, and the shape is flattering and soft, unlike a straight neckline would be.

The proportions are good on this dress, too.  I am super pleased, and look forward to more Cambies in my closet.  And more Sewaholic patterns are in my queue.