Pattern 8:  The Cambie Dress, another Sewaholic Pattern

Next week is the pinacle of summer, July 4th week!  This is when everyone seems to be heading off for a much needed vacation, grilling out with friends, lounging at the pool, and of course celebrating the birth of our country with fireworks and all things red, white, and blue.  My husband and I managed to get a short "vacation" in this weekend by visiting my family.  As we packed up too many things for a very short weekend (bicycles, both dogs, computer, ice chest full of snacks for only a 3.5 hour drive, sewing bag with supplies, etc.), my husband asked why I was taking the laptop and the sewing supplies.  "Because I have to write on my blog about my next pattern!" I explained to which he replied, "Can't you just take a few days off?" 
"Well, I guess I could," I reasoned, "but I'm not even half way finished with my goal of twenty patterns yet.  I just don't want to get behind."  So, here I sit in a Panera Bread (since my parents don't have adequate internet access at their house) with my next pattern laying on the table keeping company with the oatmeal raisin cookie crumbs left behind.  And what pattern is lucky number 8? 
I was very pleased with the Sewaholic Renfrew Tee Shirt pattern so I decided to try another Sewaholic pattern, the Cambie Dress. 

http://www.fiveeighthseams.com/product-p/p-sewaholic-cambie.htm

The Sewaholic patterns only have illustrated pictures on the front, so I went to our on-line store to see pictures of women in the finished dress.  The first one I noticed was this one.

I really didn’t love the look of the dress in this picture, and I almost decided not to make the Cambie dress.  Then, I saw this picture and changed my mind. 

 

The Cambie dress is made for the pear shaped body (small bust and waist with larger hips) because it accentuates the shoulders and waist, and Version A (shown in gray above) has an a-line bottom to cover larger hips.  This is usually the perfect type of dress for me, so now I am really excited to see how it turns out.  I also liked the dress in the solid fabric which is why I chose a navy blue 100% cotton poplin for my dress.  I usually don’t choose to sew garments in solid colors because the printed designer cottons are beautiful, and I always feel that if I take the time to sew something, it should look really unique and special.  But, the Cambie dress has plenty of interesting details like pockets, capped sleeves, and a sweetheart neckline and the solid fabric will help those elements to become more noticeable.  With gold jewelry and my cute navy wedges, I'm hoping the navy dress will turn out to be an outfit I will love to wear.  My only fear.....will I look like a flight attendant in all navy?  Check back soon to find out!