I have been so excited to share this pattern test with you all that I got to do for Sew Caroline. I have been obsessed with circle skirt tops recently and when the opportunity to test the Molly Top + Dress came up I signed right up!
At the time, the whole project was a bit of a secret, but us testers found out a couple days ago that this test was a collaboration with Simple Life Pattern Company. Katie, from Simple Life Pattern Company, and Caroline, from Sew Caroline, worked together to bring you 6 Mommy + Me patterns. They created mini versions of 3 of Caroline’s most popular patterns – the Waterfall Tank, Magnolia Shorts and Sugar Pop Top – and they made women’s size version of 3 of Katie’s patterns – The Molly Dress, The Tammy Shorts and the Ayda Top.
When I began the test, I had no idea that it was a mommy and me collection – while I do not have any children, my cousin just had a beautiful baby girl, so I think I will be sewing up some of these for her in the near future! A couple weeks ago for Easter, Caroline posted this adorable dress she made her daughter and I was like gee that looks just like the top I tested – I am apparently not very astute – and a week or so later when she announced the collaboration I had a huge a-ha! moment. I’m always the one who never guesses the ended of the movie before it happens even when it’s super predictable, so no surprise here. Anyways, back to the sewing!
I tested the Molly Top and Dress and the Tammy Shorts. I determined in this process that I am no shorts model so there won’t be any pictures of me in the shorts (I look totally awkward!) but the pattern has such adorable pictures and some pictures of the tester shorts!
I love the Molly Top so much. The Molly top and dress has a loose fitting bodice, scoop back, peplum skirt in three lengths, optional collar, and optional faux pin tucks down the bodice front. Similar to the Primrose Peplum, the pattern has so many options which allows you to make multiple tops and dresses from the same pattern. It features a lined bodice, but because I used an eyelet fabric, I lined the peplum as well. I also left off the collar and the pintuck although while going through the testing process I saw so many versions with both of those options that were so cute as well. I want to make a dress version of the Molly soon – I think it will be perfect summer dress.
Hands down my favorite part of the top is the back. The low back with the buttons adds such a beautiful feature. I used pearl buttons which I think really pop with the black eyelet. The only thing I would change on my next version is sewing the size down. I thought I was a medium in Sew Caroline’s patterns but after sewing a few, I think I’m a small. So I will be sizing down on my next one!
The rest of the collection is just darling – I am very excited to make the Ayda Top and Dress and know it will be something I sew in the near future. All of the little girl pattern are just to die for – if you have a little one to sew for, this is the collection for you!
Molly Top + Dress Summary:
Size Made: Medium
View: Top Version with Circle Skirt (no collar or pin tucks)
Fabric Used: Eyelet and Voile from Stitch Sew Shop
Notions Used: Just the usual!
Ease of Construction: The instructions are clear and easy to follow – comes together quickly even with the lined bodice.
Fit: I will probably size down next time to avoid it being a little bit big in the frong.
Repeatable? Yes!
**This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own**
Handmade by Lara Liz Newsletter
Subscribe to receive sewing inspiration directly to your email!
Love your Molly top Lara! Beautiful in that black lace and pearl buttons on the back. Just a note that your links to the Molly top take us to a sign in page (affiliate?) not to the Molly top so I wasn’t able to actually see the pattern 🙂
Thank you!! I think I fixed it on my actual blog post – hopefully it works now?