Do you often reuse patterns? I never used to do that – there’s a world of patterns out there, I thought, I’m gonna do something new to me! The Cambie pattern, though, was a different animal altogether.

While I love my Peony Cambie, it’s a tad to0 fancy for everyday use. Luckily my friend Jasmin gave me this gingham together with the flower fabric! In combination with the pattern view B, it seemed perfect for a toned-down version of the Cambie. The fabric is a better quality than the other one, but I can’t for the life of me iron out the little creases and wrinkles. Who cares though? Ironing is severely overrated anyway.

This was my first time sewing with a checkered fabric. At first, I thought how I would match up the pattern pieces, but then I remembered I’m too lazy for that. And what do you know? They match! Miracles. I used cotton bias tape from my Stoffmarkt Holland haul to break up the gingham pattern at the pockets and the hem. The lining is from there as well; it was remarkably cheap and therefore feels predictably plastic.

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During the heatwave a couple of weeks ago, it was impossible to wear the lining next to my skin; it felt like I was wearing plastic bags. As if that weren’t enough, the dress would barely fit, even though I used the same pattern pieces as in my previous version. It was so frustrating! That’s why I put it on a clothes hanger and ignored it for a few weeks. Today, thanks to more sensible temperatures, the lining felt rather pleasant and I could put on the dress without difficulties … It’s weird, yes, but what a relief, right?

After wearing it today, I can comfortably say that I’m pleased with this Cambie variation as well. I have some doubts about the length of the skirt – I’m not used to hemlines hitting below the knee – but the dress is cute without being overbearing. Just what I wanted! Now it’s time to try some other patterns … it’s not like there’s a shortage out there!