Pattern release days are always so exciting for me!  23940283948 notifications on my phone every time I open up Facebook, lots of questions being asked, and lots of love for our testers and the beautiful images they took of themselves.  SO FUN.

Today is one of those thrills filled days, because we are releasing the Boho Babydoll patterns over at Patterns for Pirates.  WOOT!

Everywhere you look right now, the boho style is raging.  I think you’re going to see it the most in spring and summer fashion.  Effortless styles that still look put together.  Looser fitting clothing.  Very flowy fabrics, with bold prints on them.  Judy is getting you ready for this major trend with the Boho Babydoll!

The pattern is full of options, of course.  The bodice piece features a gathered skirt…but not so gathered that it adds weight to your midsection.  The front curves up to an empire waistline, and the back bodice curves down lower to your natural waistline.  On top of that, there are multiple sleeve options: sleeveless (with a not-so-drastic racerback finish), short sleeve, 3/4 sleeve, 3/4 sleeve with ruffles, and long sleeve.  There are also two necklines to choose from: high and a lower scoop.  And four lengths: high-low top, curved top, curved dress and slight high-low maxi.

Lots of mixing and matching can happen to make a million unique pieces for your closet!

Want to see the versions I made?  Let’s start with my burnout velvet version!

This is an early pre-tester version and I have to admit that I totally forgot to adjust the top bodice piece.  Judy drafts for an average “side waist length” of 8″.  Mine measures around 9″ and I also have a larger bust…so I like to add a full inch to any of my bodice pieces that are meant to hit at that sweet spot of my high waist.  Do as I say, not as I do.  You can tell that the seamline of my top hits higher in this than where my bust ends.  While I’m not mad at it (I’ve worn this shirt to work already), I think it’s much more flattering once the length is added in my second top.

I also took advantage of the ruffle sleeves in this version.  Why I am drawn to ruffles and flounces on my sleeves as of late is beyond me.  But I love the little feminine detail.

The length I went with for this top is the high-low.  As you can see from the side shots, there isn’t a drastic difference between the high front and low back.  But just enough to give a slight line and difference to your hem.

My second version is also the shirt length, but this time I made the adjustment for my side waist and went for the curved hem top.  While I loved the burnout velvet in the first one, I feel like this pattern was almost created for the fabric type I used.  This is an ITY (interlock twist yarn) and the drape is something like perfection.  I’ve had this fabric for an entire year now and I don’t know what has stopped me from making something with it.

I blame the Summer of Wovens last year.  I just didn’t have the proper amount of time to sew and promo it…and then BAM! Fall showed it’s face.  Super glad I used it now, I plan on wearing this top a lot this spring and summer.

Higher necklines and my big face don’t get along.  So I love whenever Judy decides to include a lower scoop neckline in the patterns.  The Boho Babydoll actually features two different necklines and I obviously always will be making the lower one.  It’s just more flattering on my shape.

I’m not usually one to wear a looser top like this.  I’m always afraid it makes me look pregnant…when I really don’t want to be mistaken for being pregnant.  Because I’m not and that’s not exactly a compliment, haha.  The trick to avoiding that is by using the right fabric.  Make sure it has drape and doesn’t tent out from your body.  Not sure about the fabric before you cut into it?  Seriously just hold it up against yourself and look in the mirror.  If it drapes nicely toward the ground and not out and away from you, it’ll probably work.

My best picks would be: ITY, DTY, thinner sweater knits, some brushed polys, and rayon-spandex blends.  Personally I would stay away from cotton lycras, friends.  I know that those tend to be the easiest to find, but you’ll spend time gathering your skirt and making the perfect looking top, only to be disappointed with how it hangs on your body.  But that’s just my two cents.

**As always, you’ll find some affiliate links scattered within my post, which means I receive a small amount of compensation if you end up purchasing something I’ve recommended.  Thanks for helping to feed my sewing habits!