Please note that Made by Jack’s Mum has rebranded to Waves and Wild. I’m reviewing the MBJM version of this pattern, but as this is no longer available to purchase, I have linked to the Waves and Wild version at the bottom.
The Made By Jack’s Mum Emi Dress is a really simple make that provides a really beautiful garment at the end. Although it is simple, it is time consuming – I refuse to believe anyone really enjoys hemming circle skirts no matter what my friends say – however the end result is always worth it.
What I Loved
- The instructions are very clear and easy to follow. A photo guide is included for each step.
- Layers are available for the PDF file so you only need to print your size.
- Although I’ve marked this review as the Emi Dress, it’s technically called the Emi Top and Dress. You can use the same pattern to make a tank top, t-shirt, peplum top and circle dress.
- This pattern can also be mixed and matched with the MBJM Eclipse Top and Dress pattern.
- There are three different sleeve options – long, short, and capped sleeves.
- There are POCKETS!
- Can be made with both cotton jersey or a warmer knit fabric like French Terry, making it a pattern that is suitable for all temperatures.
What Wasn’t So Great
- The Made By Jack’s Mum patterns always take me a while to cut out – they’re not trimless like many other PDF pattern companies.
- Circle skirt hems FML.
Pattern Tips
- I’m wondering whether it would be easier to bind the skirt. I might try it for a future dress.
- Do make sure your pattern is the right way up when cutting out the circle dress part of the pattern – it’s easy to end up with the print the wrong way around if you’re not careful. Ask me how I know…
- I’ve also hacked this dress to include a hood. I lowered the front neckline and used the hood from the MBJM Hot Chocolate.
Final Verdict
The Made By Jack’s Mum Emi Dress is a really cute yet basic circle dress pattern. It should be achievable for confident beginners although it is time consuming so it’s not something you’ll be able to quickly whip up in an hour. I’ve made four or five of these now for Ember and it’s likely I’ll make more in the future as well.
The Made By Jack’s Mum Emi Dress requires a stretch fabric. The pictured dress with hearts on was made with a mix of cotton and polyester jersey, while the yellow hacked version was made with French Terry. Ribbing is required for the cuffs and neckband. The PDF version can be purchased from the Waves and Wild website for AUD $12.00. It is available in sizes premature/newborn to age 12.
