CLEMATIS BUBBLE ROMPER x KELLY J DESIGNS
This review is my honest opinion of a pattern I received free of charge as a pattern tester for Kelly J Designs.
Its no secret that I love a good romper. They're cute, they're versatile for styling, they're more practical than dresses, they're quick for dressing babies...they're awesome. So of course I was excited to test the new Clematis Bubble Romper by Kelly J Designs!
Fabric: Fantastico Unicorn Pastel organic cotton/lycra by Stoffonkel, sourced from Frollein S
Now, the Baby Tea Party by Tadah Patterns is totally my go-to woven playsuit-style romper pattern. But I was lacking in the knit pattern department, and the Clematis fits the bill! The Clematis features an extra bubbly romper roomy enough for fluffy diapers, a snap crotch for changing said fluffy diapers, a crossover front, and five sleeves options including this cute flutter sleeve.
Always looking for patterns with exceptional construction, I love that the Clematis has instructions for doing enclosed side seams with the crossover bodice. It took a little concentration, but having those crossover side seams enclosed was so satisfying. And if that's not your jam, there's a quick finish method as well. The lined bodice also holds up to the gathered bottom without stretching out like it tends to happen sometimes when attaching a heavier gathered bottom to a knit bodice.
The bubble romper part was a little too bubbly for my taste, but the other testers responded well to it. It is kinda cute the way it folds over itself and looks like a dress, and the larger romper bottom means it'll fit longer which of course is a big plus because I can't get over those whimsical unicorns. Another potential advantage of the oversize bottom is it could be made with a woven fabric coordinated with a knit bodice.
The crossover bodice is great on babies because it allows for the neckline to open wide enough to put the garment on over their adorably oversize heads without any extra closures, but sits comfortably once on so that it doesn't slip over their narrow shoulders. I'm curious to try some alternate necklines with this pattern and see how they go as well.
There are five sleeve options (and you don't even have to buy an extra extension pack!) and for my tester I went with the flutter sleeve. Flutter sleeves work great when doing a lining with enclosed seams and they're just darling on little babies. The Clematis flutter sleeves are hemmed but since its made with knit I used my rotary cutter to cut a smooth hem for a seamless finish.
The Clematis Bubble Romper is definitely a make-again pattern for me. Now to decide, stripes or floral?
