RIVIERA RUFFLE x REBECCA PAGE
This review is my honest opinion of a pattern I received free of charge to sew as a Brand Ambassador for Rebecca Page patterns.
Button up shirts seems to have been my theme for July, because today I've got my third and final button up, the new Riviera Ruffle from Rebecca Page!
The Riviera Ruffle shirt is the first pattern by Rebecca Page that I've sewn and I have to say I was rather impressed with how it sewed up. The shirt is constructed with French seams (with instructions for using a serger instead) which is always nice because French seams allow for a superb finish with nothing more than a sewing machine. The pattern also includes clear photos for every step, which is particularly helpful for some of the potentially challenging parts like assembling the collar.
There are several options for the Riviera Ruffle, the most obvious being the ruffle! I chose to omit the layered front placket ruffle for a simpler finish, and honestly because I knew Mars would just want to shove it in her mouth. The women's Riviera has a rather robust ruffle but from the looks of the other testers, the girls' ruffle is nicely proportioned for little bodies and would look super sweet in a nostalgic print like gingham check or pin dots.
There's also an optional flutter on the Riviera--with extra flutter! Unlike a ruffle sleeve thats constructed with a pattern piece thats rather straight on one side and then gathered, this flutter/ruffle is cut in a circular shape and then eased on, resulting in a very structured, flouncy flutter.
The rounded collar is designed with a higher, "vogue" fit, however on a baby like Mars, that collar will never be buttoned! Its certainly more of a decorative element than actually functional on the smaller sizes which is cute just the same, but if you're looking to be able to button the top button, you might have to do some finagling with a larger size collar stand and collar.
The other "issue" (if you can even call it that) I noticed was the pattern is a little on the shorter, squat side which doesn't work great for Mars who is much taller than she is wide (like, she regularly needs 3 month width and 12 month length), so if your babe is on the skinnier + longer end you might take a look at adding some extra length.
The final option is a bias cut inset on the side (still using French seams!), a great spot for adding some contrasting fabric. Full disclosure: it was a bit tricky to ease those pieces in to the shirt, but it wasn't anything a little extra pinning couldn't conquer, and opens up some neat options for color blocking or playing with patterns cut on the bias.
One of the attractions for many to Rebecca Page patterns is the opportunity for "mummy & me" matching, so if that's your jam you're covered because the Rivera comes in child's newborn to 12 years as well as ladies' XXS to 5XL, with a doll size too! You can check out some of the ladies options here.
What do you think of the Riviera Ruffle? Would you go ruffle-less like Mars?
Pattern: Girls Riviera Ruffle shirt by Rebecca Page (Ladies Riviera Ruffle, Doll Riviera Ruffle, and Riviera Ruffle Bundle)
Fabric: Flower Dance + Terra Firma Humid by Maureen Kracknell x Art Gallery (from the Garden Dreamer fat quarter bundle I won in the Dressed in Sewpony contest!)
