Hi readers, Chris here! Summer is almost here on my side of the world, and my summer sewing checklist keeps growing. This week, I had the opportunity to cross something off my list and I’m here to review Modkid’s new Leilani pattern for you.

Leilani is a knit swing top, swing dress or harem romper for girls sizes 2t to 8/9 or tween/teen sizes 10-18. There are optional inseam pockets that can be used on either the dress or romper. Miss E chose the dress version and picked fabrics from my stash - a super stretchy rayon spandex for the main fabric and a lightweight cotton lycra for the bands (as I was concerned the main fabric would be *too* stretchy for those!). I love how the rayon spandex drapes, and she loves how comfortable it is! And as always, she loves the “spin factor”!

This was my first Modkid pattern, and I was a bit wary choosing the size based off of her height only, but the finished measurement listed for the bodice with matched up with her chest measurement plus a little ease, so I decided to trust it and the resulting dress is a great fit!

Overall, I found Leilani to be a easy sew. I rated it as an advanced beginner pattern only because of the knit bindings used on the neck and arms, which can be a little finicky if you’re just starting out. Patty’s instructions are really clear, though, so you shouldn’t be afraid to give it a try! I love the look of the double straps, they give this simple dress a little “something special”.