I AM Patterns - Cleopatre

About Cleopatre

I AM Patterns’ Cleopatre is a pleated dress and top.  It’s comfortable to wear thanks to the pleated fabric which gives beautiful ease.  The neckline is inspired by Cleopatra’s neck pieces, and the pleated fabric delicately swings from my neckline and features American armholes.  This pattern is both very chic and extremely comfortable.

In an effort to reduce paper usage some pattern pieces overlap with each other, so you will need to trace the pattern on paper or use Cloth Edit’s Vilene Light.  It is fantastic for tracing patterns, and you can even sew it, which makes it great for fitting.  (Note - the overlapping is neither extensive nor hard to discern).

The packaging for I AM Patterns is beautiful but tricky to get into without ripping the lovely gold card that backs the pattern.  Our suggestion is to jiggle the pattern down as far as it goes, and neatly cut off the top of the pattern. You will need to snip off approximately 1.75cm, but take care to steer clear of the pattern itself.

The Fabric

For the neckline yoke, select medium weight fabrics like poplin, wax, or chambray.  For the body you will need pleated fabric.

Notions

3/8’’ (1 cm) wide double-folded bias tape

Bias tape A & B  1 ¾; 1 7/8; 2; 2 1/4

Iron-on interfacing: 14’’ by 39’’ (35 cm by 100 cm)

Thin cardboard for the ironing templates

Sizing

The Cleopatre covers the size range of 36-46. The image includes measurements for other sizes, but sizes 48-52 relate to the PDF version, only available directly from the pattern company

Level of Difficulty

I AM Patterns indicates that this is a 'simple' pattern.  The instructions are clear, with step by step illustrations.

I AM Patterns is a very popular French independent sewing pattern company, owned by two sisters: Marie-Emilienne (founder and designer) and Blandine (marketing manager).  I AM Patterns’ designs are modern and push the boundaries, but they also include timeless pieces.  I hope you enjoy exploring their range.