A sewing blog about building a functional, cohesive handmade wardrobe, one garment at a time.

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Simplicity early spring patterns review

This is a new thing for this blog. I've read other bloggers' reviews of Big 4 pattern company collections for years, but I've never felt drawn to post one of my own until today, when I saw the new Simplicity collection.

The new collection contains 20 patterns, most of which feature new branding. It looks like Simplicity might be taking some cues from indie patterns in both branding and style with this release. I wondered whether they might also be modernizing their fit standards (aka less ease), but it seems that is pretty hit or miss.

I'm not going to talk about all the patterns in the release, because that would be an insane blog post. I'm just going to review some of the pattern collection's standouts (good and bad).


Simplicity Early Spring Patterns Review

S9059 - Misses' Jacket in Three Lengths

Simplicity Early Spring Patterns Review


This is an unlined jacket designed for woven fabrics with a series of double-ended pleats to create the shape. I really love view C, and I see it in a tweedy sort of fabric, probably a wool blend since I can't do straight wool on my skin. This pattern builds in 3 1/2" of bust ease, which makes sense for a jacket you are going to wear over clothing.

Simplicity Early Spring Patterns Review

This is a darted wrap dress with waist tie and an O-ring buckle for views A and B. View A in linen would be my go-to summer dress. I like view B, too, maybe in a colorful rayon print. This one builds in 3 1/2" of bust ease. I personally would go with a little less ease, but I can see it working with this much ease on a smaller bust.

S9045 - Misses' Tops with Optional Neck Ties

Simplicity Early Spring Patterns Review

I'm really digging the two cut-on-sleeved views. I can see this being easy to sew in a fancy fabric to wear with a black pencil skirt. This one seems to have a bit too much built-in ease for the style - about 4 1/2", and that model does not have 4 1/2" of ease in that top! But that just means I'll need a smaller FBA for the size corresponding to my high bust.

S9055 - Girls' Jacket and Pants

Simplicity Early Spring Patterns Review
My daughters would never wear this, and it's not something I would necessarily gravitate to for them, as it's not their style, but I kind of love that Simplicity published a suit pattern for girls. I also love the way they styled it. I think this is just cool.

S9049 - Misses' Back Wrapped Skirt with Pockets
Simplicity Early Spring Patterns Review

I almost totally overlooked this pattern because of the awful cover image (on the Simplicity site, the default image is just of the featured garment, not the line drawings). I am not sure the 70s are back quite enough for the tiered version of this skirt, but I do quite like View C minus the kangaroo pocket. This skirt in a tencel chambray with wedges and a tank top could be my summer uniform next year.

There are a few other patterns that I think might be popular, but which don't necessarily do it for me:

Simplicity Early Spring Patterns Review

Simplicity Early Spring Patterns Review
Simplicity Early Spring Patterns Review

And then there was this hot mess of excessive, insane ease.

S9044 - Misses' Tops with Tucks

Simplicity Early Spring Patterns Review

I love the band color and those beautiful pleats. But this pattern builds in a whopping 10 1/2" inches of ease. Why? I think I'd love this blouse if the proportions were just ... less.

I'm going to stop here. Have you checked out the collection yet? What do you think? Anything you're planning to sew?

Thanks for reading, and see you next time!

5 comments:

  1. How can they release early spring patterns when winter hasn't even officially started? This is home sewing, not haute couture where the seasons are always half a year away.

    This collection looks as if Simplicity is going to live up to it's name - simple garments with little style. Bleah.

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  2. FYI—-You have included some winter/holiday as early spring releases. There are only 20 new designs. Anything with the old banner are winter. Renita in NC

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    1. Thanks! That makes more sense. I've updated the post to reflect it.

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  3. Interesting! The updated look definitely has an "indie" feel to it, and I can see why they are gravitating this direction. Some cool pieces here (that wrap skirt is intriguing, but I know that unless the wrap is completely double in the back, for me, it is a no-go) I also like that jacket at the top of the post--lots of interesting details there.

    I'm still searching for my unicorn of a dress pattern for hot weather. I just can't seem to crack it. I don't want sleeveless (because I don't think it is flattering on me) but cap sleeves are tricky with a full bicep, and full sleeves can look really frumptastic on me. I guess I need a small flutter sleeve? I dunno. I have this great rayon challis and a wonderful cotton lawn that are just languishing in my bin because I can't bear to make them up on just anything. I want a dress I will wear so much it wears out!

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  4. Really love that first coat/jacket with the pleats. I would wear that, scratchy unlined wool and all! (Wool doesn't bother me if it's not a turtleneck.)

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