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We're delighted once again to present Patternreview's Hall of Fame: the five prior "Best Patterns" recipients which also garnered 15 or more positive reviews in 2009.
"What becomes a legend most?" If you're a certain age or a student of modern advertising, you'll remember this post- "Mad Men" era ad campaign. Perhaps it's the retro vibe emanating from a couple of our Hall of Fame picks, or maybe it's the legendary status some have achieved, but that phrase kept wafting through my head while working on this piece.
What keeps Patternreview members flocking to certain patterns? For one thing, an overwhelming number of reviewers found these patterns straightforward to construct, with clear instructions and pleasing outcomes. But more importantly, simple designs render these patterns at once timeless and customizable, so they paradoxically allow us to avoid trends or embrace them, making the most of our sewing and design time. Each pattern appealed to sewers of all levels, and disappointing experiences were nearly nonexistent.
Simplicity 3775 "Misses Knit Dresses"
Simplicity 3835 "Built By You Tie-sleeve Dress"
Jalie 2794 "Sweetheart Top"
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Vogue 8379 "Misses Dress"
Simplicity 4076 "Misses Knit Tops"
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Knit tops with sleeve and neckline variations.
Pattern sizing: Misses 8 - 24
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This versatile top weighed in with more than twice the reviews of any other Hall of Famer. Though the pattern is packed with plenty of variations to keep sewers busy, some reviewers have taken this classic basic and created their own unique designs. In 2006 member and Sew Forth Now podcaster Lori V was among the first to review this pattern, and she's still using this pattern as one of her trusted tried-and-true patterns. I picked up the phone and called Lori, asking what keeps her going back to 4076. "It always works," she said. "It's a nice basic easy-to-adapt pattern, and the sleeves fit well, with a little more ease in the bicep." Lori's favorite is the view with the gathered neckline, which she says makes a plain knit top special. As her skills have increased, Lori approaches the pattern a little differently, knowing that she needs to give more or less ease, depending on her chosen knit. She also says she's more patient now, taking time to make alterations to improve results, and taking steps to make sure the neckband fits close to her body. Any disasters with this pattern, I asked? "Never a disaster," she replied, but the first time she cut the pattern apart to deal with having too little fabric, the top ended up a little shorter than she would have liked. Although it's adorable, she rarely wears it. Lori has made so many of these tops that she has worn some out, and the last one she made was in December. Lori also told me that Simplicity is still a privately held New York- based company, and that she feels good about buying their patterns. Me, too, and now it's time to make this pattern for myself!
Photo by Knitters Delight
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Photo by Heidi Ho
Photo by homejewel
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As you look over these patterns you might be tempted to think, "oh them again!" But not so fast. Point your browser toward any swanky department store's website, and you'll see silhouettes mirroring every one of these Hall of Famers. Using these patterns and your favorite colors and textures, you can custom-make dresses and tops rivaling those created by some of the best designers. Most terrific of all, you can be sure you have boatloads of PatternReview wisdom to draw on while you sew.
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(02/10/10)
