Simplicity: 1716 (Misses Top and Dress)  - Type:Tops  | | Viewed 377 times
| 25 more reviews | Review rated Very Helpful by 14 people | | Reviewed by: | Sherril Miller | 
 | About Sherril Miller | | CA USA | | Member since: 8/24/02 | | Reviews written: 133 | | Sewing skills:Advanced | | Favored by: 176 people | | patterns reviewed: 122 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 1/3/13 9:48 PM | | Last Updated: | 1/3/13 9:53 PM | | Pattern Size: | Plus-Sized Regular | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Photo: | 
Simplicity Pattern Info | | Pattern Rating: | Highly Recommend | | See other patterns in this category: Dresses Tops | Available for sale on PR: $15.95 (See envelope)  | | | | Fabric: | Poly-Lycra Knit [See other projects in this fabric] | | Related Links | Click on  to add a link |
| Pattern Description: Misses knit mini-dress, tunic and top with front and sleeve variations.
Pattern Sizing: Size 4 - 20. Great job Simplicity on the small sizes, but I think it would look very good on those above a size 20 as well.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? I think so. Of course, the cute draped neckline details get a bit lost in my busy fabric when viewed from a distance.
Front Close-Up
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, thank God! The draping looks difficult and I still can't quite figure out how, but follow the directions and it works perfectly. The tucked in pieces are gathered and sewn to the gathered lower bodice with the upper bodice draped in between them. You will need to be sure to mark all the dots on your fabric, there are lots of them.
What did you particularly like about the pattern? I love the modestly draped neckline. It's similar to a twist pattern but no pinning or cami necessary. Also, the draped part of the neckline adds enough extra fabric for a full bust without having to actually do a full bust alteration. ;D
What did you particularly dislike about the pattern? I know that Simplicity never uses 1/4" seam allowances. In fact, in NYC at the PR meeting last year, I even asked them about using the 1/4" seam allowances in knits. They won't do it. This pattern would be so much easier to make with the smaller seam allowance so I'm going to chop off the extra 3/8" before I sew it again.
Fabric Used: I used a poly lycra jersey knit found in the dumpster diving bins at Michael Levine's loft in downtown Los Angeles. You never know what you are going to find, it could be a large or small piece and it will probably be dirty, but it is always only $2/pound. This is definitely the place to get knit muslin fabric.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I only did my usual alterations of shortening it at the length lines by 2" and pivoted it at the sides for fuller hips. It has a nicely shaped center back seam where I also added more room for my butt.
Would you sew it again? I have a piece of gold/brown/black snakeskin printed poly lycra laying on the cutting table to make the top length with 3/4 length sleeves.
Would you recommend it to others? This pattern is a real winner and I highly recommend it. Simplicity did a very nice job on this one with the four sleeve variations and sleeveless option and two different neckline options.
Conclusion: I think that when they say mini--they really mean it. I think this falls a bit short on me, but if mini is your style or if you need a cute tunic or top, I highly recommend this view of this pattern.
There is more about it on my blog. Sherril's Sewing Saga
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12 Comments
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Love that it does not require a camisole as I don't like them. Looks great on you! I own the pattern and like it even better after seeing your version.
1/3/13 10:13 PM
You look fabulous in this dress, Sherril!
1/3/13 11:04 PM
Very cute dress!
1/3/13 11:55 PM
Just start wearing that dress around and get accustomed to looking so terrific!
1/4/13 1:06 AM
Great-looking dress! Very nice that it doesn't need a camisole!
1/4/13 4:50 AM
Thanks so much for this review! Looks great on you, and nice to know no FBA needed. This one I must get.
1/4/13 8:30 AM
Thanks so much for this review! Looks great on you, and nice to know no FBA needed. This one I must get.
1/4/13 8:30 AM
Love the dress - fits you beautifully. Great start for 2013.
1/4/13 5:36 PM
Wow! You are stylin' in this, Sherril!
1/4/13 5:50 PM
This looks terrific - I'd never have looked at this pattern for a larger size.
1/5/13 0:56 AM
Sherril- if I had legs as fabulous as yours, I'd wear that dress!!
1/12/13 3:38 AM
Great review - very helpful. I'm getting ready to make one of the versions of this one - love yours!
3/22/13 9:54 PM