Simplicity: 1919 (Misses' Sportswear)  - Type:Suits / Separates  | | Viewed 521 times
| 6 more reviews | Review rated Helpful by 1 people Very Helpful by 8 people | | Reviewed by: | RebeccaMarie | 
 | About RebeccaMarie | | DC | | Member since: 5/5/12 | | Reviews written: 44 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | Favored by: 36 people | | patterns reviewed: 44 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 3/5/13 9:17 PM | | Last Updated: | 3/6/13 9:04 AM | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Photo: | 
Simplicity Pattern InfoMore Info provided by RebeccaMarie | | Pattern Rating: | Recommend, with Modifications | | See other patterns in this category: Coat/Jacket Suits / Separates Pants Skirts | Available for sale on PR: $17.95 (See envelope)  | | | | Fabric: | Rayon Poly Lycra Woven [See other projects in this fabric] | | Related Links | Click on  to add a link |
| More pictures and miscellany on my blog. Leave me a comment and I'll sell you my firstborn.
Sometimes I lie. Here's my review!
Pattern Description:
Simplicity Threads-affiliated sportswear pattern comes with a couple blazer views: one with short sleeves and a flouncy collar and one with three quarter sleeves and a standard notched collar. Pattern also comes along with pants or capris (floodpants?), plus a skirt with a flouncy pleat.
I made the more traditional jacket and the skirt.
Pattern Sizing:
K5: 8-10-12-14-16, or U5: 16-18-20-22-24. I always try to mention when a pattern runs big or small, but this mention warrants special attention: THIS PATTERN RUNS SMALL. If you're going for an Ann Taylor/Tahari-esque curvy-girl-conservative look, make this a size or two bigger than usual or you'll look more you're dressing up as a "sexy businesswoman" for Halloween. Hussy.
I made my typical 8 and wouldn't have been able to shimmy into the skirt if I hadn't used a fabric with generous stretch. The moral of the story? Just because an 8 always fits doesn't mean you're safe. Sometimes patterns run small (And sometimes your new suit makes you look like you padded your butt.)
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
No, not really, but that's for a couple reasons:
1) I shortened the skirt quite a bit because I'm built like a corgi.
2) The model's ensemble fits a lot looser. I'd have to have done a 12, I'd guess, to get a similar look.
3) I added an extra flap thing to the pockets as a quick fix after a freak accident. It involved a rotary blade, a goat and a copy of Moby Dick. It's best not to ask questions.
Side note: This pattern doesn't call for shoulder pads, but it looks like the model's jacket might have them. I added sleeve heads and 1/4" all purpose pads to my jacket and much preferred this look.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Pretty much. In fact, they were excellent. Usually I find a few shortcuts when I'm working with patterns, but I don't think I could've cooked up a more efficient way to put this outfit together.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Like I mentioned, it runs small, but there's nothing else to criticize here. Big plusses: Clear instructions and an unusual and super-cute feminine cut -- the kind that's often hard to find among sewing patterns. The jacket's unlined, which is awfully nice if you're looking to save time or have yet to master bagging a lining.
The best part? This design genuinely looks like something you'd find in a store and not on a Dynasty rerun. Plus, you don't have to be an expert to come out with store-quality results.
Fabric Used:
RPL suiting from Fabric Mart. I can't remember if it was from their suiting category or from one a designer line. It probably doesn't matter; I bought three kinds of RPL from there for professional-ish clothing, and it's all very nice stuff.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
As mentioned previously, I added sleeve heads and shoulderpads. The sleeve heads ended up being a weird amalgam from tutorials and from my own brain, but the end result turned out pretty well: a thin layer of polar fleece along the seam and an additional piece of cotton flannel to help hold the shape of the upper part of the sleeve.
I also did a regular zipper instead of an invisible one and cut the skirt a fair bit shorter. Because I'm a rebel. Yep.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I'm already planning another version with the flouncy collar. I might even go for bright pink, like the envelope. Because I'm not a rebel.
Conclusion:
Make this suit a bit large, and you'll have yourself a flirtatious but professional business outfit. Make it in your usual size, and you are welcome to join my troupe of business-class booty dancers. | Buy this pattern for $17.95 Add to Bag  |
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11 Comments
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fabulous!
3/5/13 11:21 PM
I really like this dress and it really looks nice on. Good job
3/5/13 11:27 PM
Gorgeous suit!
3/5/13 11:37 PM
I'm so happy to see this review as I JUST bought this pattern last night! Thanks for the heads up on the sizing and it is a relief to hear that I shouldn't encounter any problems with the pattern/instructions etc ... tho' I'm bound to create a few of my own!
3/5/13 11:49 PM
Haha great review and sexy suit!
3/6/13 2:07 AM
I love it! Really awesome!
3/6/13 9:56 PM
Very smart! Thanks for the helpful review.
3/7/13 3:35 AM
Looks fabulous!
3/8/13 9:15 AM
I loved reading your review almost as much as seeing your gorgeous new outfit.
4/6/13 8:57 PM
Love the review and the styling. Can't decide if I want to go for the booty or the business look, but I'll give this pattern a try. Question: is sounds like you may have used a ponte, or was it a R/P/L woven?
4/7/13 1:07 PM
Love the jacket!
5/2/13 10:09 AM