Pattern Review: Simplicity 8908

I am determined to make these shoes work LOL.

It’s been a while since i’ve done a “pattern review”, I think it’s because I’ve evolved a bit in how I chronicle my makes.  I was very specific before because I was still learning.  At this point, I make notes on the blog and pattern of what I’ve done so I haven’t felt the need to give an “official review”.  And Instagram makes it easy not to (I’m trying not to fall in this trap).   I haven’t sewn much this month, I’ve been doing other stuff and I’m totally ok with that.  I’ve been a very prolific sewer in the last few years and I think ups and downs are normal.  I finished this dress a few weeks ago but something felt off, I also didn’t feel like taking pictures, I’ve been super lazy, reading books and playing games.  I’m doing a review just because I still like the organization of a review as opposed to rambling so, here we go…

Collars irritate me

I made this dress because it was May’s Sew Your View over on Instagram.  I’ve made a ton of shirt dresses so this was an easy make.  I think the drop shoulder and the different sleeve treatments attracted me to this one.  I have a love hate relationship with shirt dresses, if you don’t choose the right fabric, it can look housedressy (yes that’s a word, insert eye roll) and that’s no bueno.  On the flip side, shirt dresses are also versatile.  I will probably wear this as duster with leggings or jeans as that’s my favorite way to wear shirtdress lately.

Pattern Description:  Simplicity Sewing Pattern S8908 Misses’ Shirt Dress


SEWING LEVEL: Confident beginner (Buttonholes and collars)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  
Sort of I mashed up view C and view D


Were the instructions easy to follow?  
Yes, no issues, it’s pretty straight forward.  As with the Simplicity shirt dresses I’ve made in the past, they have a place on the pattern for interfacing center front but never tell you actually interface it (insert eyeroll).  I interfaced the “button band” at center front.


What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  
Likes:

• Drop shoulder ( no real easing of sleeve).  My sleeves needed to be eased a bit but no gathering stitches.
• No yoke, although I like yokes, no yoke in back meant no gathering so I like that.  I may add a yoke for design but not with gathers or a pleat.
• No cuffs, this made for an easy different sleeve treatment.  I will probably do something a little different if I make the long sleeve.
• Length, sleeve and pocket options
• Oversized but no darts (like and dislike) . I’ll do a small FBA if I make again with darts so there is no gaping, it’s not as noticeable with the print but will be noticeable in a solid.
• One piece collar, not sure if this is a like or dislike, but it was easier, I’ll have to wear it a bit to see if I like it.

Fabric Used:

Cotton Linen blend.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  
I cut a 22 at the shoulders and neckline grading to 24 at my bust and 26 at hip.  I also made a two inch length adjustment to the hem.  I basically lengthened view D and added the belt.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, with a few changes, FBA and pockets to start and maybe a yoke for good measure.  I would recommend this, I believe newer sewers will enjoy no darts and no real setting in of a sleeve.  This pattern doesn’t have many design elements so I’d say it’s easy.

So what’s next?  I’m preparing for Sew Camp and I work full time so yes, I’m excited !!!   I’m working on what I want to bring,  I have a few things I want to prep to bring and I’ll be doing that so I’m prepared, unlike the last time (quadruple eye roll)!!!!