Doctor T Designs

Simplicity has got more new patterns available!  Of course, these were posted to the Pattern Review website a while ago, and some lucky people already managed to snag them in a sale!  They’ve only just been posted to the Simplicity website, and my local fabric stores don’t have them in yet.  They’ve also got the new New Looks up too.  (I was on the website as they were updating their images, so I actually had to wait to post this…)  Actually, I’m more anxious for the the Simplicity website to update the Burda patterns section – they’ve been announced for several weeks already, how long does it take to distribute these things?  The one good sign is that my local Joann’s didn’t have any Burda books on the table, and a “Do NOT Inventory” sign on the Burda cabinet.  Does that mean the new ones are in?  Sales are forthcoming, these are things I need to know!

Anyway, Simplicity.  The most exciting thing in this release is that we have another new sewing blogger with their own pattern line – Mimi G!  I have to admit I’m a fan of her sense of style, and it looks like I’m going to be a fan of her patterns too.  Aside from that, the rest of this release is a bit… meh.  It seems like a lot of costumes and kids stuff, and I’m not overly excited by the majority of the regular clothing patterns.  Let’s take a look:

S1276 – The new Mimi G dress pattern! I really like the color blocking here – interesting, but not too wild.

S1283 – These pants!!! And this skirt!!!!  Ah, this is the pattern I have been looking for…

S1280 – Don’t really need leggings, but I do like the blouse they’ve decided to photograph.  The rest of the options… meh.

S1279 – Threads blouse pattern.  The lack of shaping isn’t really doing much for me.  I sort of wonder if the instructions are any different for a Threads pattern?

S1277 – I always hear good reviews about the AmazingFit designs.  But I never get them because I always find them sort of dull. Am I alone in this?

S1282 – Basic skirts.  Meh.  The high-low hem in the photo isn’t doing much for me.  It’s like, enough of a difference to be noticeable, but not enough of a difference to look cool. Sort of just looks like the hem got crooked.

S1281 – Poncho/vest/wrap thingy.  Too much heavy fabric.

S1278 – Vintage Simplicity.  My first thought was that neckline is so claustrophobic, but I actually like view C (white). This might go on the list.

S1284 – Another Vintage Simplicity.  I love the art, but had to look at the line drawings to get a better feel for the pattern…

Yeah, just too boxy for me.

S1287 – Look, men’s clothes!  Would a guy actually wear this? I feel like view C might be acceptable…  Any input from people who actually know guys and sew for them?

S1286 – Another man’s pattern!  Actually, I think this shirt looks like a great man’s top.  It would be easy to change the sleeve length too, if they get fussy.

S1299 – Costume pattern!  Love the details on these jackets.

S1300 – More Costumes!  I actually love the shapes of these dresses – fun way to do any princess costume without needing to make a full ball gown, but also keeping it a tasteful length.

S1301 – The wings are probably the only thing extra special about these costume pieces, otherwise I feel like I could make these using other patterns I already have.

S1294 – Capes.  Maybe the cheap looking fabric is throwing me off but, I feel like there are better cape patterns out there.

S1293 – Simplicity is marking this as costume (I mean, there are wings), but it just looks like mini hoodies to me? Maybe I do not understand the reference?

S1305 – How awesome is this dress pattern?  It is great because it has several styles for both girls and dolls – so economical!

S1298 – How cute is this???  Those penguins are adorable!

There are several other new patterns, but I think we’ve seen enough his/hers nightwear and scrubs patterns at this point.  Not that there is anything wrong with sewing scrubs.  Some people are making some awesome scrubs.  Just that there are already a lot of patterns for them, so I don’t feel the need to show them off here.

And here’s the stuff from New Look:

NL6301 – I actually rather like this wrap dress!  The front V-neck doesn’t look too low on the model photo.  Though I have to say that the A/B skirt looks much fuller in the line drawing than on the model (a problem I’ve noticed in some of the New Look patterns I’ve tried).  I suppose this is the problem that slash and spread was designed to fix. Not a particularly new design, but who can’t use a good wrap dress?

NL6299 – I know we’ve seen collars coming back, but it must be in a big way because this looks very similar to a dress in the September Burda. I think I liked the style lines on the Burda dress better though.

NL6298 – Ok, my first thought was “meh,” but I KNOW some blogger is going to make this and style it super cute and I’m going to find myself wanting one for some reason.  It is… not logical, I know. But the more I look at it, the more I think, yeah, I could rock that. Even though it is a sack dress with patch pockets.  On the hips! Ack, what is wrong with me today?

NL6302 – Sheath dress and jacket.  Fine, but not particularly exciting. I think we’ve seen similar from New Look before.

NL6308 – Another pattern that I’m going to say is ok, but not terribly exciting.  Practical for fall though.

NL6303 – Looks very similar to S1280 above. I actually like more of these sleeve variations, but the Simplicity pattern also comes with leggings, and I prefer the waistband and not the high-low hem. I guess if you like this style of shirt you can have options?

NL6304 – Boxy button down with ruffles at the hips. It’s like, everything I don’t want in a shirt.

NL6306 – More hip ruffles.  Bleh.

NL6312 – I do like the lines on this pencil skirt! Very similar to the Mimi G. pattern, except the Simplicity pattern also comes with pants, a top, and a jacket.

NL6311 – I always like the look of circle skirts – love the yoke to keep it slim over the hips.  Looks like it would be fun to swoosh around in.

NL6313 – A less fabric hungry circle skirt.  I think I like the other pattern better?  Though this has a smaller waistband if that is of concern.

NL6315 – I look at all of the individual pieces and think “boring.” But I must say I like them all together on the model.  I don’t think I need to buy this pattern, but I might consider using one of my drapey cardigan patterns and skinny trouser patterns to create a similar look.

NL6314 – Another circle skirt option with sweater. Apparently the sweatshirt is the fashion statement for the season? (Also, sorry the image is so terrible – it hadn’t loaded properly to the Simplicity website yet.)

So there they be.  I’m finding myself (surprisingly) responding more positively to the New Look designs on the whole, even though they aren’t particularly new or different or interesting.  They are just silhouettes and shapes I tend to like.  And I’m even a fan of the pattern sporting the silhouette I don’t usually like.  It is… odd.  As far as the Simplicity patterns go – I’m loving the Mimi G. looks!  Do I have the confidence to pull off such tight fitting knit garments?  I don’t know.  But I love the shape of those pants, so at the very least I can frankenpattern the bell-bottoms onto another pattern drafted for wovens at the top.  Groovy jeans anyone?  Yes, yes I think so.  The rest of the Simplicity release… not overly exciting.  It is nice to see wearable looks for men, and some of the costume patterns are kinda cool, but not a whole lot of exciting fall wardrobe type patterns, though I suppose we got those in the last release.  So, what do you all think?  Are you loving the New Looks?  Or are all the shapes and styles so similar to previous patterns that they are just a snooze?  What about the Simplicity release?  Anyone else dying for those Mimi G patterns?  Or are you (like me) a bit intimidated to try those styles?  Feel free to discuss in the comments!