Doctor T Designs

The latest patterns from Simplicity have been announced!  I feel like I’ve been a bit down on most of the Spring collections this year, and I can’t say this release has changed my mind.  I think there are lots of nice patterns here.  Certainly plenty of things that I think people will make and wear quite a bit.  But I don’t think there is much that is really outstanding.  It is nice to see more patterns in the extended size ranges though, and it looks like there are new Cosplay designers entering the Simplicity offerings.  Let’s take a look:

8590 –  A pretty basic knit maxi dress, but it is nice to see Simplicity offering more patterns in their extended size range.  I could see a very popular summer pattern.

8591 – 1960s Vintage reprint.  This is cute, but almost too sweet for me.  I guess all trends do come around; the ruffle sleeves could be from any recent pattern from the past year.

8592 – 1950s Vintage reprint.  I do like this dress, but it looks very similar to many of the other 50s reprint or 50s inspired patterns we’ve had in the past.  I think this is something I would have jumped on when I was starting my pattern collection, but at this point I think I’d give it a pass.

8593 – 1940s Vintage reprint.  Interesting to see how the shapes of the tops were much simpler then.  The top still looks really chic on the model though.  Very cute.

8594 – Probably my favorite of the dresses in this release.  The necklines are nice, and the style lines are quite flattering.

8595 – The traditional sized version of the Plus sized dress above.  I still think this will be a popular pattern.

8596 – Leanne Marshall wedding dress.  The cut of the skirt panels is quite lovely, and I think this could be quite pretty using a bias cut fabric.

8597 – I do like the shape of this skirt.  I’m sure there are similar in Burda and elsewhere, but it does look like it has nice flow and drape.

8598 – A top pattern that presumably would be paired with the skirt pattern above to create a party look.  I’m not the biggest fan of these tops; they seem rather shapeless and short.  Plus the idea of a stand alone shoulder ruffle feels like it would be really annoying to wear.

8599 – Cynthia Rowley dress.  Even though it’s just a dress with bell sleeves, Cynthia Rowley always has a certain polish to her designs that makes even my least favorite trends look more elevated.  The proportions of this are very nice.  Personally, I don’t need to add this to my stash, but I could see it being another popular pattern this spring and summer.

8600 – I’m sort of bored by this relaxed fitting top.  I like the neckline options, but I’m over the sleeve ruffles, so I’m a bit bored by this design.

8601 – Another loose fitting top.  I guess the ties add interest?  I’m not really sold on it.

8602 – More boxy tops with sleeve ruffles.  Pass.

8603 – This top reminds me of the Marcy Tilton styles from Vogue, except less cool.

8604 – Threads jacket pattern.  I do like the longer cardigan style version, but on the whole I’d skip the peplum and sleeve ruffle details.  Probably don’t need to add this to my collection, but there are some nice bones to this pattern.

8605 – I do like a nice wide legged trouser, but I think I have enough similar that I won’t be needing to add this one to my list.  I do like the silhouette though.

8606 – A wrap skirt.  I would be paranoid about a wardrobe malfunction, so I think I’ll pass.

8607 – Basic tunic and trousers.  Perhaps I’d be a bit more excited if the envelope wasn’t so grey, but, then again, perhaps not.

8608 – Romper/wrap dress combo pattern.  I do think the bodice is cute, but I’m not in love with the sleeves.  I’ve also got similar patterns from McCall’s which have more features that I like and fewer features that I don’t like, so I’ll be trying those out first.

8609 – Interesting wardrobe pattern.  I do think the pleated skirt is nice, and for those who like crop tops, the overlap here is pretty cool.  My crop top days are over (let’s be honest, I never had crop top days) so I wouldn’t add this to the stash myself, but there are some more daring fashion sewing bloggers who could totally rock this look.

8610 – Another wardrobe pattern.  I think the kimono style jacket is very on trend at the moment, and the jumpsuit is a nice backdrop for it.  I’m not wild about the fabric pairing in the model photo, but the silhouettes of the pattern look nice.

8611 – Mimi G. dress and romper pattern.  I’m not in love with the overlap skirts, but the neckline is fun for summer.

8612 – Ashley Neil Tipton wrap skirt pattern. Looks like Simplicity is bringing back the wrap skirt?

8613 – Mimi G. men’s raglan top.  Love this!  I know it’s just a basic man’s raglan top, but it looks both stylish and like something many guys would wear.  Definitely adding this one to my stash.

8614 – Baby clothes.  I am never much of an opinion on baby clothes, so, um, functional?

8615 – Mimi G. men’s overalls and jumpsuit.  Again, the model looks super stylish, but, to be blunt, I don’t know any men in my life who are fly enough to pull this off.  I’ll stick with the raglan top; I’ve got more of a use for that one.

8616 – Kids dress up dresses.

8617 – 1950s Vintage reprint kids dresses.  The artwork for this is pretty cute, but who isn’t a sucker for vintage pattern drawings?

8618 – More kids dresses.  There is a lot more seaming and shaping in this dress than most.

8619 – The ruffle trend seems to be trickling down into the kids wear quite a bit this release.

8620 – American Girl leggings.  I think this could be a very practical pattern for someone with active girls.

8621 – Kids wardrobe pattern.  Kind of cool to see something that could be a starting point for kids jeans; it doesn’t feel like we often get fully pocketed trousers for girls.

8622 – Baby crib accessories.  Again, practical?

8623 – Bear faced baby accessories.

8624 – Madalynne underwear set.  She does come up with very interesting bra shapes; I just always wonder how functional they would be for the larger busted?

8625 – Tati stuffed animals.  The bunny is actually pretty cute.

8626 – Lace up corset pattern.  I always feel like these sorts of corsets are all for show and not at all for function?  The styling over the simple top and pants is sort of interesting though.

8627 – Disney princess skirts for girls.  Cute, and I’m sure kids would love to dress up in these.

8628 – Disney poodle skirts for adults.  Actually pretty cute; I could see people going nuts with these for Dapper Day.

8629 – Fairy ice princess costume.  I’m not sure if there is supposed to be a specific reference here, but it is nice in a generically interesting costume sort of way.

8630 – Jackie Craft Cosplay armor pattern.  I may actually pick this up; I’m curious to see if this has thermoplastic instructions or if it is meant to be used with other materials.

9553 & 7173 – Vintage Reprints.  Can’t say I’m particularly excited by either of these.

And that’s it!  On the whole I think this is a bit of an underwhelming release from Simplicity.  Can’t say there are a lot of patterns I’m dying to add to the stash, though there are a few patterns I think will be very popular for the spring, and it’s nice to see new costume designers entering Simplicity’s range.  What do you all think?  See anything that has you ready to start spring sewing?  Or are you going to turn to your stash for inspiration this year?  Feel free to discuss in the comments!