Fall 2018 Simplicity Patterns

Although I can’t say that I’m as excited for the Simplicity release as I was for the Burda preview, I do think there is more of interest here than there was from the recent fall Vogue release.  The Simplicity fall patterns have a lot of costumes and crafts, but also a fair number of more stylish fall fashions.  There’s a lot to cover, so let’s take a look:

8733 – I know I’ve pretty over the whole sleeve trend, but I actually think the proportions here are really perfect.  The dress has just enough shaping, and the perfect amount of volume on the sleeve.  I’m not that wild about the crazy floral appliqué, but otherwise I’m really enjoying this pattern.

8734 – I also think this dress is really pretty, though I have to be honest with myself and admit that I don’t need to add it to my collection.  I do like that it has multiple back dart options for the curvier among us, and I think the placement of the darts and pleats has a very flattering effect.

8735 – There are already so many wrap dress patterns on the market, but this one has added princess seam shaping through the bodice, so that really could be a great feature that makes it worth adding another wrap dress pattern to the collection.  I might wait for reviews of this pattern before I buy it, but I’d be really curious to know how well the added shaping through the bust works to assist with the fit.

8737 – View D intrigued me in the drawings, but I’m really not as impressed with the model photos, so this one is probably a pass for me.

8738 – Of course, I’m having the opposite reaction to this pattern.  The line drawings look so boring, but the model photo makes the sweater look so cozy I can’t help but want to make one (or three) to live in during the winter.

8739 – I feel like they are trying to elevate a poncho to business attire, and it just isn’t happening here.  At the end of the day, there is just something innately casual about wearing a giant blanket as a piece of clothing, even with pockets.

8740 – I’m torn on this cardigan sweater.  The line drawings look really great, but it has just too much volume and bath-robe-ish-ness going on with the model.  Perhaps in a different fabric I’d be more into it?

8741 – This could be cute if you wanted a really simple jacket, but I think I’ve got enough similar patterns in the stash already.

8742 – I’ve really been into the idea of a longer, loose coat for this year, and I’m finding myself intrigued by this pattern.  I know I’ve got similar in the stash already that I could easily modify, but for some reason this pattern is really calling to me.

8743 – Another pattern I don’t need, but oddly really want.  I mean, how pretty are these skirts?  I know it’s a basic circle with a waistband, but, again, so pretty!

8744 – I don’t need another pattern for a basic trouser with slant pockets, but if you don’t have one, the AmazingFit line could be a good place to start.

8745 – Nothing too exciting with these easy-to-sew skirts, but the asymmetric seam detail at least prevents it from being totally boring.

8746 – I do find myself really liking this wrap skirt, especially the photographed view with the leather buckle detail.

8748 – This Threads wardrobe collection is a pass for me.  The silhouettes are all a bit too large and boxy, and there aren’t really any super unique pieces here.

8749 – I do like this new Mimi G. pattern though!  The coat looks super chic and the trousers are really nice as well, especially if you are looking for a really slim fit.

8750 – I’m even more excited by this pattern from Mimi G!  I want that top in my wardrobe, like, yesterday, and the snap pants are a really cool take on the recent athleisure trend.

8751 – I’ve yet to find a pattern from the Pattern/Hacking line that I really like; I find the silhouettes to be too basic and the “hacks” to be really simple modifications.

8752 – Another pattern/hacking piece I’ll pass on.

8753 – I am excited to see this men’s shirt pattern with 3 types of fit.  I feel like guys are very particular about their button ups, and this could help you accommodate a lot of tastes.

4178 – 1960s Vintage Accessories.  The berets are super fun!

8731 – 1950s Vintage.  I feel like I like the dress and the coat, but I don’t like either enough to get the pattern.  I’m still enamored with the vintage swing coat Simplicity came out with a while ago (8509), and this pattern just doesn’t compare in terms of drama, so I think I can safely give it an appreciative pass.

8732 – 1950s Vintage. Another dress I like, but, not enough to want to make. I think I have other 50s reprints that are similar, so I don’t feel the need to add this to the collection, but it is pretty.

8736 – 1940s Vintage.  I do like the look of these 40s blouses, but I’m not a fan of back buttons, so, another pass.  Super pretty though.

8747 – 1950s Vintage.  I will be adding this 50s pattern to my wishlist though; that jacket with the little peplum is so cute!  I really like the look of the skirt too.

8762 – 1950s Vintage.  I’m not much of an apron pattern collector, but I do think the options here are really cute, and view A looks super practical.

8754 – This kids sweater pattern could be a great investment; the little hoodie is super cute!

8755 – These dresses aren’t as exciting, but they look like they could be a quick sew.

8756 – Not sure how excited kids would be to wear a poncho, but the leggings looks pretty cool.

8757 –  I’m guessing this is supposed to be one of those easy patterns that will draw people into sewing?  I’m not excited by it, but I suppose there’s a market for it?

8758 – I feel like this would be more worthwhile if it had more than a single organizer included in the pattern.

8759 – I can’t speak to how practical these baby clothes are, but, they seem to be pretty representative of what I see babies wearing?

8760 – Not my favorite toy pattern, but not bad if you want to get a more cutesy vintage looks.

8761 – These looks really simple – possibly even no sew?  I’m more interested in making 3D objects if I’m crafting with fabric, but this could be a good craft for kids perhaps.

8763 – Not too excited by these dress/apron/vest/pant patterns.

8764 – The kids version of the quilting cotton suit.  Actually pretty adorable.

8765 – And we jump into the costume patterns.  You have to admit, that baby sloth is fraking adorable.

8776 – The only reason Burda trumps this is because the Burda one is for adults.

8777 – Can’t say I see the value in a single leggings pattern for kids (especially if it isn’t drafted to have a crotch gusset) when there are so many other options available.

8766 – Generic kids Halloween staples.

8767 – Even easier kids Halloween costumes.

8774 – Can’t go a year without releasing a poodle skirt.

8775 – Same for the adults.

8773 – Clowns.  Terrifying.

8772 – I am really enjoying this Día de los Muertos collection.  It really should have come out after Book of Life, but I’m surprised it took this long post-Coco to be released.

8771 – And, of course, the not-Game of ThronesGame of Thrones cape collection.  Do I need it?  No.  Am I getting it?  Yes.

8770 –  To be fair, though, these capes are much cooler (and also much more fabric-intensive).

8768 – Really love this Cersi inspired gown.

8769 – This, however, has got to be my favorite costume release in the whole collection.  So stylish!  And really fun to customize to different characters and cosplays.

And that’s it!  If you have a really sizable pattern stash, there probably isn’t too much here that feels really unique or special.  I’m not seeing a lot that makes me excited about new styles or trends coming this fall.  But I do feel like this release is full of patterns for clothes I want to wear, which does say something for the release as a whole.  I’m definitely finding more here that’ll go on my wishlist for the next pattern sale than I was seeing in most of the other recent releases, so there is that.  What do you all think?  Is this release full of so many basics you can’t be bothered?  Or does a nice cozy sweater and basic wrap dress sound like the perfect projects for fall?  Feel free to discuss in the comments!


14 thoughts on “Fall 2018 Simplicity Patterns

  1. I’m with you on that cosy-looking sweater and that an odd poncho that tries to look like a morphing suit is not successful as anything to be taken seriously.

    I am old enough though that the ‘amazing fit’ trousers look laughable to me, with the very high, very tight, odd-looking proportions–it seems to take someone with a perfectly nice figure and make the body look unflattered, in my geezer view. We wore pants that short only when we were poor and they were handmedowns, and we were mortified at the fit. YMMV

    It looks like they aim for one piece only in each of the Handwork patterns, which makes sense if one is trying not to overwhelm a new learner. I don’t know how the cost compares to their other patterns though.

    Arkivestra is always entertaining to me–I wish I would live in gothy stuff, but I don’t bother to make any lately. Oh well–I am glad that someone does!

    Liked by 1 person

  2. I ignored the men’s pattern but now that I see it has fit variations, MUST BUY!

    There’s a lot of ehhhhh in this release for me. I like the tops in 8737 but feel like there’s some Burda that could serve the same purpose. I also like the giant poncho blanket thing but likely won’t buy it. I love the girl’s poncho; my daughter would’ve definitely worn that and I think my friend’s girls’ who are 5 and 6 would too!

    Liked by 1 person

  3. I’m not keen on any of the patterns but I still enjoyed your commentary. On another note, I want to thank you for your Burda magazine reviews. The mag is very hard to find here in Brisbane so your reviews help me decide whether it’s worth the effort of hunting down particular issues. Yesterday I grabbed the last copy of the June issue at a newsagent that occasionally stocks them, it has quite a few patterns I love so it was a good day! Thanks again 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  4. I’m convinced some of those patterns are reprints, like the Day of the Dead ones. The GoT ones are nice, definitely getting those. And I’m very amused that one of the individual photos in the clown pattern is fully embracing the evil, stabby clown look. He’s actually wielding a knife!

    Liked by 1 person

  5. I’m actually quite liking this release. There are a few more unusual designs and not everything is covered in ruffles. I’m ignoring the top with the armpit ruffles though – what were they thinking?

    Can’t decide if the poncho thing is genius or tragic but it’s certainly not dull. I like the long coat, especially the fact that it overlaps at the front. Too many of Burda’s otherwise great coat designs have edges that just meet in the middle and don’t have a proper closure.

    Good on you, Simplicity.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. I like the Mimi G long coat shown in camel, the men’s shirt with fit options, and the 1950s skirt (which I see has a godet at the back – fun!) The sweater-knit sweater does look cosy, I agree. If you don’t have a wrap-skirt or pleat-skirt pattern, 8746 could be made in summer and winter versions, and with more or less yardage according to your budget.

    Thanks for another interesting round up.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. 8747 very much reminds me of my grandma’s style in the 50s. She was quite a seamstress too, it makes me wonder if she had the original???
    I like quite a few from this batch myself. Love the full circle skirt too and it’s definitely on the list!

    Liked by 1 person

  8. The new wrap dress pattern actually has cup sizes! So despite my already large collection of wrap dress patterns, I bought it just for that reason alone. I’m to lazy to do a fba on the wrap dress patterns I already own lol.

    Liked by 1 person

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