#spring sewing patterns

Burda Style, February 2022

The cover of this issue offers up a sunny yellow “two-piece suit.” While the color cheers me as the snow piles up around here, the idea of a two-piece suit with one piece a top is not all that practical. If the fabric is substantial enough for the pleated loose Trousers 118 B, is it too heavy for the Top 119? And if you wear them at the same time, you will definitely get the top dirtier and it will need cleaning more often which may mean it ends up a slightly different shade than the pants and your suit idea will be defeated. So, why not make a short jacket instead to wear with an easily washed blouse? Yes, it’s an old formula but it has stood the test of time because it works.

More successful is Shaped Dress which has 2 pleats crossing from the left hip to center and 3 pleats on the bodice at center. The wonderful print of sketched faces gives you some idea of what kind of print will work with the pleating. This closes with a zipper in the back and back darts keep it fitted while a kick pleat allows you to walk.  

The other dress with interesting lines is offered in plus sizes only Dress 123 made for heavier knits. The raised waistline may work for you, but not for everyone. I am not sure the neckline treatment falls well. You cut it from a strip of fabric and as you can see in the close-up, it won’t necessarily hug the neckline. I am thinking that drafting a facing or a collar based on the curve of the bodice pieces might work better? 

Very cute and done up in soft velour knit are the pair of elephants.

As you can see from the pattern sketches, there are several other dresses and tops in a range of sizes, including 126 A, B which is a nice wrapped top offered in plus sizes. There are straight, wrapped, and full, gored skirts, plus a coat and 2 jackets. And some children’s fashion too. About 25 in total by my count, not counting minor alterations of sleeve or length, nor all the sizes offered.

These patterns come printed over one another with each size and pattern in a different type and color of line, so that you must trace them out in order to use them. You can also buy the pdf of individual patterns online too, at a much higher total cost. It’s the weighing of time v. money.  

It is Bank Holiday Monday and the sun has been shining brightly all day. It is the wonderful weather we have been having this last week that has inspired today's blog post all about sewing patterns for dresses.  As it is about time we all started to plan our homesewn summer wardrobe I have picked my 5 favourite dress patterns from the Spring 2013 Simplicity Sewing Pattern Collection to introduce to you all.

                                   I am absolutely in love with Simplicity 1666 Lisette 'Sew Your Style'. It is a gorgeous sewing pattern for a Fit and Flare dress with princess seams and back zip. I can so see this dress being made in a bold floral print crisp cotton fabric. You could even make a carryall bag to match the dress as the pack includes patterns for a bag, an ultra fashionable peplum top and a pencil skirt with walking slit. The pattern is £8.15 and it is available in 2 sizes, 6-14 and 16-24.

                                   Simplicity 1686 Amazing Fit sewing pattern is for a mock wrap dress with different sleeve variations. There are two different dress lengths to choose from. The dress has princess seams, inset waist band, lapels and a back zip. The pattern pack includes separate pattern pieces for A, B, C, D cup sizes and slim, average and curvy fit. It is an American Sewing Guild pattern and it costs £8.15. You can buy pattern sizes 6-14 and 16-24.

                                   The Cynthia Rowley dress design for Simplicity 1654 is very pretty with the optional top stitch detailing on the bodice seams. It is a dress which can be stitched up with or without sleeves. It would look stunning sewn in a coral coloured linen fabric. The pattern is £8.15 and available in pattern sizes 4-12 and 12-20.

                                   If you are looking for a simple dress to sew then sewing pattern 'It's So Easy' Simplicity 1643 could be exactly what you are looking for. It has a pattern for a knee length pullover V-neck sleeveless dress with matching tie fabric belt. The pattern pack also includes a pattern for a hip length kimono jacket with cascade front. The pattern is £4.05 and it covers sizes XS-XL.

                                   I love Simplicity 'It's So Easy' 1644 as it is super fashionable and looks just like the dresses currently available on the high street because of the optional long length graduated hem. It is made for stretch knits only. The dress is a pullover halter neck style and it has a smooth front midriff and elasticized back. The pattern is only £4.05 and it covers sizes 6-16.

I hope you have been inspired to get stitching some summer dresses. You can buy all of the featured sewing patterns from our online sewing shop.

I hope you have all enjoyed your long weekend. I bet lots of you have been relaxing in the garden with a spot of hand sewing. Talking about stitching by hand reminds me I must do some more work on the hexagons for my daughter's English paper pieced quilt. It's been a few weeks since I last stitched any hexagons for it.