The new Simplicity patterns are great . . . too bad their new website is not working. But someone over there has obviously been watching Agent Carter - and I am just fine with that if it means we get more patterns like this one.
A couple of weeks ago, the Simplicity Facebook page included a picture of this 1960s reproduction. At first glance, I assumed it was one of their "Jiffy" patterns that keep getting released, and which I do not find very interesting. But now that I see the sleeved version, I am slightly intrigued. There is the issue of how wearable this actually is - does that back overlap snap or button in place? If not, how is that shoulder going to stay in place?
And here is a wrap pattern from the 1970s. It is definitely cute, but I will probably pass.
The blue version of this cutie showed up on Facebook, and I was thinking it was another vintage reproduction (that print makes it difficult to see the style lines). I am not familiar with the designer, Theresa Laquey, but so far I like what I see.
And I find myself strangely drawn to this pattern. Is it a waste to attach this kind of overbodice to the dress when you can make a skirt and top that has so many more wearing options? I kind of feel like it is, but I still like the dress. If the perfect fabric came along, I might have to give this one a try.
And as for the recently released Vogues . . . there are no new Vintage Vogues. Boo. There were no new designs for their last release, either, so I am hoping this is not a sign of no more vintage goodness to come. That would make me very sad.
But I love this skirt! Yes, the suggested fabrics are knits, but I think it would totally work in a woven. The top has some unfortunate darts and a poorly sewn hem, so I am having trouble deciding if I do not like the design, or if I am just distracted by the poor choice of fabric.
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| Vogue 1486 |
And Donna Karan is once again singing that siren song. I cannot imagine wearing this dress, but I really like the dress.
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| Vogue 1489 |
Do you have any new favorites? Are any of the designs tempting you to to break your New Year's resolution to stop buying patterns? No . . . just me, then.
Ooh, I didn't realise new Simplicity patterns had been released.
ReplyDeleteWhile I love that there are new patterns, the ones I'm interested in are all too simple and easy enough to draft from basic patterns I already have. I would really love them to release something that challenged my sewing. It's not that I don't find things to challenge myself, but these pattern companies are the ones missing out on my patronage.
I really like the Simplicity patterns, and the fact that they offer New Look and Vogue on their website, but their website is just awful. It is so hard to shop on it! I certainly don't need new patterns, but what's a girl gonna do when they are just CALLING her name? All the best--V
ReplyDeleteI love Simplicity 8050 but the styling and model's pose make it look like a costume! As for Vogue1486, I purchased it already and can't wait to make it!
ReplyDeletewww.alittletalent.com
It is definitely styled as a costume. I often am put off by the example garments but those vintage illustrations tend to catch my eye in a favorable way!
DeleteBut I absolutely agree that pattern companies need to focus a bit more attention on example garments, especially their fabric choice - no shiny polyester, please!! And the styling really can make or break a look, too.
I am so frustrated with Simplicity's new and non-functioning website! They are my go to for Big 4 patterns. Oddly enough, I am drawn to the 1970's wrap pinafore. I find it cute :)
ReplyDeleteI need that first model's shoes like IMMEDIATELY!
ReplyDeleteThey're Miz Mooz Nico dress pumps in blue.
Deleteyes, the siren song of the Donna Karan patterns. Of course I love that one you showed - it is probably the one pattern I will buy. LOVE it. although not so sure about it on me as it looks ideal for someone taller. (like you) and Simplicity website, eek that is a mess.
ReplyDeleteI like several of these. I don't even know how you found them - I can't get any of them to come up on the web - even using google. The Simplicity site just isn't even working for what is up there to see. Maybe in a week or so they will get it fixed. Meanwhile - I was still able to pin some of these from off our blog post.
ReplyDeleteGoodness! Thank you for this post…otherwise I’d not have known about the new releases (darn website malfunction). I see Simplicity #8050 as an exciting and lovely pattern, with great styling and high potential for personalized interpretation. However, Simplicity slightly cheapened it by catering to a certain audience (Agent Carter fans) and making it look like a costume on the model. The drawings are nice but the model ruins it as much as I like Agent Carter. My guess is it is a very early 1940’s pattern, no later than 1944. I’d love to compare the original…
ReplyDeleteSimplicity 8049 is also exciting for me as I have made one of those three armhole “Wrap-Arounder” dresses, and this one is more interesting. My version does stay on nicely on its own. I can’t wait to try making the long sleeve, and I would expect it to stay on decently but a snap at the shoulder might be necessary, too – that’s it. Love the modelling for this one!
The 70’s wrap dress is cute, too. It almost looks like a gardening outfit.
I need more patterns like I need a hole in my head but I probably will snatch up these three.
A word about Simplicity 8047, Laura – look into Doris Day’s dresses in the early 60’s movie “Lover Come Back”. In that movie she wears two dresses with over tops to them like #8047. I’d love to make a version like Doris Day – champagne colored underdress with some sort of beaded fancy short over top. Just a little inspiration.
Theresa Laquey designs many retro inspired garments/costumes for Simplicity. Her sister is fellow Simplicity designer Andrea Schewe from andreaschewedesign.com.
ReplyDeleteI'm thrilled to see the 40's designs. My preference is the early part of the decade so I'd love to see more dresses like 8050.
How did you find these new patterns? I just can't find them on the simplicity site. There isn't even a vintage or retro search option. Grrr. I want the agent carter one.
ReplyDeleteYou are not alone - Simplicity updated their site recently and it is garbage (a lot of people have been complaining, so hopefully they will fix the issues soon).
DeleteIf you are located in the U.S., JoAnn Fabrics, Hancocks, etc. probably have them in store along with the new catalog. PatternReview has all of the new designs posted if you want to see all of the designs: http://sewing.patternreview.com/Catalog/45/Jan-2016
I see you totally rocking that pink drapey number with the bow on the shoulder. Your next gala look?
ReplyDeleteNeat! I've actually made the 1941 Simplicity pattern! Great to know they have re-released it!
ReplyDeleteWhat was the number of the original pattern? Can we see a picture of your dress?
Deletelate to the conversation, but pertinent: My mother made the original of Simp 8049. Many wearability issues: the bow gets caught on your coat and unsnaps the overlap as it tries to drag down your arm. The flap needs to be faced or the hemmed edge curls badly (also the interior shows). Like most of it's back wrapped friends, it likes to blow open, get caught in chairs and cars and generally discomforts. One of my mother's rare wadders
ReplyDelete8049 may not be Jiffy, but they did have a Jiffy pattern back in the late 60s that was very similar (I inherited a copy from my grandmother; it's the same basic design but without cowling, embellishment or the sleeve option). I think I'm going to pass on 8049; if I wanna add that stuff it won't be too hard to draft.
ReplyDeleteAs for the closure's ability to stay put, even if snaps/hook and eyes aren't included, you can always add them!
Too bad the site is down; we can’t see it straight from the source! I love the Vogue 1489 dress – I thought it really looked sexy! I’ll have it bookmarked as my summer project – it is impossible to wear it in this cold weather!
ReplyDelete