Hello Friends,

Today is a double whammy of Simplicity/ Mimi G Style patterns, made using Simplicity 1283 and Simplicity 1167 (which I have made before….see here, here and here). First off, thanks to the Simplicity/ Newlook group for gifting me Simplicity 1283…they let me choose three patterns and this was one of them. Secondly, this outfit was made using fabrics from Fabworks: but sadly both fabrics now appear to be sold out. I am really loving Fabworks for their great quality fabrics (especially wools!) at reasonable price points. Not being prompted to promote them…I just really like their stuff.

The jacket is made using a double faced wool jersey. It is made from two separate layers of wool jersey (navy and grey), which appear to have been glued together. I washed a sample, and whilst there didn’t seem to be any issues with shrinkage, I was concerned the washing process might be detrimental to the adhesive. So I chose to just steam press this fabric as a pre-treatment. It is quite heavy weight and beefy, and truthfully I am not sure if this fabric was the right match for this particular pattern (probably should have gone for something collarless), but with the freezing temperatures we have been having I have been wearing this jacket on a weekly basis, both belted and unbelted. It is just so lovely and warm.

You can check out my review below for details on what adjustments I made to the pattern, but the main thing to note is that, as drafted, the collar on this jacket extends much further down and is shown with the belt being tied on top of it. I decided it would be more flattering to shorten the collar, which I did, by 4 inches. I was concerned that this jacket read as more of a dressing gown, but I do like it, and I decided to show both sides of the wool jersey by using the grey side for the collars and the cuffs (which were a pattern modification).

Some inside shots – I used my overlocker to finish the seams and handstitched the hems. The pockets are lined, which is a nice touch.

Pattern Review Simplicity 1283: 

Pattern Description: 

Women’s comfortable chic sportswear pattern by Mimi G includes unlined jacket with belt, knit long sleeve crop top, lined knit skirt with contrast front side panels and flared knit trousers.

Pattern Sizing:

6 – 24

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes, except my collar has been shortened and I added cuffs.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

Dislikes:

• No finished garment measurements given on tissue or envelope
• No lengthen/ shorten lines
• Didn’t like how far down the collar originally extended

Likes:

• I like the finished garment, especially in my choice of fabric it is nice and warm.
• It looks good belted and unbelted
• I don’t have anything like this in my wardrobe so it was a good addition to make
• Nice shaping at the elbows

Fabric Used:

Double faced wool jersey.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

• Cut a size 18 through the shoulders/ bust and graded out over the waist and hips as is normal for me
• Shortened collar by 4 inches
• 1 inch sway back adjustment with removed length added back to the hems
• 1 inch full arm adjustment
• Shortened sleeves by 1 inch
• Trimmed undercollar slightly to account for turn of cloth
• Added 2.5 inch deep cuffs
• Understitched facing

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Don’t think I would make this again. Yes, I recommend, but you need to be careful of your fabric choice…don’t pick something which will be too bulky around the collar.

Conclusion: 

I like that this has the ease of wearing a cardigan whilst still looking smart and not sloppy.

Now a quick mention of the trousers. I made no modifications to these from the last pair I made, but for the next pair I make I have added a tiny bit more to the back rise and pinched out a bit more from the waistband. I think I might go back and possibly shorten the length of these a tiny amount. The fabric is a wool/ viscose/ elastane blend and the fabric is soft and comfortable. I prewashed this fabric with no issues.  I did buy a fair amount of this fabric because I intend to make a matching blazer and a matching dress or skirt, so they will make an appearance on the blog at some point. I finished the inner waistband with a narrow bias binding, which you can see here on Instagram.

The Curvy Sewing Collective have declared January and February as jeans and trousers sewing in the #curvyyearofsewing so I think these qualify. I will be entering them over on Instagram. Hopefully they might have inspired you to try a trouser pattern for yourself…taking the first step is the hardest but I swear, from someone who avoided buying, wearing or sewing trousers for probably 5 years or more, it will be the most satisfying thing you can do for yourself.

Until soon!