Hi All,

How is everyone doing in these testing times? Hopefully you are all keeping safe and have many sewing plans to get you through the next few weeks and months…

Today is a review of the hugely popular Simplicity 8982, which was released not that long ago, but, at the time of writing, already has 18 reviews on Sewing.patternreview.com. It is easy to see why. This style of top is bang on trend in RTW, a fast sew and easy to wear.

I did do a dartless FBA on this top using this tutorial. On knit tops I definitely prefer to use this method. I made some other minor tweaks and they are listed in my review down below.

BTW the beautiful viscose ponte roma knit is from Pin and Sew (sold out now but other options available). It is honestly the best quality ponte I have come across. Substantial weight and no piling so far; definitely recommend.

Pattern Review

Pattern Description:

Easy to Sew Misses’ Dress or two-piece top and skirt. Designed and sized for stretch knits only. Dress is below-knee length with long sleeves. Top has straight or cuffed sleeve options. Pull-on skirt is elasticated at waist. Two length options.

I made view C.

Pattern Sizing:

6 – 22.

I cut a size 18 through the bust, shoulders and arms and graded out over the waist.

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

Yes, except I increased the height of my collar.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

Love the finished style. Like the fact it keeps me warm but is comfortable. On trend style. Easy to sew. Nothing to dislike.

Fabric Used:

Viscose ponte knit.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

• 0.5″ dartless FBA
• 1″ full arm adjustment
• 0.5″ sway back adjustment, and added the removed length back to the hem
• Doubled the height of the collar as drafted, less 1 inch
• Cut the size 14 cuff

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

Yes, I might sew again. I definitely do recommend. However, a side note: after making this version I used some cotton jersey to make two versions of View B (the T shirt view). Sorry, I don’t currently have any modelled shots of those versions. One version I made to wear as part of PJ set, and the other version is a ribbed cotton jersey T shirt. On this view I found the length of the neck band to be too long: if I make again, I will definitely shorten the length of the neck band for this view (approx. 1 inch?) Otherwise, it’s a good fitting pattern (now I have made adjustments).

Conclusion:

Love this easy to sew and easy to wear pattern. And with the other options included in the pattern you’ve got some great basic blocks to build a wardrobe from. Great value for money too.

Whatever is happening in your corner of the world, look after yourselves, your families and each other. Stay safe!

Outfit details: I am wearing my top with my Megan Neilsen Dawn Jeans. I hope to make a second pair of this pattern soon.