Pattern Review - Fleece Pullover

Project Photo:
Pattern Photo:	Simplicity Pattern Info
Pattern Rating:	Highly Recommend
Fabric: Fleece
Pattern Description: Pullover for boys and men. Pattern has several options. There is a hood or just a collar, with velcro closures. Optional flap pocket on front. Elastic can be inserted on sleeve at cuff and on bottom or just have a regular hem. Pattern Sizing: Boys' size S-L and Men's size S-XL. I made a Men's size L. To be sure I got the sizing correct I measured one of my husband's fleece pullovers at the chest, since I've never made a Men's pullover in any Simplicity pattern prior to this. Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes. I did make View A, but did not include the front flap pocket. The picture makes it look a little wonky since it's hung on a hanger, but when it is on it is straight. Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes. Between the pictures and the written directions, I was able to make this in about 3-hours. At the time I did not have a serger. What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? It was pretty easy to understand, however more clearly described instructions or more pictures would be good for a beginner. Fabric Used: Polar Fleece. I used quite a thick polar fleece and without a serger the stitches sometimes skipped when the fabric was too thick. Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I made View A, but just left off the front flap pocket. Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I would definitely sew this again and am planning on making both of my boys a pullover in the camo fleece since I have a lot leftover. When they saw Daddy's sweater, they wanted one right away. I would recommend this pattern. On the envelope it says easy-to-sew, which it was, however I would recommend this for the Advance Beginner as there is some twill tape to be added to the collar facing to stop chaffing. That step can be a bit intimidating for a beginner. Conclusion: Love this pattern and with so many options it can be made over and over again with a different look acheived.

Pattern Review - Simplicity 3546

Pattern: Simplicity 3546 (Project Runway)

Pattern Rating: Difficult (this pattern is for Advanced Sewers)

Pattern Description: Girls' dress or mini dress

Pattern Sizing: 8-16 (also available in plus sizes 81/2 - 161/2)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope when finished? Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, however the pattern pieces were difficult to pick out. But once you have the correct pattern pieces the instructions were easy to follow. There were lots of pictures as well to help clarify the instructions.

What did you particularly like/dislike about this pattern? I liked that there were lots of pictures to follow as sometimes the explanations were confusing. Also I liked that there were many different variations of the dress to choose from. I disliked that finding the pattern pieces was so difficult as they didn't seem to be clearly labelled. As well the facing around the neckline doesn't sit as flat as it should despite several attempts to do so (as well as multiple pressings). Next time I will line the entire bodice to avoid this.

Fabric used: Cotton - from Fabricland (on sale) and velvet ribbon trim from WalMart.

Pattern alterations/design changes made: I made the mini dress, but my daughter wanted more of a top so I cut 6-8 inches off the bottom to make a top. I also had a hard time finding ribbon trim for the midriff that was wide enough and that my daughter liked. So I just sewed ribbon trim on the top and bottom of the midriff, which I think looks nice.

Would you sew it again? Recommend it to others? Yes I would sew this pattern again, as there are many ways to make different looks with this pattern. I would recommend this pattern to advanced sewers, as it may be difficult for beginner sewers to choose the correct pieces and there are some curves to manipulate. As you can see from my picture above I do have some wonkyness going on on the neckline.

Conclusion: Overall an easy pattern to use that took 2-3 hours to complete (including seam finishing).