Pattern Review: Simplicity 8216

Hi!

Sew way back when, before the So Very Jo blog was born, I got an opportunity to collaborate with LA Finch Fabrics.  I jumped at the opportunity to review their fabulous fabrics!  I received two different cuts of fabric and one of them was this Arcadia Rayon Challis which is still available for purchase HERE.

The description on their site reads:

Description: Look chic with this gorgeous abstract rayon challis! Overstock from a high end LA designer.  Drapes nicely, soft hand! Perfect for flowy tops, dresses, blouses, scarves, and more! Recommended for the intermediate sewist.

The description is right on the money. This fabric was so nice and soft and washed very well.  I did learn a thing or two while working with this fabric. When I cut my pattern pieces I normally place pattern weights on top of each piece and just cut away.  That technique was not working so well with this buttery fabric.  The fabric kept shifting and was not cutting evenly. What I did instead was pin each pattern piece in place and placed one hand on top of each piece while I cut.  This ensured the fabric stayed in place and I was able to cut out my fabric pieces successfully after that.  I also used my walking foot while sewing up my top.  This ensured the fabric stayed in place nicely and I got beautiful stitches.  Now, I am by no means a pro, but this is what worked for me.

I decided to make Simplicity 8216 view D with some additions and some omissions.

I chose view D because I like sleeveless tops but also because I had two yards of fabric to work with.  I loved the bow on view B and C, so I decided to add it to my top.

Pattern: Simplicity 8216

Pattern Description: Misses’ Mini-Dress or Tunic with Neckline and Sleeve Variations.

Sizing: 6-14, 14-22. I cut a 16 based on my 38″.

Difficulty: I did not think it was difficult.  I did have to google how to work with bias tape as this was my first time making a top like this.

Fabric Used: Arcadia Rayon Challis from LA Finch Fabric

Does it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? Yes it does, even though I did modifications.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes they were.  I did google how to work with bias tape because I’m a visual person and this was my first time working with bias tape.  The instructions were great, but I needed to see how this was actually done.

Likes:  I love everything about it.  It’s a flowy top perfect for South Florida weather.

Dislikes: None.

Pattern alterations or any design changes made: I cut out view D minus the pocket.  The fabric pattern was busy and I didn’t think it needed a pocket.  I also loved the necktie on view B and C so I decided to add it.  I followed the instructions for attaching the necktie for view C and it worked out well.

Would I sew it again? Yes I would.  I think this would make a great work top.

Would I recommend it to others? Yes I would.

Conclusion:  I love this pattern and would like to try the dress views A and B because I like the sleeves on them.

Sew, what do you think? I need to add that this collaboration all came about because of my friends over at Sewing Portfolios.  This site was created to CREATE your Sewing Portfolio, CONNECT with Businesses and Brands, and COLLABORATE together! You can sign up and create your very own sewing portfolio for free!  They also have a FB group called Sewing Portfolios which I belong to.  I  answered a post in the group to review fabric and I was chosen! It was easy as that, but I would have never gotten the opportunity if it weren’t this amazing Facebook group.