Pattern Review: Simplicity 8640

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Huge thanks to @cherylguth who found this pattern on Simplicity's website! You can get it here: www.simplicity.com/simplicity-storefront-catalog/patterns/women/dresses/simplicity-pattern-8640-misseswomens-dress-or-tunic/

[@mechellewinslow65]

I found it in Joann’s! I am newer to clothes so we shall pray it turns out!

[@lesliejacobs3605]

That turned out so cute!!! You did a great job on the pattern matching!! I’m like you - I’d seen that pattern before in the pattern catalog and thought the same thought. It sure looks different made up!!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Leslie, I totally agree about the way it looks so different than the pattern front - and a word of advice, if you're going to pattern match stripes, make sure they're big ones and not these tiny little things! 😂

[@nothingwasted-faithwithwor4263]

One of my favorite patterns. I appreciate your review. Thank you 😊

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

My pleasure and I was just thinking I needed another one . . .

[@kimdimond6921]

I love this pattern too. I created the off white cotton linen version with wooden buttons. You are right the pictures don’t do it justice!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

I bet that's adorable on you!

[@margiecook6379]

Looks great! You did a great job! Well worth the fiddlie parts. I had the same reaction as you did at first. Then I saw it thru my granddaughters eyes....she loved it and I asked why she sold me on it . So glad you made it up..

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Margie!

[@BexfromTexas]

I bought this pattern a yr or 2 ago & bought some linen cotton blend to.make.it & then I chickened out cuz I thought it looks like a sack. But not so!!! I need to go ahead & make.it!!! Super cute! Thanks for your pointers!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

I am looking forward to seeing that on IG now!

[@susankidd9963]

Lovely dress Jen you really suit it and love the colour.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Susan!

[@lisa8224]

Your dress looks great!!! Watch your videos all the time and always enjoy them. Don't comment often cause I'm usually watch on my android TV and can't figure out how to comment on my TV. Watching on my PC today. Love your sewing room makeover, by the way.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Lisa! Yeah I watch KZbin on my TV also - can't figure out how to comment or even speed up videos. About all I can do is like and subscribe (I think). So I usually just watch on my MacBook unless I wanna be lazy.

[@lorindacarne9298]

I love that dress on you - stripe matching is fabulous. I got this pattern last week and have just bought some cotton poplin to make it. I really love your version and would love to see the other ones you made.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thank you Lorinda! I think it's my favorite dress - at least, it's the one I always reach for. The others are at the beginning of the video. Actually, I'm sitting here wearing the blue one right now! 😁 Hope you have great success with it!

[@krisl.4962]

Love this dress, Jen! The fit and structured look of this version are perfect :)

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Kris!

[@karensnybeck1580]

I liked thus little dress on you.... but.... when you turned around,,,, your waist!!!! The way you laid out the design of the fabric,,, snatched!!! It actually made your waist smaller, and gave you such a hourglass shape! In love!!!! You did great!!!!! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😎👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🌵😘🤠🍷🧘‍♀️🤸‍♂️🎉💋

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Karen! You'd think I would have at least put some kind of effort into the way the back matched up - but it's cut on a curve so that plus the angled bodice is SO flattering. Woohoo, a small waist! The thing of my dreams!

[@kathleenturowski1631]

Jen my fren!! I have seen and passed over that pattern because too because I thought it was not flattering. But I love it on you and Vivmom. Now I must and will get it. The fabric you chose looks beautiful on you. Great job Jen 💕🇺🇸

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Kathleen! Good plan! You will love the pattern, it's so easy and really flattering on everybody.

[@amikrenzel5788]

I am making this dress now. I just have to sew the pockets and put them on. My fabric is a mid weight poly of some kind. The fabric is orange and I had on a black bra when I tried on and you could see the shadow of the bra, hopefully a beige bra and a half slip will do the trick. I also did the 1 inch topstitch around the neck and did not like it so I took that out and just slip stitched the facings to all the seams. I am going to make this again and next time I will draft a facing for the armholes and neck in just front and back. It will lay much nicer and those facings will not want to pop out. I do love the way it flows and you are right it is a beautiful sundress.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

I'm working on editing the sew-along for this dress right now - and good plan to adapt the new facing. You could probably also do a bias binding if you liked. It's a great dress!

[@judithaltoft4690]

It looks lovely on you Jen, its beautiful

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Judith, such kind words!

[@ccpperrett7522]

Cute make Jen!. I liked the hem line. Thanks.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Yeah that hemline - it's actually supposed to be curved but I straightened it out to kind of echo the diagonal lines of the stripes. You'd think it would be harder to hem, but it's not. Thanks!

[@carmensalome]

That is super cute on you. Love it with tennis shoe. Great style for you. I agree a great summer dress. Love your video graphics 😄

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks my sweet friend! Next time we're together we'll talk graphics. Easy peasy. ❤️😘🌺 p.s. Which, btw, should be soon!

[@jackiturner9228]

I have that pattern and you have inspired me to make. So cute!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Jacki - obviously I love it and who knew? You should definitely give it a try.

[@jennetthamilton7942]

I love it, it looks comfortable not baggy as the pattern looks.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Such a surprise. I'm so glad I saw others do it - thanks Jennett!

[@thedahliasewciety]

I love this dress!! A beautiful subscriber has just put me onto it and Its totally a me pattern!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Wonderful! I think you'll love it for summer. Those front bodice pieces give the illusion of shape with still being very loose fitting. I'll probably make another one yet! ❤️🌺

[@cherylguth3937]

This pattern is available on Simplicity's website and is currently on sale for 4.99.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

I checked but didn't see it - thank you Cheryl! You've saved the day! 👏

[@dianedunshea3949]

I love it! Looks so comfortable 👍🏻

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Diane! It's my favorite!

[@candie58]

Many thanks for your advice.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gnmrsmuir]

Thanks for the review. I am short and was thinking it’d look great on a tall person. It looks awesome on you and it’s growing on me. I am going to try it :)

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks, and I hope you really like it. I think it totally works a bit shorter, and even if you were to straighten out the hem. It's just a cute, comfy dress. I love it.

[@gaynormainwaring1853]

I’m short too, I’ve just bought this pattern and will make it shorter. I’ll make the version with the sleeve as I’ll have more wear here in Wales, UK.

[@robynlaszlo6128]

Thank you for a lovely video i celebrate my Birthday which is on the 18th December all week i really appreciate all the people in my life 💗

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Happy birthday! And it's my favorite dress -

[@lorrainesquiltingandsomuch3582]

Very nice and crisp I have pattern maybe now I can make it

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

You should! Thanks Lorraine -

[@jmanonmakes]

The dress looks great on you!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks so much!

[@foxeymoore]

Love your dress Jen.🌹

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Eileen!

[@maryhurd963]

Very nice Jen

[@Autsom57]

I love it! I have that pattern. Will make it now!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Wonderful!

[@Manecoarse]

Omg. What a great intro. I love your dress and how you played with the stripes on the pocket. Your dress is super cute with your shoes too. You look great.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thank you my sweet friend!

[@acountrygirlsews2508]

I finally got this pattern made. I used challis and hope to post it IG soon. Inspired by both @vivmom and you.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Oooh I can't wait to see it!

[@marisolreyes6502]

Jen, I had seen this pattern and like you I thought, no way, not for me. I did see others that sewed this dress,and I still didn’t really liked them. BUT geesh your dress is right up my alley. Love it, love the fabric you used and it looks great on you. But unlike you I didn’t buy the pattern. Now I wish I had.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

I have done that so many times, Marisol - right now I'm waiting for Vogue to go on sale again because (thankfully) they just reprinted/renumbered a dress that I thought had gone out of print. I missed it - but I guess I'll still be able to get it now. Yay! When does that ever happen? @cherylguth says below that this Simplicity pattern is available on their website. I'll try and put a link in the description box.

[@pam.scountrysewing4047]

way to go what dont love at end you will hugs from pam keep the video coming

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Pam!

[@lindahoskin6617]

Please show pictures of your other three versions you mentioned!!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Two of those are at the beginning of the video - the other one was for my bff, and I've never gotten photos of it.

[@maddycollins356]

If using non stretch fabric could l cut front in one piece? As l am a quilter mostly sew with cotton. When confronted with other fabric sets me of into panic mode. Used to sew clothes for self and children a lifetime ago. Enjoy watching yourself and vivmom, you are both inspirational. Need my confidence back.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Hi Maddy - you could cut the front on the fold, but I wouldn't advise it. The reason is that you'd have a V-shape that you'd then have to attach to the skirt, and you know how tricky that is to have to sew to the dot on one side, then sew to the dot on the other side, etc. Much easier to sew the left bodice to the left skirt and vice versa on the right, then sew the center front seam. Seems counter-intuitive but it really does work more easily. If you're a quilter you'll be a pro at this pattern. Definitely a confidence booster!

[@claudianowakowski]

That floral tiered dress in the background is so fabulous!!! Is that voile? I love it. The colors are gorgeous. What pattern did you use? It looks very simple to draft. The tiers are just rectangles.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

It is fabulous, it'll be even more fabulous when it's done - it's all cotton from Hawaii Fabric Mart. And the pattern is very easy, it's McCall's 7948. I changed up the bodice so it has some darts for shaping and I'm putting in a side zip. You're right, the tiers are just rectangles - although I made them a lot more gathered than the pattern requires. I also am adding a small one at the bottom. I think this basic shape is really, really easy to draft. You could actually just use a t-shirt pattern and add the tiers. Simple.

[@lphillips7791]

Hi Jen, how do you modify the hem so it’s straight without the dips? Thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

I think you just have to try it on and pin it up. It has to do with shortening the side seams.

[@skygal2010]

I love the sweet dress on the dress form, what pattern is that please?

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

That's my Hawaii dress, which you can hear all about here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4K4dWSFnZd1lcU

[@PamelaCoxon]

I’ve just bought this pattern after seeing your video. The pattern layout seems to indicate that the front bodice should be on the straight of grain, but I love your chevron effect. Will it be ok to cut this on the bias.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Actually the bodice is cut on the bias. It's hard to tell because the way they tell you to lay it is to put the bottom, which is slanted, on the straight of grain. But you'll get that bias cut if you do it like it says. Good luck!

[@wowzieee]

I love me a good sun dress.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

This one is the best!

[@mitzibud6908]

Lovely!!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thank you Mitzi!

[@lynnesemmel5304]

This is the first time I've seen your review. My thoughts were the same as yours regarding it lookng like a feed sack. Then I watched your sew along for it and I started to like it. Then I saw Vivmom's version and Dahlia Sewsiety (Australia). The next time Simplicity had a sale I rushed out to buy the pattern just last month so it is back in print. It happens to be the next pattern I'm cutting out. Thank you for the advice of taking the upper bust measurement. However the pattern sizing is using bust size but noting for upper bust sizing. If I'm using bust size its a 12. Upper bust would be 10. What would you advise for sizing?

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Hi Lynne! My advice would be to check the finished bust measurement and see if that's going to give you enough ease. I find that I'm going more and more with my upper bust measurement but that is by no means a hard and fast rule. It just depends on the pattern. This one is somewhat loose fitting but you don't want it to look like a feed sack, so being able to get it over your head and have it comfortable but not too loose through the bust and waist is probably the most important thing. I took mine in through the mid-back down to the waist too (in the center back seam), so that it would pull in slightly more. If you choose to do that, you probably want to wait until you get it put together and then alter the fit from there. Hope this helps! Thanks for watching the sew-along! And this review!

[@lynnesemmel5304]

@@TodayinJensSewingRoom Thanks so much for your quick reply. I think it would be best to do size 12 and alter it down. I'm flying soon and went on TSA quidelines and didn't find the stitch ripper as being approved. Rotary cutters are not allowed only 4 in. scissors, Thanks again.

[@Juliealdean]

Love the dress. Came here from Dahlia Sew-ciety.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Isn't she fabulous? I love Kristen and her channel - she so creative and that garden, wow! So glad you stopped by, Julie!

[@sibyllolson6747]

I made this pattern and I love it! I made it out of Hawaii Fabric Mart rayon which it the most wonderful rayon I have ever sewn with. It is so comfortable to wear. I haven't made another one but I do plan to soon with sleeves since it does get cool here on the central coast of CA.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

They have the BEST rayon. I'd get more but I haven't seen any prints I like lately. I just got some cotton from them. Love that place!

[@PrincessDiana1256]

Cute, cute, cute!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Diane!

[@sandraobrien8705]

What do you think would be the best kind of fabric to make it up in Jen?

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

I love the two versions I made for me in rayon. It's got a wonderful drape for this particular design. But you could do it in anything that flows - the back of the pattern recommends batiks, challis, chambray, cotton types, crepe, gauze (wouldn't recommend), jacquard, linen types. So anything with a soft hand. I think gauze would stretch out of shape all over the place. But actually any blend with a bit of polyester or rayon would work beautifully.

[@sandraobrien8705]

@@TodayinJensSewingRoom Thank you Jen. It is a pattern I would never have chosen but it looks great on you.

[@donnadannessa6024]

Hi Jen, did you underline the whole dress or just the bodice? Front and back?

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

The whole dress, front and back. And you know what? It stiffens it just slightly, but when it comes out of the dryer it's perfect, no ironing needed. Had I just lined it, the chambray would have wrinkled a lot, I think. The poly lining gives it that stability and keeps it from wrinkling. It's a nice perk after all that slipping and sliding around! 😂

[@bernadettethomas1496]

I did make this dress out of cotton with the short sleeves, and it worked out good, I will be making another one, and I made a face mask to match.

[@sistertotwo]

Did you use a zipper?

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Nope, it's loose enough to just pull over your head.

[@eduardachi2571]

hi dahlia sewciety sent me im glad she did

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Me too Eduarda! Welcome!

[@noeleengayjess8416]

Dahlia sew-ciety sent me

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Welcome Noeleen! I'm so glad you stopped by!

[@baesquer1]

You look very cute