Simplicity 8640 Pattern FAIL & Sewing Chat

[@kathleenrueter3142]

Stephanie, I know exactly what your saying!!! About the RV’s selling, like hot cakes! We have a Tiffin, 40’ Bus and love it; however, we’ve been full time for almost 5 years, and I’m ready to down size our RV since I do all of the driving and I’m 76 years old!!!! It in all honesty, I’m actually ready for a sticks and bricks home once again and honestly, !!!, It’s like the RVs! Gone within hours of posting!!! I don’t know what we’ll do!!! Oh well...enjoy your videos and glad to know that someone else sews things that do NOT turn out the way you envisioned! Makes me feel much better! 👍☺️

[@FarrellFocus]

Hi Kathleen, KEEP LOOKING!! We bought a trailer hours after I filmed this. We just had to get to one first as they sell so fast!Oh my...no bargaining at all! But I’m so excited. More to come on that. Good luck in your search. The right thing will show up! 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@elainemariesews2683]

I have noticed that too, about the trailers and Motorhome’s. I believe the reason is that it’s been one of the few types of vacations people have been able to do during COVID. I’m so glad we already have a Motorhome.

[@FarrellFocus]

Yes, I think you’re right. Spoiler...I found my next trailer...more to come on that. It’s just the best way to travel!!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@elainemariesews2683]

@@FarrellFocus Good for you on finding a new trailer, look forward to seeing what you’re getting😊

[@colettel2361]

So sorry the dress didn't work out 😞. Sometimes it happens. But now you know. I'd make another one with the pattern you love. Just to clear the air. So to speak. Love your new cabinets 💖. I'm still sewing in my kitchen when I have a project ready. Working on my "room of mystery" to move to. Someday 😁! Love your videos 🌷🌷🌷 and Tulips! See you soon 😘

[@FarrellFocus]

Hi Colette, well, I read your comment and I took your advice! Jus finishing up another fit and flare and I think it DID “clear the air”, now I’m ready for the butterfly dress. So, thanks for that!!! Hugs, 🥰🥰🥰

[@sewbizzylizzy]

Stephanie, you are spot on with your review on Simplicity 8640. I love your plan for the McCalls pattern. I can't wait to see it. I'm sure it will be beautiful. Blessings, Liz

[@glorialafollette61]

The first dress looks frumpy and you are certainly NOT a frumpy person. I really enjoy your videos.

[@FarrellFocus]

Hi Gloria, yes! That is exactly how it felt. You nailed it. NEXT!! Lol. 🥰🥰🥰

[@kimmiller488]

Thank you for your video! I agree with your assessment of the first dress! I enjoy watching your KZbin!

[@FarrellFocus]

Hi Kim, thank you! Can’t win them all! NEXT! Hugs 🥰🥰🥰

[@alicearnold4117]

Love the tulips! 🌷 You’re right about the dress, there’s nothing wrong with your body shape, the pattern shape is just not flattering. Can’t wait to see the butterfly fabric made up, pretty colors.

[@FarrellFocus]

Hi Alice, don’t you just love spring?? Thanks for the support on this pattern. I agree, I can’t wait to wear those butterflies!!🦋🦋🦋

[@kathyelliot9795]

Hi Stephanie. I totally agree the fit n flare looks way more attractive on you. Love your new cabinets. Thank you for the great video!!

[@FarrellFocus]

Hi Kathy, it’s funny, in her video she says you will want to make that fit and flare dress over and over and she is so right! 🥰🥰🥰

[@michellem3899]

I love our Solara camper. It is just for the two of us, with a king bed. It’s a pull in hook up the water and you are good to go.

[@FarrellFocus]

Hi Michelle, nice!!!! It’s just us too. We love to get away and see new things. I lol forward to pulling up and not having SO much work to do! Happy camping! 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@lynettedaniels1236]

I think you have a very good eye for what flatters you and doesn’t. That’s why sewing can be nerve wracking - you can’t be sure it will work for you until it’s done. Your tulips are beautiful and I love your updates about them. Great video!

[@FarrellFocus]

Hi Lynette, thank you! I’m letting this one go...ready for a dress I can be delighted about! Why oh why can’t the tulips bloom all the time?? I’m really enjoying them. Thanks for watching. 🥰🥰🥰

[@mytreasuredlife4494]

I love that butterfly fabric!

[@FarrellFocus]

Me too! Can’t wait to wear it! 🦋🦋🦋

[@suek7086]

I agree with you about the first dress. I love your cabinets. I understand you wanting the other type of camper. I loved my pop ups but I love our regular camper now. It is so much easier. I hope you can get one.

[@FarrellFocus]

Hi Sue, thanks. And...spoiler...right after I filmed this, we bought a trailer!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I’m so excited! No more bed making!! More to come on that..it’s a fixer upper. 🥰🥰🥰

[@YueRawWonder]

Lovely sewing rooms...

[@FarrellFocus]

Thank you!!🥰

[@scclif]

I totally agree with you about the dress.. Those red tulips are just gorgeous ! Happy Friday ! 💟

[@FarrellFocus]

Hi Cherie, thanks!!! 🌷🌷🌷🌷

[@mytreasuredlife4494]

I’ve been waiting for this! I so look forward to this every Friday! 🤗 from South Carolina

[@FarrellFocus]

Thank you so much! Your comment means the world to me!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@karensnybeck1580]

I love the butterfly fabric! It’s going to make the most beautiful dress! Sorry the other one didn’t work out. I love mine. I see that your pockets were too low also! Have a fabulous week! 👸🤛🏻😎🌵👏🏻🤠👍🏻🧚🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️😁👩🏼‍💻🤪

[@FarrellFocus]

Hi Karen, I’m excited about the butterfly dress! 🦋🦋🦋 I wish I had saved putting the pockets on until I tried on the dress. I might have liked it more if I could reach the pockets. 🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️ Hugs 🥰🥰🥰

[@beochar]

I made that Simplicity dress a couple of years ago - hated it!

[@FarrellFocus]

Lol. I loved hearing that!!! So many love it and lol great in it. 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@pamelamann7933]

Love the butterfly 🦋 Material can’t wait to see it sewn up!

[@FarrellFocus]

Hi Pamela, isn’t it pretty! I want it yesterday!! Lol 🦋🦋🦋

[@SewSewLive]

Yep! We sold our RV in 12 hours after listing it. It’s nuts out there. We want another but it doesn’t look likely for awhile-I guess manufacturers are way behind and can’t get parts- but I think we just need to hold tight and wait for everyone to start letting them go. 🤷🏼‍♀️ we’re also going to rent ours out if we get another anytime soon. Have you ever done that? Thanks for update!

[@FarrellFocus]

It’s hard to find an rv that hasn’t sold in minutes...but it can be done!! We snatched up a trailer shortly after filming this video...more to come on that. I haven’t rented a trailer, but I think it would be a great way to go while you’re looking. Hugs, 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@SewSewLive]

@@FarrellFocus Congrats! We were thinking of renting ours out-sorry I wasn’t clear. I’m sure if he was faster he could snatch one up ☺️. I honestly think m my husband enjoys the hunt more.

[@FarrellFocus]

@@SewSewLive Lol. We HAD to buy..my hubby just doesn’t have the time for all this looking. It was a relief to find something.

[@SewSewLive]

@@FarrellFocus I’m really glad you found one!

[@sharonhart5874]

Love your videos. Always so positive and bubbly. I am the same age as you and relate to your sewing styles and ideas. Yes I agree the first dress was not flattering on you Oh but I love the fit and style . I also want to sew up one . Look forward to your next video 🇿🇦

[@FarrellFocus]

Hi Sharon, if it doesn’t work, time to move on..right?? I think t hat fit and flare would look great on a lot of figure types. It’s so forgiving. Hugs 🥰🥰🥰

[@patriciabennett961]

That butterfly fabric is so beautiful! It's going to make a lovely dress! So happy you got your cabinets! Isn't that strange how things work out? Great video and I absolutely love your tulips!😊❤👍

[@lindathompson5420]

As you were talking about your sewing fail , my husband walked into the room. I said 'see I'm not the only one who doesn't like everything she sews'. He also said ' I prefer she just talks about sewing'! Oh my what have i done to him????

[@FarrellFocus]

Hi Linda, lol. Our men...thank goodness for them!!! Well...I figure I have to go through my fails to get to my favs! That’s probably why I repeat my favorite patterns so much! Hugs🥰🥰🥰

[@socarole66]

So sad to see you weren’t happy with the dress you made but if you aren’t comfortable in it then you won’t wear it. Maybe get it out in a couple of weeks and try and tweak it, shorter maybe, tie waist or some waist darts? Shame to waste that beautiful fabric, the colour looks so good on you. Thanks for the review and looking forward to seeing the butterfly dress. Maybe those sleeves on the other dress?!?! 😁. X

[@FarrellFocus]

Hi Carole, those are all good ideas. I think I will come back to the dress and play with it. I also love the color and the fabric drapes so nicely. I want to wear it. 🤷🏼‍♀️🥰🦋

[@nancypollard4531]

I think the reason everyone is buying campers this year is nobody wants to stay in hotels due to the pandemic. Camping seems to be the safer option. Thank you for another awesome Friday sews.

[@FarrellFocus]

Hi Nancy, yes! And I agree! I love bring my own bed with me. And it’s great for being my little doggy too. 🥰🥰🥰

[@turnsblue1]

Thanks! This was very helpful we share the same body shape. I appreciate this

[@nicky6579]

Love IKEA!

[@FarrellFocus]

Hi Nicky...it’s so awesome!!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@RjsHome]

Loving your channel!!!

[@lindaruiz2422]

What if you put a cute little belt on the dress you don't like? Love your butterfly fabric! Good luck on your trailer search. Linda

[@FarrellFocus]

Linda, well...I’m not a huge fan of belts..but I will at least try it. I also want to try making it into a top like Andra suggested. Maybe there’s a way to salvage this after all. Ready to move on 🦋🦋🦋🦋

[@sew_april]

It sucks when something we make doesn't look right to us. I agree with Andra maybe make it a shirt? The butterfly material week be soo pretty! Ice been looking for a camper right before the pandemic. I feel it's pointless now 😭 the tulips are gorgeous😍

[@FarrellFocus]

Hi April, I love that idea and I’m gonna give it a try! And I also can’t wait to see if the butterfly dress turns out. 🤞🏻 Spoiler...right after I filmed this video I found my trailer and I’m so excited! More to come! It’s gonna be some work...👏🏻👏🏻 🥰🥰🥰

[@jacquelinejacobson4023]

I made that dress too and don’t like it at all. I put the sleeves on and I think it makes it look very frumpy. I’m going to take them off and just wear it around the house.

[@FarrellFocus]

Hi Jacqueline, wow...somehow your disappointment in your dress makes me feel better! 😂🤣😅. I think I’ll try Andra’s idea and see if it looks ok as a top. 🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️ Thanks for watching. 🥰🥰🥰

[@claudianowakowski]

It actually does look like a house dress or a nightgown

[@marlenep2644]

I'm so sorry the 8640 didn't work for you. I think a combination of things were working against you with it. Camping must be the 'stay at home' version of a vacation this year. You can go somewhere, but still be 'home'. 😉 Tulips are beautiful!

[@FarrellFocus]

Hi Marlene, they can’t all be winners...right? I agree...everyone wants to get out there and still be at home...so we bring our little homes with us...win win! 🌷🌷🌷

[@bridget9111]

We moved from folding camper like yours to a motor home and it’s been great 👍. We are having the same situation in the uk with the crazy buying of camping stuff. I wonder if they’ll all be for sale as the pandemic is controlled and there are other travel options?

[@FarrellFocus]

Hi Bridget, I’ve never seennor like this before. It’s always hard to find a camper this time of year...but it’s harder for sure. We found one, and pounced on it. More to come on that!! Hugs 🥰🥰🥰

[@bridget9111]

@@FarrellFocus oh exciting my brother has just grabbed one and is busy planning trips 🥰

[@halesmoore]

Don't wear the dress if you don't like it - why ones the pattern place the pockets so low? Congrats on the new camper I saw on your Facebook, exciting!

[@FarrellFocus]

Hi Hales, yes! Why so low. I like to put my hands in pockets. It’s silly. Thank you! I’m so excited about our new camper. Ready for a big project!! Hugs 🥰🥰🥰

[@cindyszoke6204]

Thats too bad, you don't like it.. I Think it looks good on you.. also I adore this pattern

[@FarrellFocus]

Hi Cindy, even now...I want to like this pattern, lol. I’ll probably come back to this dress and see if I can make it work. 🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️😊😊😊

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

I am so bummed you don't like 8640! I'm actually sitting here wearing one of mine. This dress fits better if you take it in through that center back seam - just curve it in towards your back and it gives you a much more flattering look without losing the comfort. For you, you definitely need 2 things: raise the pockets and shorten the hem. I know you're done with it, but that might help. If you ever do it again, try it in a print or a stripe or a check. That angled front bodice really is slimming. I ditched the pattern's pockets long ago - I hated the way they did them. I just do a plain patch pocket. I just mentioned to Mark that it might be fun to take a road trip in a camper. Hmmm . . . .❤️🤗

[@Bonbon53539]

Yes, I curved in the back seam to give mine more shape. Also the side seams. I raised the pockets considerable - I happen to like the style. I ended up sizing down for my 2nd one. I think the front is flattering and my next one will be a stripe to take advantage of the pattern lines

[@dianemorrall2687]

I agree with you about the dress...it doesn't suit your shape. I am a pear shape and I am learning what styles suit my shape best as well. The 'boho' style that looks so good on many, doesn't suit me so I don't make them. There are so many different patterns and if we are going to the trouble of sewing our clothes, we need to find those clothes that suit us best. Not to say we can't try new things but I think we need to keep within certain parameters of what suits us best. Thank-you for sharing.

[@FarrellFocus]

Hi Diane, this dress would be great for your shape! You probably have nice shoulders too and I....well...don’t. Lol. I’d rather hide that and show some leg. 🙄😬😁

[@dianemorrall2687]

@@FarrellFocus 😂😂. The styles you like definitely look lovely on you. I like to have some shaping that loosely outlines my shape. Show some waist shaping. I am happy with this dress. Probably a bit looser than I thought but I made two of them and have worn them lots.

[@FarrellFocus]

@@dianemorrall2687 I’d love to see them!!

[@dianemorrall2687]

@@FarrellFocus how do I show them to you?

[@FarrellFocus]

@@dianemorrall2687 are you on Facebook? I’m Stephaniefarrell123 You can send me a private message. 😊

[@bestillandknow2986]

Shirttail hem. I like 8640 on you and get what you’re saying about less flattering than others, but it might be because you did it in a solid fabric vs a medium size print, especially the pockets which are distracting in the placement and drawing your eye down. Anyway, if there’s a next time maybe in a print?

[@FarrellFocus]

Maybe...I have a really prett print that tempts me to try it just the way you’re saying and I have thought about it...but I have so many other patterns I want to try. Lol 🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️ Decisions decisions! 🥰🥰🥰

[@sllashbr]

H! What is the name of the fabric you used to recover your cushions in your hybrid???? Gorgeous work!!!

[@FarrellFocus]

Hi Shannon, it was fabric from Joanns in the home decor section. They don’t have the exact pattern anymore, I bought it on clearance. But they have tons of great prints. I’m on the search myself now that we found a new trailer! 🥰

[@sllashbr]

@@FarrellFocus Thanks for the info on Fabric Guru! I got a nice print. Good luck on yours now too:)

[@FarrellFocus]

@@sllashbr Yay!! That’s so exciting!

[@GoSewBeautiful]

What pattern did you use for your fit and flare dress? I love a good fit and flare dress! Yours looks great!

[@FarrellFocus]

It’s a free pattern called Fit and Flare, by “so sew easy”. She even has a step by step video on you tube. It’s a great dress. 🥰

[@GoSewBeautiful]

@@FarrellFocus thanks! I know exactly what you're talking about.

[@sandraobrien8705]

What a shame about the 8640. It is a pain when they aren't right for you after all the work. I've been eyeing that one for a while now but if you don't like it, I won't either, so thank you for the heads up. I've been looking at the line drawings. Would it work for you if you cut it off to make a hip length top and wore it over a straight knit skirt, say in cream, just a simple tube with an elastic waist? Then it flares out over your middle but your silhouette comes back in for the bottom. I bet though it will be a super comfy dress as is, even just for being smart but comfy at home. It might feel more you if you lift the gaze to the top of the dress somehow, with a big, light-coloured necklace or scarf, if you wear them, maybe also with your hair up.

[@FarrellFocus]

Hi Sandra, I’m living this idea and I’m gonna try it for sure!! It just might work out. I’ll let you know. I love the fabric and would like to wear it. 🤷🏼‍♀️🤞🏻🥰

[@claudianowakowski]

I think the dress would look better on you without the pockets because they add bulk on the bottom. It would also be more flattering in a matte fabric. It looks like you used satin or something else shiny..

[@FarrellFocus]

Hi Claudia, I agree that the pockets are a big part of the problem. I’m looking forward to trying a new pattern. 🦋🦋🦋

[@AndraMakes]

Shirttail hem! 😉 I love the color of the first dress! Maybe you can shorten it and make it into a top, and/or belt it? 💜

[@FarrellFocus]

Hi Andra, I LOVE this idea and I’m gonna do it!! It might just make a great top...I’ll let you know. Thanks!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@juliescreativeneedle7794]

The dress looks too big for you. I have 7562, can’t wait to see yours.

[@FarrellFocus]

Hi Julie, yes, I agree. I pinched it to see if taking it in would fix it and it probably would loo better but I think I was just over it at that point🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️. I’m ready to move on to the butterfly dress...🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 Hugs 🥰🥰🥰

[@cjane51]

I agree with you, it’s not your best look. The look is better, more balanced with the sleeve but the dress is not for you.

[@FarrellFocus]

Hi Claudia, thank you so much for agreeing! I’m letting go of that one! Someone suggested making it in to a top and I’ll try that. 🤷🏼‍♀️. Hope you’re having a great day! 🥰🥰🥰

[@barbolson8768]

Stephanie, I don't think the Simplicity dress would look good on anyone. The pockets are too low, the shape of the pattern is not flattering to any body type. It's just a crappy pattern. I love the butterfly fabric and your tulips are looking very beautiful in your garden. See you next Friday. Have a great weekend.

[@FarrellFocus]

Lol, Barb, you REALLY made me feel better about not liking this one. Lol. Thanks for that!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@kristieprice6698]

I think you look very cute in the S8640, not frumpy.

[@catfish542]

You are right I don’t like it either I can’t wear that kind of thing either I wouldn’t make it again

[@judithcole]

I don't think the Simplicity pattern compliments anyone. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Having said that the hemline looks like a frowning frumpy lump. To me. the Mcall's pattern looks like a winner - opposite style of hemline to the other frumpy dress.

[@joyceburns7769]

I agree with you..Its not a flattering style ..you did great job but it is missing something.

[@tammielpowell]

Sewist(s) instead of sewers. Agree that the finished dress is not particularly flattering to you but maybe try it as a tunic, pairing it with leggings before you rehome it.

[@FarrellFocus]

Thank you Tammie.

[@dallasj22266]

I would shorten that and belt it, it it still mightn’t work!

[@deebuettner8017]

Sewist. Nice to see you! Why put it in your closet when you don't like it? Might as well donate and let someone else enjoy it. It's well made.

[@FarrellFocus]

Hi Dee, I was thinking what my southern mother would call a “house dress” lol. Or a mumu? But now I’m thinking of trying Andra’s advice and see if I can make a top out of it. 🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️ If not, I think my granddaughter might like it. We have the opposite figure type. 🥰🥰🥰

[@cynthiahumphrey1718]

Regarding the pattern , I think it’s the fabric. The dress really looks good on you. The fabric doesn’t work. The dress is cute on you.

[@auntieann3000]

I think people who sew are called sewists, tailors, seamster/seamstress, or makers.

[@FarrellFocus]

Hi Ann, sewist is much better than “sewer” LOL. I knew that didn’t sound right. 😅🤣😂 Thanks! 🥰🤷🏼‍♀️🥰

[@cjhines726]

So sorry your dress was a disappointment☹️

[@FarrellFocus]

Hi CJ, thanks! Ready to move on to something I will LOVE! 🦋🦋🦋🦋