Review: Simplicity 4264

Simplicity 4264




By using this pattern I created a knock-off of the Striped Rumba Skort for kiddo. I did a skirt instead. I'm going to present this to her in the morning and post the results tomorrow. She's 9 and very opinionated.

Size: 10 in the waist, 12 for the length

Pattern critique: I made the skirt and gauchos from this pattern previously and I consider it very easy - beginner friendly. The instructions were great. However for this project I just used the pattern pieces as a template for the style and sizing.

Fabric: pink cotton broadcloth from Joann $1.99/yd and striped cotton seersucker from Walmart $3/yd. The sequins I purchased years ago at a Christmas clearance sale from Walmart. I used ribbon for the drawstring

Modifications: I used the yoke as is. Cut the skirt bottom piece twice in the stripe and twice in the pink. then cut each of those in half.

Results: not exact, but I think it's cute. We'll see what she thinks tomorrow.....

Review: HotPatterns - HP102

HotPatterns HP102 from McCall's

please don't be alarmed, this is a muslin folks


Size: 12

Pattern critique: Easy, Easy, Easy. I did read the *sparse* instructions, which actually make it seem more complicated, so I did my own thing.

The pattern pieces are NOT numerically numbered, which was ok after I got used to it.

Fabric: a hideously funky Wal-Mart $2/yd poly stretch

Modifications: I added an inch of length to the skirt bottom. The pattern pieces I used were the classic neckline, long sleeves and slim skirt.

According to the latest McCall-HotPatterns reviews on PatternReview, is that these patterns have a lot of ease, I guess it's because most of them are designed for jersey type fabrics. So I went down to a size 12 from my usual 14.

Next time I will add 2 inches length to the sleeves and go down one more size - a 10 - in the skirt to rid some of that bagginess on bottom.

Results: This wears sooo comfortably w/ no awkwardness that I usually feel in dresses. This dress also gives me a little "shape" when I wear it belted at the waistline OR w/ a low slung belt. I took pictures of those looks but the belts got lost in that kooky fabric. So I'll have to post those styles next go round.

The looseness of this dress will be a good layering piece for the cooler months and will be super-cool in a super-light jersey for the warmer months. I am making this again starting tonight in a black silky feeling jersey - stay tuned for that...