Suit Up! Simplicity 8749

As soon as Simplicity released their fall patterns I knew I wanted to make Simplicity 8749 by Mimi G. This fall I've decided to make more separates. I'm always in need of tops and pants because I default to dresses. Additionally, I have also wanted to tackle a blazer for a while now and this oversized blazer seemed like a good place to start.

Simplicity recommends gaberdine, stretch woven, ponte or wool types and I selected this red wool gabardine with a small lycra content. When this fabric arrived I couldn't stop caressing it, it has such a nice hand, a wool like feel, the perfect amount of stretch and this shade of red is everything. Unfortunately this fabric is sold out but this light tan gabardine is similar. If you prefer non-stretch I also like the color of this olive khaki worsted wool.

The pants were sewn first because I was worried they would require some adjustments and likely be more time consuming. I fell in between a 18 and 20W so I did something I hardly ever do...made a quick muslin. Are ya'll proud of me? I am! And I have to admit I was so glad I did because the 20 was just too loose. With that knowledge I revisited the size 18 and graded up from just below the hip to the waist about 1/2" and cut the size 20 waistband. Overall I am pleased with the fit of these pants for a first attempt. They could be tapered more below the need and I'm guessing that the front crotch could shortened to eliminate some of those pulls across the front.

I also tried to dress up my insides by bias binding the pocket bags, waistband and leg hem. Though it does look clean on the inside I don't love that you an see the outline when worn due to the fitted style of these slacks. I'll keep that in mind for my next pair of slacks. The side slit at the ankle is a nice touch!

On to the blazer...I'm so glad Mimi G designed this boyfriend blazer! For one it is very on-trend and two it's a tad more forgiving in terms of fit. I love the longer length and think it will layer nicely over jeggings and dresses as well as the enclosed pants.

The welt pockets were a first for me and I have to say, while they are not perfect, I am proud of them. If you follow my IG stories you saw that I made one attempt on scraps and then jumped right in on my jacket front  (if you don't follow me now as it's still in my highlights). Another first for me was adding shoulder heads utilizing some scrap fleece I had laying around.

Other than tackling those firsts, nothing was tricky about the blazer. The sleeves are a tad tight around the bicep, but that is becoming an issue with most patterns for me. I also choose to line it with a stretch satin instead of a traditional lining so it is a tad heavier that most blazers. I did complain a time or two that there were too many pieces while cutting out the fabric, lining and interfacing, but it was definitely worth it. I can't tell you how I'm proud I am of this suit! I truly wish I had a holiday event to attend so that I could pair this suit with a velvet top or bodysuit.

Time really flies! Can you believe the holiday season is already here! I hope you had a fun, filling Thanksgiving with family and friends!Pattern:  Simplicity 8749Pattern Description: Transition from day to night in ease with this polished look for Misses and Women from Mimi G Style. The wool coat comes in two lengths and features notched lapels and flap pockets, and the straight-leg pants have a zipper and one-hook closure.Sizing: 10-18 ,20W-28w I sewed a 18 pant (graded to a 20W waist) and a 18 blazerDifficulty: 3/intermediate pants - 4/advanced blazerFabric Used: Wool/lycra blend wool gabardine from Fabric Mart (similar black and tan)Does it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? YesWere the instructions easy to follow? I didn't use them, I followed the sewalong videos.Likes:  The boyfriend blazer look, the ankle slits on the slacksDislikes: None except yall know how I feel about patterns with more than 3-5 pieces lolPattern alterations or any design changes made: I graded up about a 1/2" on each side of the pants from the hip to the waist.Would I sew it again? Maybe. I need to tweak the fit of the pants below the knee and possible shorten the front rise. I love the blazer, but I don't see myself making one right away.  I need some quick knit projects first.Would I recommend it to others? Definitely, I'm very proud of myself for making a suit!Conclusion: Great staple pattern for an advanced sewist and a great challenging pattern for an intermediate sewist.