Rainbow Bright: Simplicity 9380
Overview:
Not every make is a win. LOL I purchased this remnant of pastel ombre terry cloth with Miss Socialite in mind. It turned out that she was NOT a fan, so I decided to use it for myself. I thought if tie dye worked for the envelope of Simplicity 9380 then so could this ombre. Turns out I'm not a fan of this fabric either.
Skill Level: ★
Sewing Time: 2hrs
Pattern Rating: ★★★★
Pattern:
Simplicity 9380 is a casual sweatshirt dress with several options. I love it when pattern comes in all sizes (XS-XL). I prefer views A or B because tiered skirts usually aren't my thing, but they would be great for color blocking. I also think the hood makes the dress ultra cozy and I always love pockets. Both sleeve options work for me. I chose View B due to my limited yardage, more on that below, as it offered the shortest skirt and least fabric consuming sleeves.
It's an easy sew just be warned the ease is very generous. I should've known after years of sewing big 4 patterns not to trust their finished measurements on a 'very loose fitting' garment. Unfortunately I did and sewed an XL based of my 44" bust, which had 47.5" finished bust, it was a tent! I had to take in both sides of the bodice and skirt about 1.5" and it's still roomy. The good news the bodice is very simple to take in and you can simply have a more densely gathered skirt. Definitely try on the bodice before adding the skirt or go ahead and size down with this one. The dress is very comfy and although this dress will likely never see the outside of my house I do think a solid version would.
Fabric:
This pastel, ombre rainbow fabric was a 2.5 terry cloth remnant that I bought from Fine Fabrics for $5. An XL calls for 3yds but I figured I could "make it work!" Whelp, for once I couldn't, the large pattern pieces would not allow me to work my tetris magic. Thankfully I had some aquamarine terry cloth left of from a previous make that was close enough match to the blue in the ombre fabric.
I was able to use the solid as the bodice and pockets, which honestly I prefer because the rainbow is a bit much. I'm not a pastel person, I much prefer jewel tones, bold colors and neutrals so this dress will never see the light of day. It will either be worn around the house, as the fabric is so soft, or given away. Notice it does match my slippers though!
Modifications:
None
Summary:
I'll likely make this again, maybe with the hood, definitely in a solid knit. I will be sure to sew a large with 1" side seam allowances or a medium with 3/8" SA.
Pattern: Simplicity 9380
Pattern Description: Pullover sweatshirt dresses with side seam pockets have high-low, straight and tiered skirt variations and options for with or without hoods.
Sizing: XS-XL
Does it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? Yes, after I took it in on each side.
Were the instructions easy to follow? I didn't use them but yes.
Would I recommend it to others? I would just double check the finished measurements or size down.