When I stumbled across the new collection last night, I felt like Simplicity had read my mind. Most of the Lisette patterns are projects I've expressly longed for in the past - full skirted shirt dresses, retro-inspired silhouettes, and tailored blouses that don't look like something Aunt Mabel would wear. That's not to mention the new Cynthia Rowley pattern which has not one, but three, amazing pieces in one envelope. I have a feeling my Spring Palette Challenge projects may be changing. Here are a few of my favorites:
Simplicity 2209: One of the new Lisette line of patterns, I absolutely adore the little A-line dress in this pattern. Can't you just see it made up in a lovely spring floral? I have a great cotton sateen floral from Gorgeous Fabrics that I might try this in, possibly with a contrasting bodice. The princess seamed jacket is also very cute, though I've never sewn outerwear before. That may be changing with this pattern!
Simplicity 2246: Another adorable Lisette pattern! What I'm lusting after here is View C, the full skirted, puffed sleeve shirt dress. I love, love, love shirt dresses, but have been very nonplussed by the available patterns. I tend to like the retro look of a fuller skirt, but this is the first modern pattern I've seen with that design. I actually have a few other shirt dress patterns which I liked the bodice from, but had planned to change the skirt on. This is a much easier option! Initially, I think I'll make it up in this lovely cotton coral shirting that's been malingering in my stash.
Simplicity 2211: Score another one for Lisette! I absolutely adore the delicate blouse of View E. It's exactly the type of thing I would snap up, if I saw it in a ready-to-wear store. It also would be amazing made up in my newest fabric obsession, the Moda Regent Street Lawn collection. These fabrics are of amazing quality, airy and soft - just perfect for this puff-sleeved jewel of a blouse. I'm also tempted to try out the skirt of View A in a dark denim - it's a bit schoolgirl, but very cute.
Simplicity 2215: When I saw this new Cynthia Rowley pattern, I actually sighed with happiness. Not only is it another adorable full-skirted shirt dress, but also a tailored blouse, and a full skirt with a waistband! These may seem like simple things, but I have been looking for this exact type of skirt in a pattern and haven't found anything exactly right. Until now. I have grand plans to make all three pieces here (View A of the dress) - probably more than once. Even better, the fabric requirements are pretty low, so I can use great fabrics I already have in my stash.If there are any patterns you're also lusting after from this catalog, you may want to head to your nearest Hancock Fabrics on Monday, if you have one. They're having a nationwide Presidents Day sale, featuring 5 Simplicity patterns for $5. The only thing better than cute new patterns are cute new patterns on sale!
