Simplicity 9380 Dress

If anyone fancies a fun new jersey dress, the pattern that I have to share with you today could be just what you're looking for! It's Simplicity 9380 - I picked up the pattern in the Sew Direct Black Friday sale at the end of last year, and have been looking forward to making it ever since.

Simplicity 9380 is a pullover sweatshirt dress with high-low, straight and tiered skirt variations, and options for long regular or gathered elastic cuff sleeves. You can also choose between a hooded version or a regular neckband. I chose the high-low hem, regular sleeves and neckband (a mixture of views A and B).

It's available in sizes up to bust 46", waist 39", hip 48".

The instructions for this pattern are quite good. They weren't quite as in-depth as some indie patterns would be, but I felt like they were more detailed than commercial patterns often are. 

The dress is also fairly simple to sew, so as long as you're happy sewing with stretch fabrics then I wouldn't think you'd have too many problems making this pattern.

I would say that the sizing is generous. I made a medium - my bust measurement is just slightly over the top for the medium range (but below the large), and my waist and hip measurements are firmly in the large range but the medium fits me fine with room to spare. I'd definitely recommend looking at the finished garment measurements (on the pattern paper) to see what size will work best for you - particularly if your measurements fall towards the bottom of a size.

I made my usual adjustment of lengthening the pattern - I added 2 inches to the bodice and an inch to the skirt. 

If I were to make the pattern again using the regular sleeves, I'd either slim down the sleeves or shorten them a bit - I think they're meant to have a bit of a slouchy look, but my wrists are proportionately quite slim so the sleeves have a tendency to fall down over my hands. I might go back and adjust the sleeve hem - I'll see how I feel when I've worn it a bit more.

I'd possibly also make the neckband a little wider - it's quite narrow as it is. Part of me likes that, but part of me thinks a wider neckband would be a little better around the back of the neck in particular - it feels a little low there (but not low enough to put me off wearing this version!).

The fabric that I used is a brushed French terry from Jelly Fabrics (no longer in stock). It's a lovely print, was great to work with and it's so cosy to wear. I think it was a really good choice for this pattern.

All in all, I'm a big fan of my Simplicity 9380. It's definite secret pyjama territory - it's so comfy and cosy to wear. It was also a nice simple pattern to sew, and I can easily see myself making it again. I'll have to keep my eye out for some more lovely fabric!