Teacher’s Edition: Collaboration with Rochelle.Handmade.Designs
Hey there sewing friends! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today! I had an absolute blast collaborating with fellow sewist and teacher Rochelle of Rochelle.Handmade.Designs. We each came up with a week’s worth of outfits for teachers featuring 3 newly sewn items paired with whatever else we had available in our closets (whether that be previously sewn items, ready to wear or thrifted clothes). Our newly sewn items included 1 top or dress, 1 bottom (pants or skirt) and 1 topper (jacket or cardigan).
If you haven’t already, you’ll definitely want to head over and watch Rochelle’s YouTube video to hear all about of her makes. I love every single one of her looks!! She really gave an awesome variety of casual and professional outfits that can be worn for the different occasions that we as teachers would likely need to attend. She also made a really cool reel that you can check out here.
That said, let’s get into it!
I personally work in an elementary school, so I when choosing my patterns I had a few specific requirements. Whatever I chose needed to be comfortable enough to wear all day, lightweight and breathable to fit the current season, and I needed to be able to sit comfortably on the floor (criss-cross applesauce to be exact lol).
All that said, the patterns I chose are….
Simplicity 8606 - Wrap skirt
Simplicity 8216 - Tie neck blouse
and Simplicity 8890 - Cropped trench coat
Please read on for a detailed pattern review of each pattern selected, as well as details on the other items used to complete my looks!
~ Day 1 ~
Let’s start with my Day 1 look. It features Simplicity 8606 which is a true wrap skirt, but it has plenty of overlap, so there’s no fear that I’ll accidentally show too much skin. It passed the criss-cross applesauce test! I paired it with a thrifted black and white polka dot top and a pair of booties and called it a day :)
It also looks great with the jacket I made, which you can read more about under Day 6 below.
Simplicity 8606 Pattern Review
Pattern Description:
MISSES WRAP SKIRT IN 4 LENGTHS
Pattern Sizing:
U.S. 14-22
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Sure did! I love how it turned out.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yeah I’d say fairly easy for someone who has experience using commercial patterns. If you’re an experienced garment sewist, you can pretty much ignore the instructions all together as this is a pretty straightforward sew.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love the movement and general swishiness of the skirt!! It moves beautifully as I walk. I can just imagine going dancing in a skirt like this! I also love that it’s a true wrap and that the overlap is enough that you don’t have to worry about flashing anyone. And I love the flounce on the view I chose.
Fabric Used:
I used a black crepe from my stash. It had the perfect amount of drape.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I didn’t make any aside from using french seams since my fabric seamed prone to fraying. Next time I may shorten the skirt some, but still attach the flounce.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I probably will sew it again, but hemming that massive flounce was a lot of work, so it may be awhile before I revisit this pattern 😆.
Conclusion:
I love this skirt as a classic wardrobe staple. I know black doesn’t photograph all that well but I’m so glad I made it in black because it goes with so many things in my closet. If I make it again, I’ll probably go for another solid neutral like brown, navy or even a rust orange color.
~ Day 2 ~
Day 2 features a skirt I made actually made out of a circular tablecloth that I thrifted. The length was perfect for work so I was able to mostly skip hemming it. I had to unpick and re-hem just two tiny sections in the front and back because I added seams at center front and center back to remove some fullness and to add a zipper in the back. My top is one of the new patterns I sewed up for this challenge: Simplicity 8216.
Simplicity 8216 Pattern Review
Pattern Description:
MISSES’ MINI-DRESS OR TUNIC WITH NECKLINE AND SLEEVE VARIATIONS
Pattern Sizing:
U.S. 6-14
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, I made a mash-up of views C and D.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
They were ok, I’ll admit I didn’t read them all the way through, but they seemed pretty typical for commercial patterns. There’s no handholding for true beginners like you see with a lot of indie patterns.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I have one main complaint with this pattern and that’s the size of the neck opening. Without any zipper or button closure, this top has to be put on over your head and for me, it’s a snug fit to say the least. I have to tightly tie a silk scarf over my head before attempting to put this top on or I will completely destroy my hairstyle. I haven’t tried wearing this top with my full afro out, but I honestly don’t think I would be able to get it on. If I make it again, I’ll increase the size of the neck opening.
Fabric Used:
For my first version I used a lightweight crepe that I used previously to make an a-line skirt and wrap top. And for my second version, I used a gold silky type from my stash.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I graded out slightly at the hip. The largest size in the envelope was a 14 which usually fits me at the bust, but not the hip. This top is actually a little snug under the armholes too so it’s possible I should have cut a 16. Anyway it’s not tight enough to bother me, I’ve already worn these tops a bunch.
Oh and one more change I made was not to fiddle with the facings. I believe I read in another review that there were some issues with the fit of the facings so I didn’t bother with them. Instead I used bias tape to finish off the neckline.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes because of how quickly this top came together and how well it works in my wardrobe, I can definitely see myself making this top again.
Conclusion:
It’s an easy to sew pattern that can be made in a variety of lightweight fabrics. And remember, you don’t have to tie your ties in a traditional bow. You can tie it in a variety of different ways and have fun with it!
~ Day 3 ~
For Day 3, I wanted to wear one of my favorite skirts. I created the pattern a while back by slashing and spreading a pencil skirt pattern that I had draped. I love the movement and general swishiness of this skirt and I actually already have a matching top that I made to go with it. It’s a wrap top and I love the combo (it' looks like a wrap dress when worn together) but I wanted something a little different for work, so I went with Simplicity 8216 again. And luckily I had just enough of the skirt fabric left to make it another 2-piece set! I opted to tie the ties as a rose instead of a bow this time and I really like the look!
~ Day 4 ~
On Day 4, I rocked my Vogue 9109 top with the S8606 wrap skirt you saw on Day 1. I made this top back in 2019 and still love wearing it. I wrote a review about it which you can find here. Since writing the review, I made one small change - I added bra strap holders. I found that as I wore it throughout the day, my bra straps would constantly peek out, and I found it annoying having to constantly adjust. If I make this top again, I will add the holders in while I’m sewing so I don’t have to do it afterward.
~ Day 5 ~
On Day 5, I paired a simple T-shirt with a knit pencil skirt. The skirt is thrifted and it’s one of my favorites because it’s soooo comfortable and soft. It’s also high waisted which I love. The t-shirt I sewed using the Perfect T-shirt pattern by Pamela’s Patterns. I like that it comes with so many options, like different bodice options (one darted, one not), sleeve, neckline etc. and that it addresses some of the most common fitting issues (like forward shoulder). I went with the darted bodice and the jewel neckline and I like the way it fits. I’ll likely always wear it tucked in or knotted like you see here just because that’s how I’m liking to style my T-shirts these days, but I could always try cropping it, or even lengthening it to a dress if I make this pattern again. The fabric I used was kind of a burnt orange color cotton/poly blend from my stash, and I used a lighter tan colored rib knit to do the neckband and add sleeve bands as well.
~ Day 6 ~
On Day 6 there’s nothing new to show you, it’s Day 2’s skirt with yesterday’s t-shirt. Note: I likely would NOT wear the same T-shirt two days in a row, but for the sake of showing outfit possibilities, I do what I must lol. So yeah, that’s the outfit. I love the colors! Fall is my favorite season and I’m here for all the earth tones.
Ok so can we finally talk about this jacket?!! It is HANDS DOWN my favorite of all the things I made for this collab. I love so many of Mimi G’s patterns and I am in no way surprised that this one is a winner, but MY GOODNESS! I feel like this one was made for me!! It matches my style, fits my body and melds seamlessly into my wardrobe!
I hope you enjoy reading my full review below. This is where I sign off! Thanks so much for joining me and Rochelle on this collab! If you haven’t checked out Rochelle’s reviews yet, click here!!
Thanks again sewing friends and have a great day!!
Simplicity 8890 Pattern Review
Pattern Description:
The pattern envelope doesn’t say much in the form of a description. It just says “Misses’ slip dress and jacket”. I would add that it’s an unlined, cropped, trench style jacket, with an optional tie belt made of self fabric. I can’t comment on the slip dress as of yet because I haven’t sewn it.
Pattern Sizing:
U.S. 16-24. I made a 16 and graded out at the hip.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
It sure did! My fabric is very similar to what Mimi G used on the pattern envelope, so aside from the few changes I made to mine, I’d say it looks pretty spot on.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, I love Mimi’s patterns because they always come with a video sew-along available for free on YouTube. It’s actually Brittany J Jones who does the tutorial on this one and she’s a great teacher, so I wasn’t really confused on any of the steps.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I’m obsessed with the cropped length! It makes it so easy for me to style with so many of the things I have in my closet. I love the big collar and I also like all of the details included, such as the tabs at the shoulders and the belt loops on the sides. I can’t think of anything that I don’t like aside from the lack of pockets.
Fabric Used:
I used a khaki colored twill from my stash. I got it secondhand but I’m pretty sure it’s 100% cotton.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I was short on fabric and time, so I omitted the storm flaps as well as the tie belt (I used a rope belt from my closet instead). I’m 5’1” so I also shortened the bodice and sleeves. I graded from a 16 at the bust to a 20 at the hip. I also added a center back seam to adjust for my sway back. I finished my seams with a serger instead of doing the methods Brittany suggests in the video.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Definitely! I’ve already cut it out in white so I’ll for sure be making it at least once more. I’m tempted to cut it out a third time, but I think two of this style jacket might be enough. My closet is full enough as it is lol. I’ll be taking my time and finishing my seams using bias tape this time.
Conclusion:
I think this pattern is a great wardrobe staple for a variety of body types. I personally appreciate the cropped length because it doesn’t really have to go over my hips, and cinching it at the waist is the icing on the cake! I feel like they really thought about the details with this pattern, and while it does have a lot of pattern pieces, I really do like that attention to detail. And you always have the option to leave pattern pieces off and customize to your personal style (not to mention energy levels and time). Don’t have time to do the shoulder tabs? Leave them off, it’s still a super cute jacket!