Simplicity Got Their Early Spring Release Right!
Monday I reviewed the Early Spring pattern collections from McCalls and Vogue. If you read that post, you know that I was thoroughly disappointed in both releases and it seems some of you agreed. If you missed it, check it out here! Simplicity released a much more impressive Early Spring collection (in my opinion), but I couldn't find any of the patterns on their new website so I chose not to review them.Yesterday I tried again and finally was able to view the Simplicity early spring releases online. Today I stopped by Hancock to pick up several new releases while Simplicity is on sale 5/$5. Here they are!
Of course I have to start with my sewing crush Mimi G's jumpsuit pattern, Simplicity 8060. Though jumpsuits have been "on trend" for a while now, I still love them. I'm not sure how long into the spring I could wear the long sleeved pants version (I'm hot natured and live in the south) but that just means I need to knock it out early. :) I would love this is a medium wash denim chambray, a navy or an army green.
Admittedly I am actually on the fence about Simplicity 8046, but I bought it anyway. What I can say about it that I can't say about hardly any of the McCall and Vogue patterns is...it is different. They may have got me with the pattern art because I am a sucker for all things stripes, especially black and white. I love the empire waist and full skirt, but I'm not sure about the elasticized hem. Since I have plenty of knits in my stash I will certainly give this pattern a try, though I think I'll try a solid or busy print before attempting stripes. Note:The flower necklace definitely has to go. 
Next up is Mimi G again with Simplicity 8045 a gathered wide collar dress. This dress reminds me of her Off The Shoulder Maxi Tutorial that she has offered for years. I have reviewed it before here. This version adds a gathered shawl collar. I also love the gathering at the waistline which is flattering for all body types. Another plus is the length options! The maxi length options could be dressed down with flats or sneakers or dressed up for night with some heels and bold jewelry. While the knee length could is perfect for a night out.
At just one dollar I grabbed Simplicity 8059 solely for View D. That is why I LOVE pattern sales. I envision this maxi duster being highly versatile. I could see this sewn up in a light weight sweater knit, a linen or a jersey for a chilly spring night or a sheer or mesh knit for a beach cover up. More variety could be added with tab closures, buttons, hooks, trim, tassel ties, etc... I also imagine that this pattern could be easily modified into a simple wrap dress! 
Simplicity 8055 was another "eh, it's only a dollar" buy. This time View C was the draw. The raglan sleeve coat has interesting lines, I especially love the side dart and pocket. I don't love the dress, but this knee length coat would work with any shift or sheath dress and would be perfect for spring. I think I would flip the pattern art and make the coat out of a colorful print and a dress out of a bright coordinating solid.
Whelp that was my pattern haul today! Did you or do you plan on grabbing some Simplicity patterns during this 5/$5 sale? If yes, which ones? What type of patterns do you wish were offered by any of the Big 4 companies this spring and summer?