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DIY Maxi Dress – Simplicity 8333 – Pattern Review

Hello Everyone!

If you read last week’s post, you know that I recently attended the Mimi G Style 6th Annual Fashion Sewing & Style Conference.  If you missed that post, you may see it HERE.  Since I knew that Saturday would be a long day of attending classes, I decided to sew something comfortable to wear.  I wanted to look cute and casual, so I chose this Maxi Dress by the Simplicity Pattern Company.  Check out the pattern review below to hear about my experience with this pattern.

DIY Maxi Dress - Simplicity 8333 - Pattern Review

 

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DIY Maxi Dress - Simplicity 8333 - Pattern Review

Simplicity 8333 (View C) – Pattern Review

Pattern Description: Misses’ knit jumpsuits and dresses each in two lengths featuring a tie around the waist and cross-over bodice. Long dress has side leg slit, dress and jumpers can be made with halter top or kimono sleeve. Use stretch knit fabrics. Fun festival wear! Simplicity sewing pattern.

Pattern Sizing: Sizes 4 – 20 ( I cut size 12.)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it did.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, the instructions were very easy to follow.  The pattern company rates this pattern “Easy-to-Sew” and I agree.  A beginner who has learned the basics of sewing should be able to follow the instructions and complete this dress.  Available as a printable pattern—for more information, see Printable Sewing Patterns.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the casual style, side slit, and cross-over bodice.  I also love the bias binding edge finish used for the neck line and front.  Most of all, I like how quickly it sews up.  I’m sewing dresses for an upcoming trip, so I need quick projects right now.  This one may make it into the suitcase.

Fabric Used: ITY Knit. This pattern is designed for stretch knits only.  The other two suggestions on the pattern envelope are jersey and terry knit.  If you want to dress it up for a special occasion, try a knit with metallic highlights, or a lame fabric.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I did not make any changes to this dress.  I did omit the tie, as I’m not particularly fond of ties around my waist.  Although I’ve worn waist ties before, I just didn’t want one for this dress.  I also omitted the pockets.  Since the ITY is so thin, I didn’t want the outline of the pocket to show through.  I will probably try adding it the next time I use ITY just to see how it looks.  I just imagine it being too flimsy.  Have you ever sewn in pockets when using ITY fabric on a semi-fitted garment?

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I probably will since it’s so easy and a girl can never have too many maxi dresses, if you ask me.  However, with all the other amazing maxi patterns on the market it may be a while before I repeat this one.  I do recommend it for anyone who wants a simple design for comfort.

Conclusion:  I like this dress so much that I’ve worn it three time already.  In addition to the Conference, I wore it to my niece’s graduation (pictured below) as I knew that I would be comfortable because of the design and lightweight fabric.

DIY Maxi Dress - Simplicity 8333 - Pattern Review

Here are a few styling tips to consider:

  1. Casual Lunch Date: Fun colorful prints or stripes for dress, flat sandals or flip flops, big floppy hat, large hoop earrings, bangle bracelets, 3-4 multi-length necklaces, shoulder bag
  2. Church: Solid fabric for dress, sandal heels, sash or wide belt, single-strand pearl necklace, pearl bracelet, pearl stud earrings, fold-over clutch purse, and don’t forget your hand fan
  3. Fine Dinning Event:  Dressy sparkle fabric for dress, evening sandals, evening clutch, rhinestone choker and bracelet, rhinestone dangle earrings

Create the Look!

DIY Maxi Dress - Simplicity 8333 - Pattern Review

DIY Maxi Dress - Simplicity 8333 - Pattern Review

DIY Maxi Dress - Simplicity 8333 - Pattern Review

Are you feeling inspired?  Are you interested in learning how to sew?  Check out my free Beginner’s Sewing Course!  In the privacy of your own home, you can learn the basics of sewing, at your own pace, by following my very detailed, step-by-step video tutorials.  Even if you’ve never laid hands on a sewing machine before, you can join many other newbies who are actually creating garments as a result of following my tutorials.  Head over to my LEARN TO SEW Page and get started by clicking on the Introduction Video.  Have fun!

Learn to Sew

Thanks for stopping by!

Remember: When you live in your DESIGN, it is from there that God SHINES!

Anita

DIY Maxi Dress - Simplicity 8333 - Pattern Review

(All photos courtesy of CEMO!)

Anita Morris

Anita is the Author of STEP Into It, Overcoming Trials That Lead To Purpose. She is also an Online Sewing Instructor for beginner sewists. She is passionate about helping women to step into their purpose by walking in the calling on their lives. She hosts a popular YouTube channel where she helps women to become confident in their sewing skills.

This Post Has 35 Comments

  1. Peggy Johnson

    Hi Anita,
    I’m really not sure how I missed this post but I love this dress and it looks fabulous on you. The fabric is so beautiful. I’m feeling depressed that I missed it.
    O well I guess I’m just going to have to go buy the pattern and some fabric and try to sew it to lift my spirit. ? Thanks for sharing.

  2. Susana

    I love how nice it fits you. And the versitiity.

  3. Julie A. Weaver

    I just love your dress!! I have looked all over the net for that fabric that you used. I haven’t found anything close. Would you mind sharing where you found it? Thanks. 🙂

    1. Anita Morris

      Hi Julie! The fabric has been in my stash and I don’t remember where I purchased it from. Sad, I know. It was either JoAnn Fabrics or the Michael Levine Loft. That’s’ where I buy the majority of my fabrics. The Loft doesn’t have a website. If I happen to run across it, I’ll let you know.

  4. Fo Alexander

    I absolutely love the fabric choice, Mrs. Anita.

  5. Rosalind D..

    Hi Anita, do you have a video for making this dress? Also, I have been spreading your name around to a few people who are either interested in sewing or want to brush up on sewing,

    1. Anita Morris

      Hi Rosalind! I don’t have a tutorial of this pattern. Thank you so mu;ch for sharing me with your friends. I really appreciate it.

  6. paulette dowdie

    Beautiful job as always!

  7. Nahrin Dixon

    You are just so adorable!

  8. Julia B

    I really like this dress and the tips!I CAN’T WAIT to see what you make for your trip!

  9. Carol

    Not a successful post until I get that Anita by Design Signature Leg photo and it this post THERE’S TWO!!!! BONUS! I just love this. I have this pattern for the jumpsuit so now, I’ll add the dress!!! Loooooooove you to pieces! Hey! SBGJnS-slide over!!!

    1. Anita Morris

      Carol, I am dying in my seat! You are HILARIOUS!!! Now I’m gonna think of you every time I try to stick that leg out. Hahaha! Wait a minute! You’ve added more to your brotha’s name. It’s so long that you have to abbreviate it now. LOLOLOL! Love the “slide-over.” Hahahahaaaaa!

  10. Lene

    love the dress! Your hair! Your smile! I enjoy reading your blog, you’re so talented! Keep up the great work and may GOD continue to bless you and your family!

    1. Anita Morris

      Thank you so much Lene! God bless you and your family too!

  11. Nerissa

    Gorgeous! I have this on my cutting table now! How did you stablize the neckline? It’s perfect, I’m nervous that mine will be stretched out.

    1. Anita Morris

      Thanks Nerissa! For the neckline, I used single-fold bias tape as instructed in the guide sheet and it worked out well.

      1. Nerissa

        Okay, I wasn’t too sure about it, I’ll have to give it a try. It will be my first time trying.
        Thank you so much for responding, you’re such a blessing!!

  12. Theresa

    Very beautiful! And thanks for the styling tips.

  13. Elizabeth

    I love how you’ve centered the pattern design. It adds a great focal point to the dress, and the side slit must make walking so much easier in this style! Thanks for all of your wonderful styling tips also!

    1. Anita Morris

      Hi Elizabeth! Thank you so much for noticing that detail. Yes, I thought it would look better that way. Funny that you mention the slit, because I actually sewed it closed in the beginning. Sure enough, when I tried it on I took one step and knew I had to open it up again. You’re welcome for the styling tips.

  14. CarmenSalome

    The colors are wonderful. I can’t wait to try it.

  15. louise meyer

    Love the style and the colors!

  16. Deirdre Jenkins

    Love it. Thanks for sharing this pattern. I have been looking for a maxi pattern.

Comments are closed.