![](https://i0.wp.com/jennieandnick.com/designer/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Copy-of-Unnamed-Design-4.png?resize=1140%2C420&ssl=1)
Pattern Review: Simplicity 8257
Soooo, this pattern *says* it has 3″ of wearing ease at the waist. I call bullsh*t. It does not. I found out too late when I went to do my first fitting that there is no ease. I double and tripled checked my measurements after trying it on, hoping it was my mistake, nope. I then measured the dress (before letting out seams) and there was no ease. Or at least when sewing a larger size. To say I am frustrated with having a cute but too small dress is an understatement.
I *was* able to take out enough of the seams to make the dress comfortable to wear on my “skinny days.” So at least it is not a full waste, I will wear it, but only selectively.
Fabric used: Linen metallic blend for the bodice, cotton for the contrast band, and linen rayon blend for the skirt.
![](https://i0.wp.com/jennieandnick.com/designer/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Jenn-Wesley-Crusher-Dress-106.jpg?resize=683%2C1024&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/jennieandnick.com/designer/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Jenn-Wesley-Crusher-Dress-107.jpg?resize=683%2C1024&ssl=1)
I altered the width of the hem, adding more from the waist so that the skirt has a bit more flow. The fabric I used needed that. I also added two single welt pockets, because pockets.
It’s a great design, but there is something amuck with the pattern sizing. I already have enough issues with my size, let alone when a pattern comes up too small even when it should have had ease. I guess that’s my lesson to measure the pattern itself before cutting. But seriously, why should we need to? This should be right from the beginning.
Conclusion:
Meh. Cute design with a major flaw in the pattern sizing for the larger sizes at least. Steer clear.
![](https://i0.wp.com/jennieandnick.com/designer/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Wheat-title.png?resize=75%2C75&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/jennieandnick.com/designer/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Welt-pocket-cover-photo.png?resize=75%2C75&ssl=1)