New Simplicities

Not having been in the U.S. for a while, and having too many patterns to begin with, I haven't bought a lot of the Big4 (or Big2/Big6, if you like) recently. I do like to look at them, though, and it appears new Simplicities and New Looks have just been added to their site. What I found interesting:

• Simplicity 1354: This is in their Amazing Fit line, and it looks like a good workaround for fitting lots of people. The armscye is cut in, which would make it less noticeable if the wearer had unaddressed narrow shoulder issues. Princess seams would make it easier to draft for multiple cup sizes and to deal with the larger ones gracefully. The overarm sleeve seams will allow for fitting large biceps. The gathered skirt should fit multitudes as well.
• Simplicity 1371: Not that I'm going to be caught wearing anything like the outfit on the model, but I think it's interesting that the trousers are described as high-waisted. They look like they're just about at her natural waist (which generally lines up more or less with the elbows, on women). It's just that this is something we haven't seen in years — or ever, given the probable target customer for this pattern — so it looks high. The fact that they are quite fitted only adds to the effect, because it makes it apparent just how long the rise is.
• Simplicity 1373: There's a lot of back interest in this latest collection (see also 1354). 

I wasn't that excited about the new New Looks (and haven't been for a while). What I'd found nice about them in the past was that they were one of the few brands that had any fitted, woven blouse patterns. Their skirts and trousers can be nice too, but there I feel I've already collected all the different silhouettes they've got that I'm interested in.