Monday, October 27, 2014

A Small Selection from the Archive

McCall has released their new pattern collection for the holidays.  Generally, I prefer Vogue and Butterick designs, but now that The Archive Collection exists, McCall has my attention.

McCall 7053

There is definitely a theme here.  In fact, the photo shoot is recycling the skirt from last season, and has added two blouse and vest options to complete the look.

I see the appeal of a capsule collection.  What confuses me is that you get an entire suit pattern from Vogue (which costs more) and yet these Archive Collection pieces have to be purchased separately.  What is that about?!

McCall 7056

It would have made more sense for last season’s skirt and jacket combo to be released as a single pattern, and these new offerings of the blouse and vest combo to be released as a single pattern.  McCall is clearly marketing the pieces as part of a whole, so I can’t think why they are going this route.


McCall 7053

But I do love the blouse pattern.  Love the lantern sleeve, love the tie front – just love it!  Both options are fabric hogs, but boy are they pretty.  The vest . . . well, I can take it or leave it at this point.  It has some cute features, but I am not sure I would ever wear it.

McCall 7056

The rest of the new patterns are not doing anything for me, but I am fine with that – there are plenty of projects in my queue without adding more!

McCall 7053

Do you have any new favorites?

10 comments:

  1. Really nice blouses and I think that the waistcoat is quite cute. Would be good under a suit to make a three-piece.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Love the sleeves, though the bow is a tad too big for me. I'd never wear the waistcoat!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Like these blouses other than the lantern sleeves. I am just not a fan of those on anything but the collars are on these are awesome.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I took a quick stroll through the new patterns yesterday and was unimpressed. I do like the blouses now that you have posted the line drawings. I think that they need to hire you to choose this line of patterns. I think they would be so much more successful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How much fun would it be to flip through those old catalogs?!

      Delete
  5. I think we all are feeling that "What's up with McCalls" vibe. Some patterns are a hit and miss. I do like the top and how it can become the vest.

    ReplyDelete
  6. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I like the dots fabric, but otherwise, not so much. I'm still marveling at the Vogue winter selection and how recycled much of it is. The Celine handbag for one, and this from Spadea and Irene Gilbert. http://vintagepatterns.wikia.com/wiki/Spadea_S-243. Oh, sorry, the collar is reversed...http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v9046-products-49004.php?page_id=174.

    Harumph! Ceil Chapman was a wise woman to file patents.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I absolutely LOVE the vest, actually. But, I love vests. I used to have 3! For my hourglass figure, they are great for accentuating my waist - I can even throw them over those flowy tops that seem like they're here to stay (ugh).

    BTW: can we talk about how M7050 reminds me of another blue dress so carefully crafted?

    ReplyDelete
  9. Though they're not my style, it's nice to see that new formal wear patterns have been released. I agree that the suit jacket and blazer should have been released as a single pattern!

    ReplyDelete