Spring 2019 Patterns from Butterick, Simplicity, and Vogue

Butterick, Simplicity, and Vogue Patterns (all produced by the same company), released their Spring Catalogs within days of each other.  And while nothing has me clamoring for my nearest JoAnn Fabrics to scoop up the latest designs, there are a few that stood out to me.

I am sure it will come as no surprise that the one vintage reproduction from Simplicity is first on my list, even though I will probably never wear a bikini top with a pair of shorts.  But I can see myself altering the top to have a little more midriff coverage, and I will admit that I think the whole outfit it adorable, if not relevant to my wardrobe needs.

Cynthia Rowley has two new patterns released in this catalog.  The bathing suit and coverup is cute, but I have no use for it.  Should I find the need for a swimsuit, you better believe I would choose the retro Simplicity design over something modern!  But this dress looks nice.  There is really nothing special about it, so I have a feeling that the gingham fabric is what has me taking a second look at this one.  I have so many of the Cynthia Rowley designs for Simplicity, but other than the two that I made many, many years ago, I never seem to choose her patterns, so perhaps I should skip this one.

I do love a great shirtdress.  And the color blocked check print is really lovely.  However, this design has no waist seam, and that is just a recipe for disaster on me.  But I do find the print color blocking to be a striking combination!

And look, Vogue had the same idea with their own version of this design.  This one, however, has the same issue for me . . . no waist seam.  Thankfully, I probably have five other shirt dress designs calling my name from the sewing room.

The final Simplicity design that made me take a second look is this blouse.  I love the technical drawing, but it looks less than fantastic on the model.  Also, I never know how to style these things - I think they work best with a pair of pants, which doesn't work with my wardrobe.  I also know from experience that elastic waisted blousey garments do not look very nice on my body shape which means I would probably want to do some major alterations.  But I do love that neckline with the puffed sleeves!

Butterick also has a single vintage reproduction pattern in their new collection.  It's a cute halter dress with a bolero.  This is certainly a familiar silhouette and design, and not the most interesting choice, but I do like the addition of the coverup.  The sleeve cuff and collar look very smart.

At first glance, I was going to pass by Butterick 6679, but once I realized it was made for knits I took a second look.  I may want to add this to my collection because I have very few made-for-knit patterns in my stash, and I like the silhouette of this one.  Will this particular pattern make me want to use the knit fabrics I have languishing in the sewing room?  Perhaps.  I could definitely see the knee length full skirted version in my wardrobe.

While I like the look of this pattern (possibly because it reminds me of a 1960s silhouette, the drafting seems slightly off to me.  I think that the length of the overshirt makes the waist appear bigger than it really is, which makes the dress less flattering than it could be.  Now, is the pattern worth the price if I am going to want to make alterations? Maybe not.  But I do appreciate the vintage flair.

The final Butterick pattern that stood out to me was this blouse.  Yes, I am still looking for my holy grail top that magically goes with everyone and which I can make in every color.  I cannot imagine that this will turn out to be the one, but I find it hard to resist a blouse with a bow.  So, there you go.

There were no new Vintage Vogues released, which is a bummer.  This Nicola Finetti has a very 1950s silhouette, though, and I do like that the curved princess seamlines are unexpected.  But mostly, I think I love that textured fabric!  Does it come in any other colors?

I also find myself drawn to this Tracy Reese pattern.  I love the criss cross shoulder straps, which I think are quite flattering.  I don't love the thigh slit, but that is easily fixed.

And you know how I love an off the shoulder drape!  This silhouette is on the modern side, and I think that the shoulder straps are a bit too far out on the shoulder, but that could be a fit issue with the model.  Then again, can I really see myself making this, or will it get added to the stack of designer Vogue patterns that I never got around to sewing?

What do you think?  Do you have any new favorites that you can't wait to start cutting out?

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New Spring Patterns from Simplicity and Butterick

Ever since hearing that Gertie would be moving her pattern line to Simplicity, I had a sinking feeling that their many fabulous vintage reproduction patterns would be decreasing in number from the current catalogs.  And I fear that my suspicions were well founded as there is a single vintage reissue for Spring.  But boy is it a goodie!  I have seen this pattern illustration on Pinterest many times, and I just love that skirt with those oversized pockets.  Do I need another strapless dress in my life?   Probably not, but that skirt will definitely be added to my project list in the near future!

Okay, so there were two vintage reproductions, but I am not counting this caftan.  Simplicity continues to reproduce these things, so someone must be buying them, but I just don't get why we need twenty of the same basic pattern.  It continues to remain a mystery to me.  But if you are in desperate need to use up five yards of stashed fabric, this is your girl!

As for the Gertie patterns, the blouse is my favorite.  I think that this pattern has a lot of possibilities.  In fact, I am in the process of making up a wearable muslin, and so far, so good.

The other Gertie offering is this dress.  That bodice certainly looks Audrey inspired, and I like the lines, although I am not sure I need another simple sun dress.  

Butterick released a single vintage reproduction this Spring, although it is not from the Retro Butterick line.  Are they phasing that out?  I hope not.  This particular pattern is from the Making History line and includes instructions for the hat that is showcased in the photos.  The polka dots and the pink had my immediate attention, and I do enjoy the neckline.  But if I had to choose favorites, I am going to stick with the skirt on that strapless Simplicity.

Hooray for large brimmed hats.  I have a few hat patterns stashed away, and have made a few up in upholstery weight fabric to these to keep the sun off my face while out walking Tino.  I suspect this pattern is very similar to something I already have stashed away, so I will probably skip this.  But I do hope they continue to release more hat patterns.  Those vintage reproduction ones from Vogue were so fantastic.

Well, the back of this dress is gorgeous.  However, the front of Butterick 6661 is not very flattering.  Is it worth altering the shape?  Probably not.  But I do love that strappy back!  And in stripes?!?  Excellent fabric choice, Butterick designer!

And I am slightly intrigued by this blouse.  Throw in a tie collar and I get interested really fast!  The sleeves in views C&D are lovely, but do I really need another shirt pattern in my life?  I am going to have to think about this one.

What do you think of the Spring collections this year?  Did anything catch your eye?

New Holiday Patterns from Simplicity for 2018

Simplicity thinks The Puffy Shirt has returned . . . 

To which I say . . . "But I don't wanna be a pirate!"

Other than that interesting design choice, there really are not many new patterns that interest me.  Which, to be honest, does not surprise me.  There were way too many vintage beauties in the last couple of catalogs for the trend to continue.  

Last release, I mentioned the inordinate amount of apron patterns that this company produces.  Well, we have yet another.  Personally, I like to wear my dresses in dress form, however, this is a cute idea.  I am not sure about that model pic, though . . . are you supposed to remove all of your clothes when wearing such an apron?

I was going to look right past this wardrobe pattern, but I have learned that can be a mistake.

Take a look at the line drawing for the dress and skirt.  This is pretty cute!  Love those oversized pockets!!

That is about all that caught my attention, although I do eagerly await the next round of vintage reproductions.  

How to you feel about the new designs?

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New Simplicity Patterns for Winter

On a whim, I clicked through to the Simplicity website last night, and there were new patterns!  I am not as excited about these as the last batch, but there are some vintage reproduction goodies.  This hat pattern, for instance, is pretty fabulous!  Sure, I would have rather seen hats from the 1930s or 1940s because I find the silhouettes a bit more interesting, but this pattern is really pretty special.  I just love that pointed hat silhouette!!

And once again, we have more apron pattern options.  These things must be super popular, because they keep producing them.  Don't get me wrong, this one is cute, but do we need another simple apron pattern in the collection?  I will be curious to see the appliqué pieces, which isn't something I recall being included with aprons . . . so maybe this is something new.

And here is another one.  This has the added oven mitt, which is super handy (I may actually want to make myself one of those!).  There is also a head scarf and selection of bags included.  I don't really understand the accessory combo here, but there is a lot included, so I suppose that's a good thing.  And now I really want a hand made oven mitt . . .

Here is another vintage reproduction from the 1950s.  The "simple to make" does not excite me, but this is a cute little nightgown.  I would rather have a dress or skirt, but at least Simplicity continues to share more vintage designs.

There is a skirt that I am interested in, just in the contemporary section of the catalog.  At first glance, I passed right over this one, but the shaped waistband with the center front buttons is very cute.

The lesson here is to always look at the technical drawings.  There is some good stuff here!  I am not really an asymmetrical skirt opening kind of girl, but there are a lot of nice options to be had in one pattern.

And to end with something cute, here is an adorable stuffed animal pattern.  I will never get around to making one of these, but they sure are cute!

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A New Batch of Simplicity Patterns for Fall

More new Simplicity patterns means more new vintage reproductions!  We are lucky to get one or perhaps two from Vogue, Butterick, and McCalls, but Simplicity keeps giving us plenty of options.  So, thank you, Simplicity!

I think this suit is quite wonderful.  I adore the back of the skirt, which looks especially flattering.  I haven't made a suit in quite some time, so perhaps this is the year.  The trick is finding the right fabric for the job!

And here we have The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.  I am not sure what that clutch (or is it a brown paper bag?) is doing, but the coat is MARVELOUS!!

I love the dropped waist bodice with the hip gathers on that dress!!  And the back view of the coat is spectacular.

And then there were hats!!!  The Vintage Vogue line has not released a hat pattern in eons.  I rather like this jaunty pillbox hat.  Perhaps there will be some 1940s tilt hats in our future?  Because THAT would be exciting.

And here we have another kimono sleeved 1950s frock.  There are quite a few of these under-the-bust seam with princess seamed skirt patterns out there in vintage reproduction land, and while this is certainly cute, it really doesn't grab my attention.  The three-quarter sleeved version with contrasting cuff and collar is nice, though. 

There is also another apron pattern.  In the history of Simplicity vintage reproductions, a third of them must be apron patterns!  I suppose they must be popular.  Personally, I would rather have another dress or suit thrown into the mix, but I have to admit that this is a very cute little number.  And at least one of the options gives some nice coverage from possible stain threats.  I think I am going to have to pull out my apron patterns and have some fun!

The final vintage design is a 1940s blouse.  That striped number could definitely come hang out in my closet.  I am still looking for my ultimate blouse design, and while I do not think this will fit the bill, it is a lovely classic look with a lot of potential.

Not many of the contemporary designs grabbed me this time around.  I am intrigued by the line drawing of this Cynthia Rowley, but the poor man's version of the Dolce & Gabbana appliquéd look is rather unfortunate.  Then again, there is really nothing extraordinary about the silhouette.  I blame the bishop sleeves - I have an extremely hard time resisting them!

There are also a fair amount of costume patterns; it is that time of year, after all.  The ubiquitous poodle skirt has been re-released along with some clowns and a lot of capes.  But I think I am going to stick with the vintage reproductions for this release.  Do you have any new favorites?

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Early Fall Simplicity Patterns means more lovely sleeves!!

Another pattern catalog, and another 1930s multi sleeve pattern from Simplicity!!  Hooray!  I have yet to cut into my copy of the previous reproduction sleeve pattern, but I may have to push a 1930s frock to the front of the queue in order to play with these fabulous design features.  Love it!!

The styling of Simplicity 8686 is less than ideal, but look past the scraggly hair, the poor fit, and the boring fabric, there is a wonderful dress with great style lines.  For real inspiration, just take a look at the original illustration - this is a really cute garment.  I am curious why Simplicity chose an invisible zipper in the side seam which would not be original to the design.  Seems like an odd choice to me.  But it does look like they have improved the length of these vintage reproductions.  [One of my main complaints with Simplicity vintage reproductions was that they were drafted at or above the knee with tiny seam allowances when the originals would never have been that short.  I may have chalked it up to one bad pattern, but it happened with Simplicity 1777 and Simplicity 1587.  Happy to say this dress does not appear to have that issue.]

This dress is probably familiar to vintage pattern enthusiasts.  The short sleeved version is the Sew Chic "Tia Dress" pattern.  If I remember correctly, the red and yellow print version is the original sample; the three-quarter sleeve is an addition to the pattern which I really like.  I have been tempted by this one for years, and now that it should be available at my local JoAnn Fabrics sometime soon, you better believe I will be picking this one up for my collection.

Here we have another basic blouse.  The v-neck with the dickey is sweet, but I am not loving the sample in the shiny fabric that is too big on the model.  You wouldn't know it from looking at the sample, but this is a somewhat fitted top that has a zipper - and again, Simplicity uses the invisible option.  I have metal invisible zippers on cotton twill tape from the 1960s if the color choices are anything to go by, so they probably existed when this pattern was first released in the 1950s, but I would guess that a home sewing pattern would not use a fairly new invention that might not be available to a home sewer.  I would definitely be interested in hearing from Simplicity about why they are substituting something like zipper type on reproduction patterns.  Anyone know why?

I do love that Simplicity is releasing original patterns, but I am not sure why they keep choosing overly simplistic designs for these "authentic" reproductions.  At first I thought this was a poncho.  I guess it is actually a caftan, but how many of those does the catalog need?  They must be big sellers, I guess.

The other original pattern is this lovely 1970s tie/tux accessories offering.  Anyone need a super wide paisley tie?  I would love to try my hand at making a tie one day - I believe they are rather tricky to get right and make that point nice and sharp.  But that's a challenge for another day . . . too many dress pattern to tempt me.   

The only other design that grabbed me was the Mimi G Style dress.  It looks very 9 to 5 chic to me; it's not exactly the right silhouette for the movie, but that was my first impression of the style.  In the right fabric, I think this could be fabulous.  I would lengthen the hem by an inch or so, and definitely choose a fabric with a significant amount of drape.  The floral jacquard does not work all that well, in my opinion.  But I see possibilities . . .

Do you have any new favorites?