New Winter/Holiday Vogue Patterns

Vogue Patterns just released their Winter/Holiday catalog.  I was beginning to think that the Vintage Vogue line was no more, and then they go and release this beauty.  I was planning to make McCall 7478 as my highly detailed cold weather sewing project for the year, but now I am torn.  The Vogue design is slightly less of a fabric hog, which is nice.  On the other hand, I have been yearning for a true princess coat in my closet, and the McCall design definitely fits the bill.

The real question is, what color wool to use to ensure that the coat sees its fair share of outings . . .

Interestingly enough, the line drawing is not as gorgeous as I expected.  I do love that dipped back waist seamline, but the front seamlines read as rather busy.  I guess that hipline needs a body to really do the drafting justice.  Those pockets and collar really are fantastic, though!  I am still not sure which design to pick.  Although, considering that it is going to be almost 80 degrees this afternoon, there is still plenty of time to decide.

As for the other new designs in the catalog, there are not that many that pique my interest.  The back of this Badgley Mischka is intriguing, but I don't like the inset, and I suspect that it is there for a reason.  If I wanted to leave that out, there would be some other structural work that would be needed on the pattern.  And really, if I need a full length gown, there are a lot of other designs that I would pick before this one.  I do love a sleeved formal, though!

The other dress that caught my eye was Vogue 1652.  I have been playing with more of a 1960s silhouette lately, and I think the shorter version of this dress has potential.  I love the shoulder button opening.  That said, the longer version with those boots is dowdy looking on the model, so I can't imagine what it would look like on an average figured person.  Maybe without the boots it could be salvageable?  Those sleeves also look short on both versions which takes away from the lovely drape.  I just love when they button closed instead of using elastic at the wrist.  And I will definitely be checking out the sewing instructions on that neck closure, even if I don't end up purchasing this design.

Do you have any new favorites that you want to add to your sewing queue?  

For now, I am off to pull all my wool coating out to see if I have something suitable for either one of those glorious coats!

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McCalls Patterns for Summer 2019

I blame the thrill of the new.  I have so very many sun dress patterns stashed away, and yet, I must admit that I find a few of the new McCalls Summer Patterns quite tempting.  And I usually prefer Butterick or Vogue.  McCalls 7950 is my favorite in the new catalog, especially the tie front option paired with that button front skirt.  Totally adorable!

I also really love the back of McCalls 7952.  Do I need an open back sun dress?  No, but those criss crossed straps are quite wonderful. 

McCalls 7951 has a similar issue.  I suppose I could add a cardigan during business hours, but that is a very open back.  I do like the long version with the ruffle, although I think that the ruffle might look better a skosh deeper.

While McCalls 7949 screams 1990s to me, I actually like the tie front version.  And by using a different sleeve from another pattern, I might get something I would want to add to my closet.  Yes, this has definitely possibilities.

And while I love the idea of these gathered waist peasant dresses, it is hard to stop thinking about rolls of fat through the midriff.  I can't unseen it, even on model sized bodies.  The possibility of the bodice riding up seems very near impossible to escape, and the likelihood of looking like a stuffed sausage too great.  The idea is cute, just not so much in reality.

The final design that caught my eye is McCalls 7958.  Although, if I had to guess, I probably have at least two other patterns in my stash that could be used to recreate this exact look.  So I will probably skip this one, but it does remind me of a couple of patterns that I wanted to get to last year.  Which I should get to soon.

What do you think?  Are you ready for summer sewing, or is the weather in your neck of the woods being stubbornly chilly and wet like it is in the Bay Area?

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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 Vogue Patterns for Spring 2019

New Spring Vogue Patterns were released last week, and there are no new Vintage Vogue patterns to tempt me; disappointing, but really, I have stacks of them waiting to be used, so I shouldn't complain.

Vogue 9355 was the teaser that was shown on the McCall Patterns instagram account for the week prior to the release.  I do like this, although, on the model, the off-the-shoulder treatment for view A and B is not very flattering on the arm.  It also looks rather restrictive.  I see that there is a sleeved version included, although they look a bit dowdy when compared to the rest of the design.  The look is classic and I am tempted, but I believe I will wait for some real life versions to appear before purchasing this.

The other design that caught my eye is Vogue 9357.  I adore the oversized pockets and the bodice detailing.  I think this design has a whole lot of potential!

The made up version this jacket had me skipping right past, but upon closer inspection (always make sure to look at the technical drawings!!) those lantern sleeves are fabulous.  This is actually quite a nice 1950s swing jacket silhouette with welt pockets, a wonderful collar, and those sleeves!!  Did I mention I love those sleeves?!

So, nothing I am dying to start sewing immediately, but there are a few goodies to be found.  Do you have any few favorites?

Spring Patterns from McCall

The new Spring McCall catalog was released last week, including this vintage reproduction from The Archive Collection.  At first glance, it looks lovely.

However, there isn't a whole lot going on here.  The low back on the dress is stunning, but this is really just a very basic sheath dress.  I do like the four darts on the skirt front and back instead of two.  But I am confused as to why the back drape is cut in two pieces when there is a side zipper, and the drape is clearly a separate piece.  Then, the separate cummerbund is another added layer.  That seems like a lot of bulk in an area that a 1955 silhouette is doing its best to stay tiny.  But I am pleased that The Archive Collection is still around.  I am just hoping more complex options will show up soon!

I love this Edwardian style corset from Angela Clayton . . . but do I need another costume pattern to add to the growing collection?  Probably not.  But this is beautiful.

I was excited to see the interesting design lines on this dress (the ruffles outline the curved seamlines).  Although the reason I was first drawn to the dress is the floral print, which is not a good reason to purchase a pattern.  But there are some definite possibilities here.  And goodness knows, that fabric is probably made of polyester.

Normally, I am a huge fan of cold shoulder designs.  And I want to like this.  The ruffles, the seamlines, they are all wonderful.  But something about the wide straps with the small cutout on the shoulder makes the feminine design look mannish to me.  Something about the proportions are off.  I am trying to decide if it is worth a little work to figure out the problem, or if I should just move on to the next design.  Maybe the sleeve is too long or too wide?

And here is a lovely little skirt.  I was really quite excited about this one at first glance, but the waistline is slightly north of the natural waist, and those garments have a tendency to rotate on my body over a day of wear.  I do love those pleats, though.  Perhaps View D with the fabric belt would solve my potential issue.  And can you ever have too many classic button front skirts in the wardrobe?  I think not!

The curse of the slightly asymmetrical button front dress returns.  The McCall designer really likes this look!  I previously mentioned my issues with McCall 7863 which has an asymmetrical bodice, and I don't think the issue has been resolved with this design.  The pitch of the diagonal is not steep enough, making the finished dress look like it has been cut off grain to me.  That curved bodice seam is gorgeous, though.  And I would be curious to see how the View C sleeve is constructed.

At first glance, the two David Tutera dress patterns remind me of a Macy's department during prom season.  But McCall 7895 has a lovely bodice and neckline treatment.

The second, McCall 7896, has a very distinctive prom feel, but this cold shoulder silhouette is something I can get behind.  I really do think my issue with the Nicole Miller design above is the wide neckline.  As for the rest of the dress, that trumpet skirt screams Barbie prom dress, but this one might be worth it for the bodice pieces alone.  I see it paired with a full pleated 1960s skirt that balloons out from the waist and stops at the knee.

And I just wanted to share this one because it sure looks like there is no facing under that front and center button and loop closure?!  I can't quite tell in the model shot, so I am going to have to investigate when the pattern finally show up at JoAnns.  There must be an underlap or facing, right?  But this technical illustration is really confusing me.  

What do you think?  Any new favorites to add to your collection?

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New Butterick Patterns for Winter 2018

We have a new pattern collection from Butterick for Winter 2018, and I am somewhat underwhelmed with the options.

I do like the corselette from Gertie, and will probably pick this one up during the next pattern sale (although my local JoAnns has been horrible about stocking current releases so who knows when that will be).  It will be interesting to see what kind of directions are included with this design.

The other new Gertie release is this fringed dress.  Other than the sweet-heart neckline and the princess seamed bodice, adding fringe to the very popular Butterick 6453 would give you a very similar look.  It is a cute dress, though.  I was hoping for a sleeved retro look for Winter, though.

Here is the standard knock-off of one of the latest royal wedding dresses we have come to expect from Butterick.  I had some issues with the original bridal gown (mostly to do with the fit of the bodice on the bride), however, there are some interesting style lines which could be fun to play with.  I love the knee length version.  The pattern is underlined and boned, so it sounds like there is a good foundation to be had by using the pattern as drafted.  And actually, this bodice might have been useful in making my latest off-the-shoulder dress. I sure do love off-the-shoulder looks!

Here is a super basic knit dress design, but since I don't have a lot of those, I am tempted by this See & Sew design.  Does anyone else use the See & Sew patterns and have any comments?  Then again, I haven't touched my serger since making this polka dotted gown, so perhaps knits are never going to be my favorite textiles and I should focus on the wovens.

The other dress that I would consider is Butterick 6640.  It's difficult to see with the busy fabric, but this is another take on the classic shirt dress which is included in a wardrobe pattern, so there are lots of options available.  If I was more tempted by the other views, I might grab this one, but as it is, I probably have something very similar stashed away.

The only other pattern that caught my eye was the Connie Crawford jacket.  The collar separation in the front is not my favorite detail, but I do like the waist seam paired with the double breasted silhouette.  The Anne Klein design from Vogue Patterns a few seasons back definitely has a similar flavor, so I might just stick with that one.

Overall, I am not all that impressed with anything.  Which is fine, because I need to catch up on the 2.4 million other patterns that I have waiting for me at home (only exaggerating slightly!).

Do you have any new favorites?

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