Early Spring McCall's Pattern Release

I don't do posts that showcase pattern releases very much anymore but I just had to this time around because McCall's hit it out of the park for me. There are SO MANY DESIGNS that I like. I need new patterns like I need a hole in my head so I try to only buy a choice few from each collection. This time I've paired in down to 8. And that's using some restraint, people.

This first one is McCall's 7537. I adore the shape of this and the use of three different prints. I may make it shorter... This view isn't shown on a body so I'm not sure where the hemline falls.

McCall's 7534 looks like a super cute day dress to throw on and go. I'm really loving these types of dresses lately - unfitted but still with some shape. The neckline is pretty too, and that wrap detail goes all the way to the side seam.

Okay, so this silhouette doesn't scream my name. Those flare sleeves aren't comfortable to me. They get in the way of my day-to-day and I like a sleeve that stays put. However, I'll be buying this pattern just to have the neckline. How cute is that lacing with a contrasting lace underneath?! I'm all about these kinds of details. This is 7532 BTW.

This is McCall's 7539, of which one of the fabrics listed scuba knit. I have several cuts of this type of fabric in my stash and haven't been able to come up with a pattern I love to pair them with. Also, high necklines make the bust look bigger and I'm always trying to even out my proportions.

I think McCall's 7541 is adorable for spring. Some cape-inspired clothing is difficult for me to pull off. I need my arms free to carry children and most capes just won't work for that. But this top looks like there'd be plenty of movement and mobility. It's simple with some interest.

This is McCall's 7545. What I like on this design is the mixing of two fabric together and the front tie made from tassels. I'd probably need to run a strip of elastic along the bottom of the sleeve. Although these don't look that wide so maybe I'd be able to pull it off.

This top looks uber trendy and of-the-moment. I'd pinned one that somebody made from the Hotpatterns pattern and was thinking about buying it, but now I think I'll get McCall's 7543 instead.

I remember wearing overalls in college in the 90's so this pattern really wouldn't have done much for me BUT, I really loved some of the inspiration photos on the video McCall's did for it. I'm still on the fence. I do love the shape - especially the view with the tapered legs - and the fact that it has a waistband. This is McCall's 7547.

Those are my picks! There are a number more that I'd like to have but I'm seriously running out of room for patterns. I think it may be time for a stash-busting session. What did you find from this release that you just have to have?

Summer Vogues

I'm still alive in case you were wondering, just having a MAJOR case of lost sewing mojo. The new summer Vogue patterns were released online yesterday, which has me excited for warmer temperatures.

I'm starting with a fun Badgley Mischka scalloped dress, Vogue 1398. I always have to stop myself from making stuff that is too twee because I tend to gravitate toward it. This looks pretty sophisticated to me, though, even with the tiers and scallops. I love the color too, and might just have to totally copy the example dress.

I saw the other Badgley Mischka dress, Vogue 1399, on the runway (youtube) and gasped, so you can bet I'll be getting it too. I love the topstitching and the color, but wonder why the collar is collapsing a little.

Both Kay Unger dresses are gorgeous, but I think Vogue 1392 is a little too sexy for church. That's where I wear 95% of my fancier clothing. People always ask me that. Anyway, Vogue 1393 is totally on trend with all the sheer panels designers are using. They made the example dress with lace, but it could also be made with crepe and chiffon. There's lots of possibilities with this one.

I think my small girls would be lost in all the blousy-ness of Vogue 1394, but the other Rebecca Taylor dress, Vogue 1395, is a lovely and simple summer frock. I usually pass over these types of dresses in favor of clothing with refined fit, then wonder why I don't have many easy things to throw on in a moment's notice.

I don't care for midi-length skirts on my body, even though I know they are extremely in vogue. You've got to pick the trends that work with your body, IMO, or you end up looking like a fashion victim. So I'll just pass by the Lialia and the Tracy Reese patterns, even though I think they're beautiful dresses.

As for the non-designer offerings, I really like Vogue 8995. I do feel like we've seen a lot of these color-blocked designs in the last several years, and I own a few of them (even though I've yet to make any up.) What I like about this one is the construction lines. The side panels of the skirt are slanted in on a diagonal, making the thighs appear narrower. I also like that it's designed for a woven instead of a stable knit.

I love the drama of the full skirt of Vogue 9001, as well as the wide scooping neckline (which I will probably need to raise.) Lovely seaming lines too.

Claire Shaeffer's newest jacket is also very beautiful. I'll probably raise those pockets up to give some fullness to the bustline. Gosh those sleeves are pretty. I love it!

Vogue 9004 is a neat architectural top. The neckline is making my eyes twitch though. I wonder if it would lose its drama if I evened it out?

I'm usually not a big fan of cowl necklines on my body, again because my girls would get lost in all the fabric. But I like the looks of view A on Vogue 9006. The front princess seaming would enable me to sew some definition into the bust area. It looks easy to make and easy to wear.

Lastly, I really like the lingerie pattern, Vogue 9015. Silk nightgowns are impossible to find. When I was getting married 14 years ago, I bought several silk chemise and robe sets at Dillard's (I think). That is now a thing of the past. Probably I could find some at fancier department stores like Saks, but I never shop at those. Might as well make it myself, right?

It is a really nice collection in which I found a lot to like. Someone on Vogue's facebook page complained about the volume of dress patterns but I couldn't disagree more. I love dresses. They're simple, feminine, easy to pull out and not have to think about.

Now I've only to wait for a good sale!

Summer Vogues!

Whew! There's only so much negativity I can take. Thanks for everyone's supportive comments per a peculiar listing on etsy. I've had to turn on comment moderation to stop the nasty comments from the person who stole my pictures, but please leave your comments and I will approve them quickly.

To clear the air, lets talk about Vogue's new summer patterns! (And BTW, as I am not making any money from posting Vogue's pattern pictures, and am actually offering them some free advertising and links to their website, I am not breaking any copyright laws.)

Vogue 1350

This is a Rachel Comey shirtdress. The lines on this dress are interesting and I love the fitted shape. I'm picturing it in a solid color to showcase the design.

Vogue 1352

This is for a knit. I love the lapped fronts and neck binding. It's an easy dress to throw on and look cute without much effort. I have a lone leopard belt that I never can figure out what to wear with, so I think I'll choose my fabric with that belt in mind.

Vogue 1353

If I could reach into my computer screen and pull this exact dress out and hang it in my closet, I would be ecstatic! I do so love a neckline with visual interest to give some oomph to the small chested. This dress is by Kay Unger.

Vogue 8902

Another great design with awesome construction lines! Also, the sleeves have little gathers at the neckline. So many possibilities! I like the directional stripe example, the solid shown here, and the colorblocked ones.

Vogue 8903

Ooh, a shirtdress for knits! Wouldn't this be lovely in a silk jersey? I have the perfect royal blue silk jersey in my stash. Front pockets give extra oomph to small girls too. Plus, check out that collar with collar stand! Super cute!

Vogue 8904

This dress reminds me of one I attempted several years ago but ultimately abandoned. But oh!, how much do I love this one with different color stripes?! I think I need two, one with sleeves and stripes and one sleeveless in a solid color.

I thought the photography for this pattern release was really nice. They show the garments from every possible angle so you can really get a feel for how it will fit. Anyone have any favorites that I missed?

Fall Vogues

I am really excited for fall, and am having to force myself to keep making summer garments. Although I'm not sure how long I can keep that up, especially with the new fall patterns being rolled out. This line was an especially good one from Vogue, which has always been my favorite pattern company.

1314 Tracy Reese ruched knit dress 

 It's a long sleeved dress with ruching through the waist, a simple but flattering silhouette, and a great way to show off some interesting fabric.


1315 Rebecca Taylor knit dress

This dress has interesting pockets and a fun neckline finish. It's described as having a blouson bodice, but several inches are going to have to be added to the bottom of the bodice to achieve that look - especially on me since I've a long torso. The sleeves might be a bit short too.

1316 Rebecca Taylor colorblocked dress

What a striking dress! The fit through the torso looks a little wonky, but maybe that's just how she's standing. I'm thinking of using leather for one or two of the colors.

1317 Chado Ralph Rucci front tying dress

This is the first Chado Ralph Rucci design that I've liked in a long time. It's flirty and interesting but still very fitted, which really appeals to me. Plus there's miles of topstitching. My only concern is the giant tie in the front adding bulk right under the bust.

8825 Very Easy Vogue knit dress

This is the exact same fabric I used for my latest dress! All of you that tipped me off about that two days ago were spot on. This dress is cute and fitted. I like the front tucks and the wrap-around belt.

8829 Vogue Easy Options shirtdress

The example they have made up for this design is too shiney and dated for my liking, but this view is really fun. I also like the long sleeved collar version, maybe in the shorter length.

8833 Wrap blouse

Pretty and classic, this pattern includes a collar stand, which is my preferred way of attaching collar to bodice.


I am very impressed with this new fall line, especially all of the long sleeves being offered. Now what I've got to do is find more space for storing patterns before these hit the store!

Spring Vogues!

I've been stalking the Vogue website waiting anxiously for these. The posing for this set of designs is a little weird and kind of obscures the clothing in certain pictures. Is Vogue consulting with Burda now?!

V1280 - Donna Karen

Very interesting neckline and seaming details that are hard to see in this black. Donna Karen always knows how to dress the female body flatteringly.

V1281 - Donna Karen

This is another fitted Donna Karen dress with interesting neckline and draping details. The colorblocking isn't my favorite and makes the front neckline look strange to my eye. I'll probably make it in a solid color.

V1285 - Tracy Reese

What a cute little wrap dress with fun notched collar, inverted darts and sleeve bands. The description says there's a lining which must be something like a slip. 

V1286 - Tracy Reese

I love the fitted shape of this dress and all the banding. The back neckline is just gorgeous. However, that is a whole lot of boobage in the front. Which I do not have a problem with on other people, but on me, well, let's just say it won't look the same. Perhaps I can figure out a way to alter the front neckline to cover the girls a little more and allow me to wear a push up. 

V1287 - DKNY

I just adore all the pleating on this design and the fact that it's a pull-over dress. With pockets. The design is lost in that busy print they used, though, so I included the line drawing so you can see what's happening.

V1296 - Bellville Sassoon

Can I just have the whole outfit, please? WHAT a neckline! Wow!

What do you think? Anyone else excited by these new offerings?

I do have some FO to blog about if I can get moving on actually photographing them.

Vogue picks

The new winter Vogues have been released, much to my surprise. I thought they would send out the magazine first, like with the fall ones. I wasn't even stalking the website. Anyway, I am trying to be discerning and buy only the ones I absolutely love.

First up is 1265, a Pamella Roland design. I love the jacket looking front and the full swishy skirt in back.

It looks like this Kay Unger dress is going to be a favorite among seamstresses. Those sleeves! The tiny half belt with decorative buckle! The neckline reminds me of another Kay Unger pattern, Vogue 1241, which I have yet to make. I think this dress is really pretty, but this fabric is too shiny for my taste.

I own the famed Jalie jeans pattern - not that I've made it up yet - but really want some narrow legged red jeans. Skinny jeans found in stores are just too tight for me. I've tried on a bunch, but never seam to like them. They make my lower torso look huge in comparison to my legs, and I can't get use to the proportions.

So those are my picks! I like 8780, but every time I try on a vest or cardigan with waterfall front at a store, I'm swimming in all the fabric of the front. Those seem to be designed for women with larger "girls". I also like the colorblocked draped dress 8763, but am unsure how the back of it will turn out. If these patterns get made up and I like the looks of them, I will probably purchase them too.

I'm currently trying to get a silk top completed but am running into some fit issues. (Too big in the bust.) Hopefully that will be finished today. Have a great weekend, y'all!

New fall Vogues!

Oh goody, new patterns to drool over! Vogue's designs are by far my favorite. They are often complicated and challenging, with interesting tucks and drapes and other delicious details. And having a pattern with a high-end designer name is really starting to appeal to me, whereas I never use to care about such things.

This first dress is a Tracy Reese design. I love all the gathers, the interesting bodice, the fun exposed zipper, and the beautiful way the straps attach to the back. If I could rip this very dress right off the envelope and hang it in my closet I'd be one happy lady. I'm not sure why this is a fall pattern, seeing as it's sleeveless and has an exposed back, but I'll take it just the same.

V1253

This next dress from Anne Klein is really beautiful in the magazine, but did not photograph well here at all. It is made in a glen plaid fabric and the bodice is tucked in such a way that the bottom is straight grain and up towards the neckline it's on the bias. That little dark spot in the front is actually a cutout, and the collar is bias cut and doubled and stands away slightly from the shoulders. Plus is has sleeves! I cannot wait to see what the pattern pieces look like.

V1254

Here's a picture of the drawing so you can see what an interesting neckline it has:

I can't decide what I think of this next dress from Badgley Mischka. The color is gorgeous, and I don't know if I'm drawn in by that or by the design. It's for a knit, so I'm guessing they left the front ruffle unhemmed. Finding the right jewels to add to the waist might be hard, and I'm wondering if they give you any instructions for making that part. Anyway, I'm still undecided about it, but I find the design unique and interesting.

V1256

This top and skirt combo from Donna Karan took my breath away when I first saw it on the cover. I am already thinking of a maroon knit in my stash slated for another dress that could be reassigned to this pattern. I LOVE it. The only thing I'd do differently is raise the hemline of the skirt a few inches, but that's just personal preference.

V1259

These asymmetrical hemline tops have been around for awhile now, and I've never been tempted by them. However, I saw a lady wearing one the other day and it was so cute and flattering on her. This pattern adds in some fun details - exposed seaming and raw edge finishing. This view has raglan sleeves and a really pretty neckline. I like it. It's effortless style and perfect for a mom-on-the-go.

V1261

Finally there's this simple knit dress with ruching along the sides of the center panel. The back has princess seaming as well with a little zipper just at the neckline. It's for a knit and has sleeves. (I'm a big fan of sleeved dresses in the fall and winter, in case you don't know.) It's pretty and easy to just throw on with some boots and look put together.

V8742

So those are my picks. I would have enjoyed seeing an intricate jacket pattern and some separates with more details, but these are gorgeous designs and I'm not complaining!

New fall patterns from McCall's!

I received an email from McCall's this morning advertising their new fall lineup. In the last year or two, they haven't released much that I've been super excited about. I have bought a few here and there, but most of it has looked very 80's to me. However, these new fall patterns look really fresh and modern, and I'll be snapping them up at the next pattern sale!

This first one is 6396. Now it's been a long while since I've worn a jumper, and it might be too young of a look for me, but I really like the plaid view on the left. Especially with the tights and booties they've styled it with. I have several shades of booties and TONS of tights. What do you think? Is it too young of a look for a 34 year old woman?
Several of these new designs combine pleather and fabric, which I find texturally interesting and different. I'll be using my stash of black lambskin instead of pleather. 6397 is yet another jumper. I LOVE the first design with leather bodice, tweed skirt and exposed zipper. I'd add the pockets from the other views.
Top 6401 has a long sleeve version, but I prefer the sleeveless one with shoulder tabs over gathered "sleeves". The collar looks to have a stand which is a necessity for me in shirtmaking.
Skirt 6402 has another leather/fabric combo that I like. The other views are great too, and I usually prefer to have a waistband on a skirt.
The stretchpants resurgence still looks 80's to me, but I adore these from 6404, with leather insets sewn down the legs. They're a little hard to see in this picture, so I've posted the line drawing as well.


Check out this little shrug/cardi/jacket design from 6407. It's super chic in the stripe and contrasting bias along the edges. The back is cinched in so it's got some shape back there. My only problem will be finding the perfect fabrics to make it up in.


Lastly is cardigan 6408. There are several views that I like. Check out the back of the longer version with asymmetrical hemline - so pretty and cozy for winter!

Anyone else excited about these new offering like I am? Did I miss any of your favorites?