McCalls and Simplicity Patterns have released their latest
collections, including a few designs that I may have to add to my collection. Or perhaps I should get to work on the stacks
of patterns I wanted to make last summer . . . but there are never enough hours in the day!
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| McCalls 7190 |
This late 1940s/early 1950s silhouette has always looked
slightly awkward to me - too long for a
peplum, but too short for a dress (although many current designers would probably disagree with me on that). It is one of those
transitional designs that feels slightly off.
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| McCalls 7190 |
I feel the same way about 1830s and 1890s dresses - they are about to become something fabulous, but the proportions are a bit ungainly for the moment. Simplicity has a pattern in a similar style which I own. I pull it out every
once in a while, but always end up putting it back.
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| McCalls 7190 |
I also think that this style has a tendency to shorten the
body. This particular pattern does have some nice details, though - the top-stitching and neckline may be enough to tempt me to try it out.
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| McCalls 7190 |
When I see it styled with those pants (not included
with the pattern – that was naughty, McCalls), I am reminded of I Love Lucy, so
perhaps the look will grow on me.
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| McCalls 7184 |
The other Archive Collection pattern is this blouse and jumper outfit for children and adults which happens to look incredibly similar to Simplicity 1075.
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| McCalls 7184 |
I love the
blouse, but am not sure what to think of the jumper. This
looks to me like a teen pattern from the 1950s . . . except for the addition of the tiny version. Maybe this was designed for sisters instead of mother and daughter?
McCalls 7187 is a contemporary design, but has a 1960s mod feel to it with definite possibilities.
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| McCalls 7187 |
And I do love something about this wrap dress - possibly because it reminds me of a simplified version of a Donna Karan design. But that front slit could prove to be
problematic. The full-skirted version is pretty cute, too.
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| McCalls 7185 |
These Jiffy patterns must be popular for Simplicity, because they continue
to be released . . . but you probably know where I am going with this . . . I want
complicated, not simple two piece garments.
Laura Nash has a new line for Simplicity with a vintage feel. I do like a dropped-waist, so this one may end up coming home with me. I wish the same could be said about those red shoes!
So, nothing earth shattering, in my opinion, but a few nice additions to the catalogs. What do you think?
I am shocked by just how much I want that adult jumper!!
ReplyDeleteAnd if/when you make this, it will be amazing, and I will want my own version . . .
DeleteI'm not sure that my boobs need a hammock. Though it would make them perky!
ReplyDeleteI'm very squee about 7187 ... not for myself, but for my 11yo. She's going to look amazing in it. :) Did you notice that the pleated version looks very much like Velma's dress? Anyone going to make it up in orange? :D I can see more than a few dresses going for my middle-schooler in that pattern and its variants.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure where McCalls is going with their vintage repros. They mostly seem odd to me, not nearly as nice as the things you and your coterie of pinners have up on pinterest. They're nearly all awkward, or wouldn't work with modern figures. (I for one am not going to wear suspenders - too much up top).
I absolutely see Velma! The pleated version is my favorite, although I don't think I will be making it in orange!!
DeleteThe jumper did catch my attention.. Had one almost like it in 1963, the only difference being that mine had a waistseam... Am tempted to buy that pattern for sentimental reasons...Loved wearing my jumper. Not sure if I would ever sew it...
ReplyDeleteThe Simplicity version (just for children) has the waist seam and circle skirt instead of the princess seams.
DeleteIf I was built like Audrey Hepburn, I think I would be making the jumper for myself . . . as it is, I am probably going to pass on this one . . . for the moment.
Oooh I like that last one!
ReplyDeleteI think the thing with the Jiffy patterns is they're great for people who are just getting into sewing. A lot of people are picking it up again and something with 3 pattern pieces is just perfect. I would have been all over them at 17-20! And if they get new people to like sewing, then they've got a bigger audience for the more complicated patterns later on.
I am extremely drawn to 7190! I agree that the proportions are slightly awkward...and yet I want it, like, yesterday. There are so many little details that are calling out to me! In the worst case, the peplum could be easily shortened if it looks strange on...but I would try it as it is first to see. My wardrobe is so lacking in separates that anything that gets me excited about any kind of separate is a must have for me. But I'm really digging the construction and details I see, looking forward to that one!
ReplyDeleteThe details are definitely lovely. At least it isn't another super simple repro design!
DeleteI love these new pattern round ups you do! The blouse in the jumper/blouse pattern really calls to me, with its nice collar it looks very Peggy Carter! Also, I think those red shoes are these (http://www.modcloth.com/shop/shoes-heels/step-to-the-rhythm-heel-in-red) from Modcloth! So you too can have those red shoes :)
ReplyDeleteOh, no - a shoe enabler! Thanks for the link!
DeleteI like the Vogue Paris Original patterns I paid a fortune for better than the new imitations. I made many of the Vogue designer patterns in the 60's and 70's and I still love the patterns.
ReplyDeleteThose Vogue Paris Originals and Special Designs are amazing - in my opinion, those are the designs they should be reproducing. I also love the vintage Advance patterns - not sure what happened to that pattern company . . .
DeleteI read before that Advance was JC Penney's line of patterns. Not sure if that's true or not...
DeleteI had the exact same thoughts about 7190 - I think the proportions are a bit "off" when the tunic is worn with the skirt, but when worn with the little cigarette trouser...SO CUTE! I also think that the fabric they chose for the sample has too much body for some of the details like the tucks at the bust and the kimono sleeves.
ReplyDeleteI'm having a hard time imagining how one might go about sitting gracefully while wearing 7185!
I like the jumper... maybe because I made one like this for my dolls (I collect dolls and sew for them) and it looks so cute on them, with and without the straps, that I maybe will give it a try.
ReplyDeleteAlso in love of M7187. Not vintage but so cute and femenine too
The minute I saw the jumper (7184) I had a flashback to 1956 and my 6 yr old self. It is an exact replica of my parochial school uniform (in navy with a white blouse). The only thing missing is the matching cloth half-hat--necessary for attendance at daily mass, of course.
ReplyDeleteI actually made a high waist straight version of that jumper. It is in my UFO pile, I tried it on the other day and quite liked it, but I am toying with the idea of converting it into a dress, I am not sure it's flattering as a skirt. I can see it working as a rockabilly or lindi hop outfit, infact it's perfect for dancing as the blouse won't come untucked as you spin!
ReplyDelete7190 looks good until it gets to the waist and then...nah. But I have tried and failed to construct blouses similar to that, so I suspect the inevitable sales will lure me to it.
ReplyDeleteNow I already HAVE the fabrics to go with 7187 (coordinating double knits from an estate sale) that...well...destiny calling?
Sadly, I don't like the sample for Laura's Simplicity dress (and I loooove her Sew Chic patterns, the Fifth Avenue is my go-to formal attire). It's the large gingham thing - it looks like an unflattering square dance dress. An unfortunate choice I feel.
I can't say I'm in love with any of the vintage releases this time around. They all seem too kitschy for someone my age. Even though it's not retro, I like the new pattern with the long cardi (7204) because I wear things like that to Parent/Teacher conferences and other places I have to blend into the woodwork. And the mens bowling shirt! (7206)
ReplyDeleteOhh I love the M7187 ..... I definitely need another project.... and another dress.... ah well. I do not know what I would do if my project list was ever finished!
ReplyDeleteI think M7190 is "off" too. I don't like the front neckline at all. It looks too high-like the model is choking and the points also look like they are stabbing her in the throat. If I was wearing a top with a neckline like that, I would end up pulling it down all day. It would drive me crazy! M7184 looks tween. The Jiffy pattern I like.
ReplyDelete