Pattern Reviews
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Pattern Review: McCalls 7718
Pattern Description:Close fitting lined dresses have princess seams and strap variations. A: Contrast overlay. C, D: Uneven hemline, wrong side of fabric will show. Includes separate pattern pieces for A/B, C, and D cups. Pattern Sizing:6-22 with A/B, C, D cup sizing Fabric Used:The pattern fabric is quilting cotton from Spoonflower (I’m recreating a design so I needed exact fabric) and the overlay is poly voile from Fabric Wholesale Direct. Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?Yes, but with the alterations I made, it does have a different feel. Were the instructions easy to follow?I read through the instructions, and…
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Pattern Review: Simplicity 9233
Pattern Description:Misses’ tops with sleeve variations & neck closure with ties or elastic loop & buttons. Pattern Sizing:Sz. 16-24 (I cut a straight 18 though with how much ease there is, I could easily have cut a 16 with no worries) Were the instructions easy to follow?The instructions were simple, though this is a fairly standard construction. Nothing is really out of the ordinary. The only thing that was weird was sewing your gather stitches and then NOT gathering for another 12 steps. Lol. What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?I LOVE the sleeves and the depth of the front slit. The lantern sleeves hide my hefty…
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Pattern Review: Vogue 9285
Pattern Description:Loose fitting top has back hook and eye closure and sleeve variations. Pattern Sizing:6-14 or 14-22; I cut an 18. Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?I made a number of alterations, but the bones of the shirt matched that of the picture. Were the instructions easy to follow?The instructions for the bishop sleeve were easy. Reading through the flared sleeve instructions were slightly confusing. The shirt comes together quickly though. What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?The sleeve cuffs are dreadful, they are supposed to be one piece (I made them two to insert the…
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Pattern Review: Simplicity 9104
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?It definitely did. Though I did make some rather major cosmetic changes. The construction minus those cosmetic changes was rather close to the pattern. I did completely change out the sleeves and added an underlining as well. Were the instructions easy to follow?Quite easy – this is actually a pretty simple dress! What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?I like how easy it is to fit the dress. I usually have to make a FBA, and it was simple to do this with just adding in an inch or so to…
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Pattern Review: Truly Victorian 428 (1880 Jacket Bodice)
Pattern Description:This style is particularly suited to 1878 – 1882, and is perfect for daytime events. This jacket has a roll down collar with lapels, and is cut away at the center front below the waist. The bodice hem can be made in two styles, either with two points and shaped over the hips, or long on both sides and back. The side back seams open up into pleats below the hip for added fullness. The fitted sleeve is in 2 pieces, and can be made either full length with a cuff, or 3/4 length. The bodice is drafted based on a tailoring method actually used in the 1870’s. Each…
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RedThreaded’s 1860’s Gored Corset Review
Pattern Description:1860’s Gored Corset sewing pattern, individually sized. These patterns are based very closely on historical extant corsets and patents, but the draft is our own, adapted to fit a woman of average modern proportions. Designed for steel boning and front busk closure. An instruction booklet is included with photographic how-to instructions in a mix of historical and theatrical construction techniques. We also include a supply resources sheet with US and UK based corsetry supplier recommendations and general research sources. This pattern is recommended for those with moderate-advanced historical sewing skills. Corsets are not beginner projects. Pattern Sizing:Individually Sized. I sewed a large with alterations described below. My measurements are:…
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Simplicity 8161 18th Century Costumes Review
Pattern Description:Misses’ 18th century highland costumes includes outfits in two styles: the first is a gown with stomacher and petticoat, and the second is a bodice with petticoat and stomacher. Pattern Sizing:6-14; 14-22 I cut a 16 with some 18 for shoulder/arm. Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?YUP! Were the instructions easy to follow?Except for a weird thing with the sleeve that I believe is physically impossible, yup. What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?The pattern is great as is, though you have to fit it over the proper 18th century stays. If you don’t do…
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Truly Victorian’s TV170 Petticoat Review
NOTE: There is one petticoat in the picture with the pink ribbon. The 2nd picture has the second petticoat with the red ribbon layered over the petticoat with the pink ribbon. Just so you can see how it fluffs with the layering. Pattern Description:This pattern contains instructions for four different petticoats, suitable for the years 1870-1897. Historically accurate, these petticoats are perfect to help hold the silhouettes required for each individual era. The front is fitted with darts at the waist to help eliminate bulk. The closure is in the center back with a drawstring, for all views. The middle flounce has optional tucks to help stiffen the petticoat. I…
