Fall ’11 Sewing Pattern Roundup

I have looked and looked through the pattern books for y’all!  And I have to say, I didn’t find as much to like as I usually do in a new season.  But I’ve managed to dig up a few promising patterns for you to stitch up this fall…

(I, meanwhile, will only be working on my wedding dress!  I wish I had extra time to make some of these too.)

This one (McCall’s 6433) is absolutely gorgeous!  It totally plays into the 1930s/1970s thing that’s happening this fall.  I’m still not sure about the squared-off-V neckline, but it does kind of go with the shape of the pleating.  Maybe I would change that detail, though.  (See Basic Pattern Alteration.)

I haven’t used New Look patterns much before–most of my experience with them has been helping students use them.  I think I did make one shirt from them.  So I can’t speak to the quality of their fit or their instructions, but I’m going to give them a whirl because they are a major treasure trove of Mad-Men-esque 60s-inspired patterns!  Who knew?  I’m not sure if these came out recently or if I just never noticed them before, but wow!  (PS. These would be appropriate for the Dresses class this fall .)

Shifting to casual closet mode…this pattern isn’t new, but it’s the best-looking blazer pattern I’ve seen.  The lapels on most jacket patterns out there are just aggresive.  Not so here.  I like View B with no trim.  Classic.  (Maybe this will be my demo for the Winter Coats class–jackets are ok too!)

And two jeans patterns to round it all off.  I’ve used the Jalie pattern a lot and it’s well-known and -loved in the online sewing community.  I’ve also had multiple students make it with great results.  The only thing I’d say about it is that the leg opening needs to be smaller to look modern (slim or straight leg).  I make mine about 14″.  The Butterick jeans pattern just came out and looks interesting.  I haven’t tested it yet but I’ll keep you posted.

And last but not least, I just had to put these in for fun.  Can you believe how quickly they knocked off Kate and Pippa’s dresses and got the patterns in stores???  And believe me, they are displayed prominently in every fabric store right now.  I love it.  The models could not look more like them.  Shameless.

So, what are you going to make this fall??

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