McCalls Early Spring Collection

McCalls recently published their early spring collection.   I'm wondering if they also ship an early spring along with the patterns, we're in a deep freeze here with temperatures dipping to -30C before you account for the wind chill factor and -42C if you include it.!

The collection can be found here McCalls early spring collection.

I adore the fabric in M6883.   I'm not really interested in the pattern because it's such a basic style and I'm sure I have similar patterns in my stash.  But, dear McCalls do tell me where I can find the fabric.

 

 

I'm also drawn to M6905, what a cute duo of tote bag designs from Tiny Seamstress Designs. 

 

 

 

I can hardly wait for spring...what about you?

 

Christiana



Aloha!

Aloha!

I'm back from my trip to Hawaii were we enjoyed fun and sun on the island of Oahu.  It was my first experience snorkeling, and I absolutely loved it!  We bought our own gear; matched to our prescription lenses.  We hope to be back to Hawaii soon, perhaps Maui on our next trip.

We stayed in Kailua, but I did manage to make a trip into Honolulu to pick up some souvenirs.  Now for someone who sews, the perfect souvenir is fabric.  Here's some photo's of my Hawaiian fabrics.  A big thank you to Kyle and Shannon for their fabric store recommendations.   Kyle, the timing of your post was perfect, just days before we left on our trip.  I found just what I was looking for...

This first one is a rayon.  I'm hoping to transform it into a Maxi dress; perhaps McCalls 6700, which comes highly recommended on pattern review.com.

These next two cotton prints are for summer skirts.  What I have in mind is a simple A line skirt with a yoke.  Hoping to draft my own pattern based on the Craftsy class - Design & Sew your own A Line Skirt.

And finally, these bright cotton prints are going to be lining fabrics for some funky tote bags.  I've yet find the exterior fabrics, but I'm thinking either a dark purple or a silver grey for the mauve one and either a black or dark denim to go with the pink. 

 

 

I'm back in Canada now and after several days of rain the sun has finally decided to show up.

 

 

Cheers!

Christiana

 

 

 

Summer is on its way!

Summer is on its way. Even though the weather outside tells me something different, there is a sign that summer is near - the pattern companies are starting to release their summer offerings.  McCalls early summer patterns are now available on-line.  This year they are offering shoe accessories, an interesting concept; although I don't it's something I'm going to put on my list of projects.   What I do like is the lines in McCalls 6329, a simple style lined jacket that offers a number of fabric possibilities.  In print, or a solid, a bright colour or a casual khaki, this lined jacket would look great with a summer skirt or paired nicely with jeans.   Then there's M6326, summer tops.  The asymmetrical pink top is my favorite.   Summer sewing is so much fun.

An for those of you who aren't quite ready for summer sewing yet.  Be sure to enter my giveaway to win a McCalls cape pattern.  You have until February 28th to enter

Christiana

Pattern Giveaway - McCalls Cape Pattern

Well, as much as I tried to escape it, winter is still here in Canada.   Although that cute little groundhog has told us that spring is near, I'm not so sure we can count on that.   So, for my second pattern giveaway I've selected an easy McCalls Cape/Capelette Pattern.  M5985.  This front zipper cape can be made with or without the hood.  Suggested fabrics include Fleece, Gabardine, Poplin, Wool and Wool Blends.   A nice addition to keep you warm during the transition from Winter to Spring.  The pattern is multi-sized X-Small,Small and Medium (American/Canadian sizes 4 to 14) To enter just leave a comment on my blog; giveaway closes on February 28th.   Good Luck to all.

Christiana

McCalls Spring Catalog Preview

McCalls Patterns has released their spring catalog and it looks like there some fun sewing ahead.  My favourites from this collection include:

McCalls 6284 - Cute kit tops with neckline and sleeve variations.
McCalls 6278 -  I love the angles on this dress.  The colour combinations shown in the diagram are great, but I can also see this dress in one colour but with a mix of texture.  I prefer the sleeveless version over the short sleeves
McCalls 6280 - Another easy dress with angles,but this time it's asymmetrical and has a more feminine touch.   This one has lots of possibilities.  
McCalls 6286 - Tapered blouses with raglan sleeves.  I'm not to keen on the black and white print, but I really like the short sleeved version.  Perhaps in a nice cotton eyelet, or a small retro cotton print.  Perfect with a pair of denim capris or a nice summer skirt.
McCalls 6292 - This princess seamed jacket is so cute.  It certainly has a retro feel to it; it reminds me of a jacket I sewed during my teen years.  This is the third pattern I've chosen that has colour blocking in it; I'm sensing an 1980s flashback coming on....
McCalls 6265 - Flashback to 1970s...Hawaii Five O...The Streets of San Fransisco...don't these fabulous tunics remind you of the seventies.   
McCalls  6271 - Isn't this dress the cutest.  I don't have any kids to sew for but this dress is so fun I thought I'd share it.
McCalls 6298 - Look at the lovely smiles on these models, and who wouldn't smile when they get to model these critter aprons. 

I hope you had fun looking at a preview of the new McCalls patterns, now I'm just waiting for the nearest pattern sale, because I never pay full retail for patterns.

Christiana