Ok, so the first Fall patterns have arrived. I love Autumn – it’s my favorite season, both for weather and clothing. So I was excited when the email showed up in my inbox that the Fall patterns had arrived. I went to the website to view them, and I must admit that I was speechless (not in a good way, mind.) I don’t usually like to criticize, but I think this is the 3rd McCalls collection in a row that I’ve just hated, so…
What’s up with the asymmetrical hemlines? There were 3 tops in the spring collection with the same thing. Is this going on in stores and I’m missing it? This would be all kinds of unflattering on me, or anyone who is even faintly pear shaped. Actually, I’m not sure who this would look good on, unless what they are trying to say is “Look at my hips! Yes, look at them!”
And then there is the long jacket/vest trend. I have seen this in a few stores, but it reminds me of Miami Vice in a particularly bad way. I haven’t seen anyone actually wear one, but… maybe I don’t get out much. Again, the proportions are strange (though at least this vest buttons high, rather than around the hips the way the one in the summer collection did.)
This pattern had several bad options, and I had trouble picking just one. Apparently, someone is trying to bring back leg-o-mutton sleeves, and they need to stop.
This is a bedazzled denim majorette jacket, full stop. I don’t trust any pattern where the model is making a kicky pose – I’d imagine it hangs funny if she puts down her arms.
You don’t think the basic sheath dress could be unflattering? You’d be wrong. I hate those weird sleeves, which manage to be even less flattering to arms than cap sleeves, no mean feet.
But the good news? Now you are no longer a slave to buying your dog a name brand snuggie!
The dog in yellow looks like he wants to die of humiliation. Seriously, people… dogs don’t need snuggies (I would argue that people don’t either, but I know that’s a controversial topic!)
I really wonder how the division of labor goes on over at McVoguerick (since all 3 pattern companies are now under the same umbrella.) I love Vogue, though they are sometimes wacky, and I think Butterick actually makes some nice patterns (I have several nice dresses.) So what’s with McCalls? I think perhaps they skew younger, though the Hillary Duff line is gone, because they have lots of patterns that seem very young to me – younger than my friends would wear, and they are mostly in their twenties. I’m not interested in sewing trendy stuff (or, indeed, wearing it if the trend is 80s revival) so I know I’m probably not their target demographic. Maybe this stuff sells? It puzzles me. It seems to me that they’ve gotten new designers, as this stuff is so different from the (relatively cute) patterns a season or two back.
Oh well – I am anxiously awaiting Simplicity and Vogue’s Fall patterns, as I’m sure there will be some for me there. And I’ve been on a vintage pattern hunt too, so I’ll show you what I got soon!
Green apples - Stitchywitch Creates 
If only the 80s weren’t back in fashion!
Nah, no patterns to make me smile either. And snuggies? Don’t get me started about those 😀 I hope you’ll find some great patterns in other places, to make some gorgeous garments!
I totally agree with you. Those patterns are horrible. I’m not trendy, but I really don’t see how anyone could wear any one of things, and you’re right, dogs don’t need snuggies. Mine would hate it if I tried to put one on them.
Yes, truly awful stuff. And you captured it wonderfully — I’m cracking UP. 🙂 I wonder if they had to pay the model extra to look superhappy! in that studded denim thing that yes, I had something awfully darn close to it in white with an off-center snap front and golly I felt so fashionable in it back then! Ugh. I loved the 80s back in the 80s, but really don’t want to relive them fashion-wise. And also, where are the gorgeous fall colors we love so much? What UP with the purple pluffsleeve flower top thing in October?
I think the asymmetric tops are great! They’re all over the shops here in UK. I think if they’re well cut on the upper part of the body they just skim over hips and bums and are really flattering.
I’ll have to jump on board and share your sentiments. The new fall line is far from attractive. Trends…can’t live with them, but can’t live without them.
Oh man, your thoughts are spot-on! I was hoping for some excitement when I got the email announcing new Fall patterns, only to be disappointed by dog-snuggies and rather dull jackets and tops.
And I am sad they cancelled the Hilary Duff line! Technically, I’m too old for her target market, but a lot of the styles were cute. My favourite go-to skirt pattern is a Hilary Duff one!
Wow – the 80’s have returned. I wish they would go on back where they came from. Lived through them once, and the only piece of clothing I want back from that time period are my Guess! jeans with the zippers in the ankles – but they probably wouldn’t look as good now.
i don’t think that bedazzled jacket is so bad…minus the bedazzling. Looking at the lines it might not be so bad
I did the 80s once already. I’m SO not ready to embrace it again. You’re spot-on with your commentary of the “new” styles. Eeek. I hope this isn’t what we’ll see from the rest of the Big 4 for fall. I’d be really sad.
I was very disappointed as well. What are they thinking?? I’m really hoping I get some good emails with decent patterns soon!
They’re trying to revive the wrong parts of the 80’s…the futuristic, bedazzled parts.
I have to agree with your post! I thought the same thing! When I opened my email and saw these patterns, I was disappointed.
I really like the first top, it’s actually a flattering take on asymmetrical, which is a trend I’m having trouble deciding whether I like or not. All of the others are awful though- puffy sleeves of any kind only look good on Lady Gaga or, better yet, Glee’s Kurt Hummel DRESSED as Lady Gaga. But even they wouldn’t wear any of this crap.
I have to disagree! I’m busty with next to no hips and quite a few of those styles will look amazing on me. I have slightly round/fat arms too and that kind of sheath dress – empire waist (good for curvy short girls like me) with double darts/pleats, tight fit and I LOVE THE CAP SLEEVES. Well I doubt I’ll buy it because of the whole McCalls thing (don’t much like their patterns) but still… would look great on me.
I also really like the “mutton” knit sleeves. They’re in fashion here in Australia and they make my shoulders look square-r and my arms slimmer.
I do agree on the Vest/Jacket debacle though. Ick.
Why would anyone want to bring back the 80’s?!? That was definitely a bad time for hair and clothing!
I loved the 80s, the first time. But the styles seem so out of place with today’s culture. I doubt that we’ll see anyone besides those pattern models wearing those clothes. Leg-o-mutton sleeves? That new wavish denim jacket? No, no, no. Those are not updated, just dated. I am only relieved that they stopped before Hammer pants!
I agree (you know b/c you found my blog post!) – this is an atrocious selection and makes me so glad that I have other options. If you like asymetrical (in a good way), there is a cute skirt in the June Burda Style that has some asymetrical details.
I thought I’d have to read a book for a diescvory like this!
Oh my goodness – these really are quite terrifying! I expected ugly when I saw your post title, not frightening. Someone please stop this 80s train wreck before someone gets hurt!!
Unfortunately, the dog pattern looks practical.
No, dogs *shouldn’t* need snuggies, but try owning a small, thin, short haired dog in a cold climate. Some of them shake it off, some of them (like my sister’s boston terrier) are absolute wusses. She swore she would never put clothes on a dog, but he really was just miserable.
OMG the 80s are coming back and not in a good way!
Totally Agree. I was mortified when i discovered these yesterday. That asym. hem is a total disaster (for my body type) but I’m not finding it cute on the model either! Well, i guess there is some money saved this fall for notions. 🙂
Duck! It’s the 80s!
I was in high school in the 80s. It sucked. I’m not going back there again, and no one can make me!
I recognize some trends in there–shapes and features I’ve seen in trendy stores– but the McCall’s versions are really poorly made.
I saw your post and I thought there had to be something decent besides these and…not really. If it wasn’t unflattering or offensive, it had been seen before and was just packaged differently. I always used to prefer McCall’s to everybody else (except Vogue, of course) but now I’m not sure. There’s way too much 1980s redux going on with the puffy short sleeves, leg-o-mutton sleeves, asymmetrical hemlines, and baby doll/smock dresses.
Chucks! I actually like the leg of mutton type knit tops! I tried them on at a store and they flatter my arms.