Review: McCall's 2023 SUMMER Sewing Patterns

[@claudianowakowski]

Those patchwork jeans are so retro and so cool I really need that pattern

[@rmorine6394]

😂

[@InsidetheHem]

Teehee! Glad I could provide some entertainment!

[@saibot5092]

Love the jeans and Brandi Joan's bodysuit/top. Malibu Ken - not even kidding, I had that exact outfit for my Ken doll. I could feel the texture of the toweling as you spoke.

[@InsidetheHem]

Exactly!!

[@jayneterry8701]

And the movie is coming out! 😂 Just to see Ryan Gosling play Ken 😂

[@saibot5092]

@@jayneterry8701 I am so excited to see this movie! I am going to force my husband and boys to watch it with me. I watched Mario with them. They owe me!

[@jodieroundtree488]

First dress should be a Barbie-core sew along!!! Bring in the gingham, meet the ladies for the movie!

[@InsidetheHem]

Cute idea!!

[@missdemeanor3524]

I was wanting that dress so bad in color-blocked gingham I'm not even a gingham girl!

[@crafteed]

I love watching your thorough runthru of the seasons. I can easily follow pattern directions, but listening to you pick out pattern fit problems just by seeing their model samples...you are next level. 👏

[@nancypollard4531]

So I went to Joann today and picked up the vintage shift dress pattern. 1.99. The price on the envelope was 21 dollars. That's crazy. Then I moseyed on over to the clearance section and found a really nice linen cotton blend in a "toasted almond" buffalo check. All clearance was 70% off. What a win today. Thanks Lindsey. As usual I really enjoyed your commentary. I found myself thinking as I was considering my fabric and pattern. "Would I wear this to Target"? 😂

[@InsidetheHem]

Lolol. Amazing!! Maybe I should start a merch line!

[@KarenScott6]

In the UK now, you go around a supermarket and scan the produce on your phone, so you pack everything as you go. When you get to the checkout you scan your phone and it loads your items into the till and you pay. So those bags would be ideal

[@InsidetheHem]

Ok. Yah. if you're doing self-checkout I can see that working ok.

[@jayneterry8701]

There you go. Ty Karen! But isn't Lindsey funny when she's figuring it out? 😂

[@jayneterry8701]

@@InsidetheHem funny but in a good way 👍

[@erikapinf]

I do not dare to buy a new pattern without watching your videos first :)

[@jennifermaddock4382]

Same!

[@perfectstitchbyangie]

Amen to that. I have learned so much about what to read on the patterns.

[@InsidetheHem]

You guysssss! I'm blushing! Thank you!!

[@LRWdesign]

Shopping bags. My husband actually liked the idea of those. Stuff them all into 1 bag, go shopping, set them up in the cart and as I’m doing the scan at self checkout he fills the bags. Remove the polls and put them in the car. Perfect for the anti plastic bag people maybe? Washable and reusable. 🤔 I may give these a try and film for you and send you the pics. I have lots of outdoor canvas I need to use up so I have most of the materials on hand. 👍 Guess I need to pattern shopping. 😂

[@LRWdesign]

JoAnns is next to the grocery. 👍😂

[@LRWdesign]

I think the poles are too long.

[@karrion93306]

I’m with you. I think I want to make the grocery bags. If nothing else it would let me talk to others about my sewing business. Lol😂

[@InsidetheHem]

The key here is self-checkout. Ain't no way a teenage bag boy is going to keep your stuff organized. haha!

[@LRWdesign]

@@InsidetheHem So true. He would just toss everything into the bags. My mom worked at a grocery. Growing up we put things in the cart in a certain way so when we did the checkout all the items were in order for the bag person from frozen, meats, breads, cans, etc. Mom usually made us do the bagging. 😂 Life lessons 🤷‍♀

[@theresasmith1000]

Lindsey, I absolutely would NOT wear that dress w the cutouts to Target. But it is cute for other occasions. I might, on the other hand, wear those adorable loungewear shorts ( that you didn't like) to Target! or I might dress them up and wear them out!. Or actually sleep in them! lol

[@InsidetheHem]

I love it!

[@atrinka1]

my husband would looove those shopping bags hahahah! Love the green dress and the jeans!

[@InsidetheHem]

Please please please make them for him and report back!

[@jennifermaddock4382]

Always one of my favourite videos to watch. Thanks sew much.

[@InsidetheHem]

Yah! You are so welcome!

[@what_valerie_makes]

I’ve seen those shopping cart bags out in the world. They seem very practical to me. Also, I always bag my own groceries so I’d be the one organizing 💅🏻

[@jodieroundtree488]

In Washington state, you have to bring your bags. Walmart didn't have bags of any kind! Then try and charge you $1.45 per fabric bag which is tiny!

[@InsidetheHem]

I'm all for bringing your own bags. But, I do not need to bring my own poles! LOL!

[@missdemeanor3524]

Well, those patchwork jeans are a two-copy pattern for me! One to use and one to hoard. That dress with the kimono neck and sleeves was so elegant, and looks quick and easy to make as well. I think you're right about the sample being so blah that it's going to cause this pattern to be overlooked though. The drawing showing the contrasting fabrics looked amazing. Maybe those shopping cart bag poles work like the asps used by police: short & retractable but with a flick of the wrist they extend to full length. Thanks for another fun review.

[@BetseyClaire]

"Parallel bar situation" 🤣🤣🤣

[@carlalissa7693]

Love you concept: Wear it to Target And I am on the floor with all you comments on the weird patterns; especially the shopping cart one. I think is for the stores that want you to recycle your bags...go figure, but the poles/sticks EPIC 🤣🤣🤣

[@InsidetheHem]

I'm all for using reusable bags. It really is just the practicality of it all for me! Glad I could give you a laugh!

[@margaretbristow8943]

Loved the guy outfit at the end of the collection. I want to make the shirt with the French cuffs for my husband. I’m making him a wool vest also. I have a old cuff link collection that has been sitting in my jewelry box with nowhere to go! Do the young people even know what a cuff link is? Let me know please.

[@InsidetheHem]

I just texted a 25 year old. Will report back!

[@edinacole6382]

I agree that although it's nice to see the pattern companies styling the garments and having the models pose in "fun" positions, Sewists want to see how the garment fits the body when standing in a normal position!!!

[@InsidetheHem]

Exactly! I get the posed ones are fun, but give us just one straight on front and back pic.

[@missdemeanor3524]

Remember when Vogue Patterns went through that phase of making all their clothes in black and then photographing the models in weird crunched-up poses? Pepperidge Farm remembers.

[@edinacole6382]

@@missdemeanor3524 omg, yes! I remember. Oh, that was dumb

[@kimt2au]

those shopping trolley bags were very popular in the UK a couple of years ago.

[@InsidetheHem]

Stop!! No way! I need to see videos of how people used them properly!

[@kimt2au]

@@InsidetheHem Sorry,I no longer live in England. I do occassionally see them in use here in Australia, but it is very rare.

[@FakeGreenDress]

I think the 50s reprint description means that the contrast midriff section is attached as an overlay in the front over top of a full-length bodice piece but in the back the contrast forms the lower half of the bodice. I think it's intended to create a corset-ish effect. Image searching shows this was originally McCalls 5147 from 1959. Really wish there was a sewn example to compare to!

[@InsidetheHem]

I know! I will keep asking for it through these videos and maybe someone over there will hear me. I'm claiming Finished Garment Measurements on the envelope as our doing. hahah! It only took about 5 years!

[@jayneterry8701]

I agree. I think Stephanie Canada has made or mentions this pattern and I think I want to get it just to try making something 50s era sewing! 🤗🩷

[@jayneterry8701]

Great review as usual Lindsey ( hope im spelling it correctly) ❤ im relearning a lot about sewing in todays market and from your channel!

[@InsidetheHem]

You got it! With an e! Named after my grandfather actually. E is masculine form. Fyi.

[@eunicehehir6374]

Love the Loungewear❤ Especially with the stretch fabric for A Bodysuit and other fabric types for the other items with the fabrics matching. ❤

[@jayneterry8701]

I thought the short was cute( sorry Lindsey) as I would wear with a tshirt to bed 😊

[@theresasmith1000]

@@jayneterry8701 SUPER cute! Agreed!

[@missdemeanor3524]

Idk why they didn't just make it a fitted t instead of a bodysuit. The only purpose of a bodysuit is to keep it tucked in and prevent it from riding up. Nobody cares on that level when they're lounging or sleeping. But I'm there for the trying of new ideas, lol.

[@moniquedawn5252]

Thanks for the review!!! I think on McCalls 8412, only view A is stretch knit, B, C, and D (shorts/pants/robe) it does recommend a woven like cotton....I agree with you it sounds good on paper, not sure about the praticality of wearing....at least the body suit w/shorts...I guess it can be styled different ways

[@InsidetheHem]

How easy it to find 75% stretch knit and MATCHING woven to achieve this look?

[@moniquedawn5252]

@@InsidetheHem You got me 🤷

[@crafteed]

The guy's shirt (zipper, terry, etc) really gives me 1970-80s vibes. When my gpa passed, i went thru his clothes... he had stuff like that in 70-80s colors...in terry. Hard to believe they're trying to bring some of this stuff back. Each to their own?

[@sethskid2]

You can see on the pic of her carrying the bag that the “rod pockets” are hanging loose, the rods were removed. It would be nice if you could find telescoping rods. Most of our stores have mostly self checkout, you have to bag your own. We have to pay a 5¢ tax on grocery bags (which I refuse to do). I know, I’m late to this party. I just found your channel.

[@belinda58sews29]

Thanks for your detailed review, once again you point things out that are really important to me but that I would not necessarily have noticed (fit, design elements). Also, to be honest, I think a lot of the curved "shirt tail" hems just don't work on a lot of the dresses IMHO, but that's easy enough to hack.

[@InsidetheHem]

Glad it was helpful!

[@buttercupthreads]

I'm looking at that Brandi Joan body suit bodysuit and thinking it would make the cutest swimsuit. I'm all about the off-label sewing though. The other bodysuit/robe combo is giving me serious Johnny Was vibes. I'd totally make the bodysuit as a swimsuit.

[@InsidetheHem]

Yah. For sure! They would both be great in swim knit!

[@jayneterry8701]

I would suggest you put elastic in the straps as you might be having to adjust them all the time.

[@kaysmyth7099]

U are soooo good and funny. Love ur reviews. Brought a vogue pattern to make a dress for a wedding $20.95 and the darts in top and lower half were about 1 inch off and it was the same size. For that price I want a correct pattern!

[@InsidetheHem]

Wait for the $5.99 sale at Joann or HobLob if you have one nearby.

[@missdemeanor3524]

I think pattern drafting is becoming a lost art! Vintage patterns from the 1980's and older fit perfectly and don't have all the errors like modern patterns do. It's like half the modern patterns I buy have problems - and I'm a straight size person.

[@pegschneider4806]

At my grocery store, we cannot pack groceries into bags as we shop. If I used those grocery cart bags, I would be approached by a store employee and asked to empty them into the cart! Also, they don't appear to hold anything very large. 🤔 Thanks for the thorough review, as always!

[@InsidetheHem]

Good point!

[@andreabush1742]

Thanks for a review!!BTW They always offered the catalogs up to 30 years ago. For a while they didn’t sell them and now they are again. I’m 55 been sewing since I was 18.

[@InsidetheHem]

I get needing the catalog 30 years ago. But, why now? With the internet and so many stores having them to look at?

[@jayneterry8701]

For those of us who like flipping through at our leisure but 30$ 😮

[@missdemeanor3524]

​@@InsidetheHemThe hoarder in me wants the catalogs.

[@jebobarr4091]

So almost all the stores have self checkout as an option which usually is faster. Some also an allow you to check out on an app. So this bag system would make sense. I live in Alabama.

[@InsidetheHem]

I guess I’m just old school. Lol.

[@anymoose6685]

Most people I know need about 4+ inches of ease at the hip just to sit in a pant without any stretch. Seems like 2” of ease would only work in a fabric with some elastic or a knit. Try measuring your hip sitting and standing, there is a good amount of difference. Most of us sit most of the day, so sitting ease seems very important.

[@InsidetheHem]

I think that's why people pull their pants up before sitting. There's more easy below the full hip. But, when you're standing it still looks nice and well-fitting. Maybe 3" would be a good compromise to aim for.

[@jayneterry8701]

Good points

[@edinacole6382]

Please note that small people wear smaller sizes, not necessarily skinnier people. I have always been the same SHAPE since I was 13 but I wore a pattern size 4 at that time and now I wear a 14.

[@moniquedawn5252]

Mccalls 8413 I see as a possible beach cover-up? light rayon or some type silky cotton?

[@lydiajung26]

They sell those shopping bags…bc my Mother gave me one a couple of years ago. The rods are a little annoying but it does prop up easily on the cart when shopping. My rods don’t come out so I feel like I’m going to hit someone when I put it over my shoulder 🤣🤣 I have only used it once. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@InsidetheHem]

Wait! You're supposed to put the whole rod on your shoulder? Like just two poles sticking out in front and behind you? Like skis? NO!

[@lydiajung26]

@@InsidetheHem it has handles that go over your shoulder so the rod’s actually go under your armpit. But they still stick out from your body so you could easily bump into someone. 😂

[@lanageorge5865]

I think it would be easier to get in and out of that first dress by yourself with the zipper stopping mid back.

[@InsidetheHem]

Someone else mentioned that. It's definitely something to consider!

[@lanageorge5865]

@@InsidetheHem 😬 sorry.. I don’t usually take the time to read all the comments. Please forgive me for being redundant.

[@alexline4131]

On the first one, zipping up the back is hard on my shoulders. I bet that's why the button is at the top instead- someone else had shoulder impingement!

[@InsidetheHem]

Yah, maybe! That's definitely something I would be useful for!

[@JoyfulStitching]

Im not seeing the sale on my site

[@sharynflanagan6978]

Same! What site are you on...?

[@InsidetheHem]

It might have expired by the time I posted it. I filmed it on Sunday night.

[@myraalkins5305]

The roughed caftan You can almost see her HUHA in that.

[@InsidetheHem]

I have never considered how to spell huha. I'm dying laughing!

[@margaretbristow8943]

The Brandi Joan micro mini skirt was a bit scandalous. What if she sits down or raises he leg? Why not put a pair of shorts on? Yes pillow ticking is the heavy cotton and it came in navy blue stripes or red and white stripes. It was made to keep the goose feather quills from poking thru on your skin. They still appear in antique stores. The dress with all the ruching up up the front looked like resort wear. That dress needed a very curvy model to make it pop. The grocery organizer. OMG is it a joke? No way. The lingerie with the body suit made me think of Victoria Secret. I can’t imagine wearing the body suit with my overactive bladder. I don’t think when I’m lounging in bed that my little dog would appreciate the effort I put out to be uncomfortable.

[@InsidetheHem]

LOLOLOL at the dog comment! Thanks for all the other little tidbits, too!

[@missdemeanor3524]

As a kid in the 1970's, I remember moms and grandmas sewed puffy bloomers out of double knit polyester for girls and teenagers to wear with miniskirts. It was best if the bloomers matched the miniskirt, but there was a particular school of thought that the crazier the fabric, the more fun. (OK, I still subscribe to that theory!) 😁

[@vanessajones3508]

I did not see any patterns that I want to buy.

[@claudianowakowski]

The back of that first dress looks very homemade. The construction is okay but the top stitching does not look professional. The body suit is really cute. But it would be difficult for any woman with a bust larger than an A cup.

[@InsidetheHem]

Oh for sure!

[@daliamermelstein1328]

Especially because the topstitching (done in neon blue on neon green fabric) to make those bust cup outlines do not actually land at the place under her bust, so it looks off.

[@crafteed]

Bodysuits MAY be trendy right now but i have never understood them. That and jumpsuits. Cute in theory but the whole undressing just to pee? Nope. When i think bodysuits, i think 80s & my mom. My daughter thinks they are cute (she didnt have to live thru the 80s fashions) but i remind her of how impractical they are. She FINALLY agrees. 😅

[@alisoneichler4257]

McCalls is REALLY catering to younger (under 25?) clients.

[@InsidetheHem]

Yah. Probably right around 25.

[@robyn3349]

Thank you! nothing here for me.

[@WeAREnotUnited]

Those bodysuits are horrible. What were they thinking?

[@InsidetheHem]

They are very trendy right now. :)

[@WeAREnotUnited]

@@InsidetheHem maybe for a 12 year old 😂

[@missdemeanor3524]

I thought those bodysuits looked dated and tired, but there's a whole new generation of sewists that haven't seen the bodysuit craze re-emerge every 20 years. No long term fans of the thong body suit, lol.