It’s great that you can advise a replacement suggestion in conjunction with a candid review of patterns that didn’t work for you. Knowing the why is so helpful, PLUS I get to go shop designers I hadn’t heard about. Thank you!
The Bob pants and M7969 have been very popular at the Minerva fabrics website. In fact, they were giving a free pdf version of the McCalls pattern away for awhile. Being a curvy senior, barrel legs or puffy sleeves look silly on me. I like a more pared down and simpler style which seems to be your preference as well. The alternatives you gave for these patterns might work for me. Thanks, Rebecca. (I just found your channel and have been watching your past videos.)
Really helpful! Thank you! I love that you encourage feedback as well. After making the Bob Pants without pockets I made a ton of adjustments and despair of Style Arcs insistence on bad instructions. Even the 'tutorials' on their website leave me a bit mystified (i have about 4 of their patterns but can't actually start 2 of them). They had a sale recently but after browsing what looked like good designs just gave up and bought nothing.
You are so welcome! I think there are so many options for patterns today, why choose one with poor instructions and construction? Thanks for your feedback.
Agreed, totally enjoy these kinds of videos! It's so interesting to me to consider how unique and different we all are. For me, the Dawn jeans are my go-to's after trying many different company's jean patterns. And actually, the Helene's are probably my least fave (sorry:) )and I won't be making them again...I made about 4 pairs, adjusting where I needed, but never got a good fit. I guess that's the beauty of so many patterns to choose from...there's (potentially) a good fit for everyone! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks! I totally agree, I’ve seen a ton of great looking pairs of dawn jeans they just didn’t work for me. It’s great that there are so many patterns to choose from :)
The Dawn jeans are ones I won't make again also for several reasons. I gave it a shot but once was enough. I do like the Helene Jeans as an alternative.
Thanks for sharing your experiences! I think we all have had our share of unsuccessful sewing attempts with some patterns. Even as an intermediate sewist it’s really hard to tell in advance whether the pattern fits your body, and I find it difficult to make several modifications or adjustments to the pattern. Probably the pattern adjusting skills develop along the way, but sometimes you just want the experience to be less complicated. 😅
Thank you. I found that most of the photos I took were in attempt to make the garment look nice. I did include a video clip of the skirt that didn’t work out. I’ll try to better document mishaps in the future for reference :)
Thanks for your discussion of these patterns! There are a few new to me, and a couple that I've had success with. I recently got my Bob pattern back out again to make them in linen. I've found the bar tacks attaching the pockets to the front leg to work fine, but I've not used a fabric that's overly drapey. I've also got long arms for the rest of me haha. I've made a couple of Dawn jeans and was the most surprised that I liked the higher waistline after choosing mid-rise jeans for several decades (and 5 pairs of Morgans) I've got a couple more Dawns in different denims planned. I do want to try a trouser shape like you've mentioned, and am looking at the Protea pattern. I've not looked at Vicki Sews as I think they only do single-size patterns and that wouldn't work for me. Good Video! 😁
Thank you for watching and for your feedback! The bobs I made were in a really drapey fabric, might have been part of the problem. I love a high waisted pair of jeans, and the design of the dawns, the fit was just off for me. When I got the viki sews pattern it was a multi sized paper pattern, but I think maybe those have been phased out in favor of one size pdf?
I recently made the McCalls 7969 and I sadly didn't like it as much as others either! The bodice was so short, so it looked a little awkward on me. I also had to sew in a small snap at the bust so it didn't come open and flash everyone. Oh well, at least we tried, right?!? ;) I'm trying the top down center out technique on the Dawn jeans right now. I'm hoping that helps me fit the pants to perfection!
Yes it was a bit fiddly and the fit was off for me too. I’m curious about top down center out…I’ve heard many others talk about it but haven’t tried it myself.
Fortunately I learned I disliked floppy pockets before I got confident enough to sew items with pockets. However in nice purchased items with them, I came up with two ways to mitigate their annoying unflattering flopiness: - Pin the front part of the pocket to the front part of the clothing when they are perfectly smooth and aligned, then hand sew (tack) a few tiny stitches in matching thread where you can hide them in the texture or pattern of the fabric. A half dozen 1mm stitches are enough. Make sure you only catch the front part of the pocket or its very edge to not reduce its size and functionality. - In the case of a voluminous skirt or dress, you can do the above, or you can run a small ribbon between the two pockets, one that’s just the right length to keep them unflapped and away from the hips. Just put some Fray-away on the ends of the ribbon (or fold them down) and hand sew the ends to the pocket edges.
Thanks for sharing these unsuccessful makes- and the great alternatives worth trying. My worst pattern ever was the Square Neck Top by Friday Pattern Company. Supposedly a boxy simple top. I realised that my small size haven’t been properly drafted and was made smaller by reducing both sides of the body. So it was very/too narrow at the body, but the neckline and the sleeves were too large. You could see the sides of your bra from the sleeves. Then I found out someone had make a video explaining how to litterally redraft the whole thing, sides, neckline ans sleeves to make it work. Another deception was the lovely Array dress, wich sells as a somewhat round high neckline, but was change after a moment for a very wide boat neckline, but the company never cared to give a clue about this. Be prepare to have a dress showing both your bra straps. Funny that the technical lines of the pattern displayed on the web site are still showing the first version. Papercut Patterns never cared to respond to my e-mail about that. My most made pattern is for sure the Grainline Studio’ Lark tee, so excellent.
@@riittatammi1149 I gave up after 2 toiles… A cute boxy top that fits very well and is cute for me is the Sew Liberated Strata top, a breeze to make ☺️
Wow that’s so crazy! A completely different pattern then. Also I totally agree about patterns that have poor drafting for the smallest and largest sizes. So frustrating.
It would have been fair to show yourself in these makes if you are going to not be liking them so we can see what you see. I feel when sewist dont like something and ( they have made it well) its because its not their "style". The patterns are nice and thankful there are successful makes from them.
Thank you for sharing your review of these patterns, and offering a replacement. That is a nice and useful addition to a pattern review video.
Thanks for watching!
It’s great that you can advise a replacement suggestion in conjunction with a candid review of patterns that didn’t work for you. Knowing the why is so helpful, PLUS I get to go shop designers I hadn’t heard about. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful! I can only share what’s worked for me, and I hope it’s useful info :)
The Bob pants and M7969 have been very popular at the Minerva fabrics website. In fact, they were giving a free pdf version of the McCalls pattern away for awhile. Being a curvy senior, barrel legs or puffy sleeves look silly on me. I like a more pared down and simpler style which seems to be your preference as well. The alternatives you gave for these patterns might work for me. Thanks, Rebecca. (I just found your channel and have been watching your past videos.)
I definitely prefer a more simple, modern silhouette. I'm so glad you've been enjoying my videos! Thanks so much for watching : )
I appreciate the variety of small companies that you have tried or suggested
Thanks :) love supporting smaller designers
Really helpful! Thank you! I love that you encourage feedback as well. After making the Bob Pants without pockets I made a ton of adjustments and despair of Style Arcs insistence on bad instructions. Even the 'tutorials' on their website leave me a bit mystified (i have about 4 of their patterns but can't actually start 2 of them). They had a sale recently but after browsing what looked like good designs just gave up and bought nothing.
You are so welcome! I think there are so many options for patterns today, why choose one with poor instructions and construction? Thanks for your feedback.
I like that you explained why. Ty.
Glad it was helpful :)
Agreed, totally enjoy these kinds of videos! It's so interesting to me to consider how unique and different we all are. For me, the Dawn jeans are my go-to's after trying many different company's jean patterns. And actually, the Helene's are probably my least fave (sorry:) )and I won't be making them again...I made about 4 pairs, adjusting where I needed, but never got a good fit. I guess that's the beauty of so many patterns to choose from...there's (potentially) a good fit for everyone! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks! I totally agree, I’ve seen a ton of great looking pairs of dawn jeans they just didn’t work for me. It’s great that there are so many patterns to choose from :)
The Dawn jeans are ones I won't make again also for several reasons. I gave it a shot but once was enough. I do like the Helene Jeans as an alternative.
Yeah they just didn't work out. I know some people love them though. Glad there's lots of options to try.
Thanks for sharing your experiences! I think we all have had our share of unsuccessful sewing attempts with some patterns. Even as an intermediate sewist it’s really hard to tell in advance whether the pattern fits your body, and I find it difficult to make several modifications or adjustments to the pattern. Probably the pattern adjusting skills develop along the way, but sometimes you just want the experience to be less complicated. 😅
So true! I feel like there are always changes you can make…but sometimes you just want things to work out :)
Thank you for your honesty we are all different in style is great to the alternatives very enjoyable video 😊
Thank you for watching, glad you enjoyed it 🤍
I get it. Having to alter 3 or 4 aspects of a pattern is frustrating and makes you wonder why you bought it in the first place.
Exactly!
I love hearing about your experience, really interesting. I would have liked to see pics of your different makes.
Thank you. I found that most of the photos I took were in attempt to make the garment look nice. I did include a video clip of the skirt that didn’t work out. I’ll try to better document mishaps in the future for reference :)
Thanks for your discussion of these patterns! There are a few new to me, and a couple that I've had success with. I recently got my Bob pattern back out again to make them in linen. I've found the bar tacks attaching the pockets to the front leg to work fine, but I've not used a fabric that's overly drapey. I've also got long arms for the rest of me haha. I've made a couple of Dawn jeans and was the most surprised that I liked the higher waistline after choosing mid-rise jeans for several decades (and 5 pairs of Morgans) I've got a couple more Dawns in different denims planned. I do want to try a trouser shape like you've mentioned, and am looking at the Protea pattern. I've not looked at Vicki Sews as I think they only do single-size patterns and that wouldn't work for me. Good Video! 😁
Thank you for watching and for your feedback! The bobs I made were in a really drapey fabric, might have been part of the problem. I love a high waisted pair of jeans, and the design of the dawns, the fit was just off for me. When I got the viki sews pattern it was a multi sized paper pattern, but I think maybe those have been phased out in favor of one size pdf?
I recently made the McCalls 7969 and I sadly didn't like it as much as others either! The bodice was so short, so it looked a little awkward on me. I also had to sew in a small snap at the bust so it didn't come open and flash everyone. Oh well, at least we tried, right?!? ;) I'm trying the top down center out technique on the Dawn jeans right now. I'm hoping that helps me fit the pants to perfection!
Yes it was a bit fiddly and the fit was off for me too. I’m curious about top down center out…I’ve heard many others talk about it but haven’t tried it myself.
Nice idea for video. Would be nice if you showed your actual garments on you.
Thanks for your feedback :)
Interesting . Thanks for sharing g your experience.
Thanks for watching!
Fortunately I learned I disliked floppy pockets before I got confident enough to sew items with pockets. However in nice purchased items with them, I came up with two ways to mitigate their annoying unflattering flopiness:
- Pin the front part of the pocket to the front part of the clothing when they are perfectly smooth and aligned, then hand sew (tack) a few tiny stitches in matching thread where you can hide them in the texture or pattern of the fabric. A half dozen 1mm stitches are enough. Make sure you only catch the front part of the pocket or its very edge to not reduce its size and functionality.
- In the case of a voluminous skirt or dress, you can do the above, or you can run a small ribbon between the two pockets, one that’s just the right length to keep them unflapped and away from the hips. Just put some Fray-away on the ends of the ribbon (or fold them down) and hand sew the ends to the pocket edges.
Those are such brilliant solutions, thank you! I’ll have to give them a try.
Thanks for the reviews
My pleasure!
I’m wondering if the Clementine pattern is designed to make your behind look smaller by having a smaller back panel. It’s a troupe l’oeil.
Maybe? Felt very strange on me.
Enjoyed. Subscribed.
Thank you :)
It would have been nice to see the garments on you.
Thanks, I’ll consider that next time :)
Thanks for sharing these unsuccessful makes- and the great alternatives worth trying. My worst pattern ever was the Square Neck Top by Friday Pattern Company. Supposedly a boxy simple top. I realised that my small size haven’t been properly drafted and was made smaller by reducing both sides of the body. So it was very/too narrow at the body, but the neckline and the sleeves were too large. You could see the sides of your bra from the sleeves. Then I found out someone had make a video explaining how to litterally redraft the whole thing, sides, neckline ans sleeves to make it work. Another deception was the lovely Array dress, wich sells as a somewhat round high neckline, but was change after a moment for a very wide boat neckline, but the company never cared to give a clue about this. Be prepare to have a dress showing both your bra straps. Funny that the technical lines of the pattern displayed on the web site are still showing the first version. Papercut Patterns never cared to respond to my e-mail about that. My most made pattern is for sure the Grainline Studio’ Lark tee, so excellent.
I had similar issues with Square Neck Top, and I haven’t yet found the strength to try to revisit and adjust the pattern. 😅
@@riittatammi1149 I gave up after 2 toiles… A cute boxy top that fits very well and is cute for me is the Sew Liberated Strata top, a breeze to make ☺️
Wow that’s so crazy! A completely different pattern then. Also I totally agree about patterns that have poor drafting for the smallest and largest sizes. So frustrating.
@@Rebecca_Good ❤️
It would have been fair to show yourself in these makes if you are going to not be liking them so we can see what you see.
I feel when sewist dont like something and ( they have made it well) its because its not their "style". The patterns are nice and thankful there are successful makes from them.
Thanks for your feedback! I agree and wish I would’ve better documented items that I’ve let go of. Will make sure to do so in the future.