New Summer McCall's & a Walk Down Memory Lane

I usually don't get too excited about McCall's patterns, but the new summer collection has some great patterns. Easy-to-wear summer dresses and cute tops are on the top of my must-buy list. Here are the patterns I will be picking up at the next McCall's pattern sale:



M6551. I like the version in the orange and white print. I could see making a couple of these. It could be dressed up for work, or add some sandals and a denim jacket to dress it down for the weekend.



M6563. I like the version the model is wearing, and also the view in white, with the sleeve tabs. I can see these done up in light weight charmuse (silk or poly) or voile or lawn.



I love this pattern for cute tops. I really like the fact that this pattern (and the previous one) are not for knits. So many or the cute top patterns are for knits, and I struggle to get my knit garments to look professional. I much prefer working with wovens. These would be just as eady to wear as a t-shirt, but so much dressier.



M66564. I think this tie blouse looks so polished. I like wearing blouses for work, because they give me a pulled-together look with one piece. I think this would be nice in a rayon challis in a pretty print.



M6534. Another cute dress that can be dressed up or down.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, if only I had the time/energy/money to make all the patterns I love, my wardrobe would be HUGE! But it is fun to dream and look at patterns anyway.

If you haven't been to the fabric store lately, and are looking for a little spring pick-me-up, you should go. I love browsing the aisles of spring fabrics- the seersuckers, the pretty, delicate cotton prints, all the spring colors.

It takes me back to my childhood, going to the fabric store with my mom to pick out pattern and fabric for my Easter dress every year. We would look at the new fabrics, then study every pattern book until we found just the right one. Then, back to the fabric to find the perfect fabric for the pattern. A stop at the notions department to buy matching thread, zipper, and lace or ribbon trim. Leaving the store with all these things in a bag, knowing that my mom would transform them into a beautiful dress just for me was such a great feeling. Not to mention the time my mom and I spent together.

My mom isn't able to fabric shop with me anymore, but if she could magically have a day in which she was physically able to go anywhere and do anything, I would love to go to the fabric store with her again, We would spend hours looking a fabric, sitting at the pattern table looking at patterns, and choosing new things to make for spring. Then as we walked out of the store we would say what we would always say when leaving the fabric store- "We better get home, and get sewing!"

Blessings-
Lisa