Not Impressed: McCalls and Vogue Early Spring 2016

So far McCalls and Vogue have released their early spring patterns. (So has Simplicity, but their new website is a nightmare and I can’t find them to share with you). I don’t typically do pattern release review posts but I was sitting here browsing the new collections and realized I only had a few maybes on my “To Buy” list.

I’m actually quite disappointed in both new collections, maybe I’ve been sewing long enough not to get excited over new patterns or maybe these releases were less than stellar. It seems some patterns look like repeat of older patterns and sorta boring in general. You tell me.

Though the model photo does not appeal to me and the skirt itself is not unique or spectacular, I like the paneled skirt of Vogue 1487 especially the hem band. I would love to try this with a border print fabric or colorblock two bright spring fabrics or maybe two ankara prints.

Both pieces of Vogue 1486 have potential but I really like the simple structured crop top. I wouldn’t wear the top right now -I’ll blame the holidays for this extra weight I’m carrying – but they say summer bodies are made in the winter so if I start now maybe I could rock it by late spring/early summer. 🙂 We’ll see. I suppose if I pair it with the coordinating skirt or highwaisted slacks I could avoid showing any tummy.

 

Lastly I can’t decide if I like McCalls 7333 or not,after all it is a spring hoodie which seems like an oxymoron to be. Still I’m leaning towards buy. My hangup is I don’t really do vests and I’m too hot natured to wear sleeves in the spring (I live in the south). Then again I like the overall look. See…I could keep going back and forth.
I like McCalls 7330 didn’t make my list but deserves a mention because even though they are everywhere I do love a jumpsuit. That said I will likely purchase the new Mimi G for Simplicity jumpsuit pattern, mainly because all of her patterns come with sew along videos which are great just incase I get stuck on a step. So this will be a skip because I think they are too similar to have both.

 

Vogue 7196 also gets an honorable mention as well. I like the dress and the shirt because I’m a sucker for color blocking. The pattern art didn’t hurt either as I am a sucker for black and white and the graphic caught my eye. Truthfully though I could modify any T-shirt pattern to create the same look without too much work. However I can be a lazy sewist so I might purchase this pattern just to save myself the time.

I will mention that I did appreciate the idea of the Create It pattern M7321. It is a pattern that features 3 bodice variations and 4 skirt options that can be mixed up for a variety of finished looks. As much as I love the concept I  do not particularly care for the pattern.

 

What do you think of the Early Spring 2016 patterns? Are you excited about the new patterns? What are you faves? Are you ready for spring? Or are you like me and still working feverishly on winter projects? Let me know below.