New Patterns from McCall & Simplicity

McCalls and Simplicity Patterns have released their latest collections, including a few designs that I may have to add to my collection. Or perhaps I should get to work on the stacks of patterns I wanted to make last summer . . . but there are never enough hours in the day!

McCalls 7190
This late 1940s/early 1950s silhouette has always looked slightly awkward to me - too long for a peplum, but too short for a dress (although many current designers would probably disagree with me on that). It is one of those transitional designs that feels slightly off.

McCalls 7190
I feel the same way about 1830s and 1890s dresses - they are about to become something fabulous, but the proportions are a bit ungainly for the moment. Simplicity has a pattern in a similar style which I own. I pull it out every once in a while, but always end up putting it back.

McCalls 7190
I also think that this style has a tendency to shorten the body. This particular pattern does have some nice details, though - the top-stitching and neckline may be enough to tempt me to try it out.

McCalls 7190
When I see it styled with those pants (not included with the pattern – that was naughty, McCalls), I am reminded of I Love Lucy, so perhaps the look will grow on me.

McCalls 7184
The other Archive Collection pattern is this blouse and jumper outfit for children and adults which happens to look incredibly similar to Simplicity 1075.

McCalls 7184
I love the blouse, but am not sure what to think of the jumper. This looks to me like a teen pattern from the 1950s . . . except for the addition of the tiny version. Maybe this was designed for sisters instead of mother and daughter?
McCalls 7187 is a contemporary design, but has a 1960s mod feel to it with definite possibilities.

McCalls 7187
And I do love something about this wrap dress - possibly because it reminds me of a simplified version of a Donna Karan design. But that front slit could prove to be problematic. The full-skirted version is pretty cute, too.

McCalls 7185
These Jiffy patterns must be popular for Simplicity, because they continue to be released . . . but you probably know where I am going with this . . . I want complicated, not simple two piece garments.

Laura Nash has a new line for Simplicity with a vintage feel. I do like a dropped-waist, so this one may end up coming home with me. I wish the same could be said about those red shoes!

So, nothing earth shattering, in my opinion, but a few nice additions to the catalogs. What do you think?