McCall's Crafts Pattern #M6218 Review
By Aymee (aka southernbelle04)
Sewing Level-Beginner
Summary
This was the very first pattern I bought when I got the urge to start making Katie Scarlett some clothes on my own. I bought the pattern at Hobby Lobby full price (little did I know about the 99cent per pattern sales that they run often....LOL). I had basic sewing knowledge that I had learned as a child from my mother and grandmother prior to purchasing this pattern. When I got home and started reading the pattern, I was totally lost!!! So I decided to take a beginners sewing class at a local Joann Crafts store first. The class was $75 but well worth the money for me. I learned the basics of sewing, pattern reading, different types of sewing notions, different types of fabrics, etc. It was a lot of fun! And when I got home I felt confident to start sewing.
For me, the pattern instructions are a little confusing. I read them over 20 times I think. Althought I did understand here and there, it was a bit confusing. I was not pleased with my first garment at all. As a matter of fact, I ended up throwing it away. It was just pitiful. LOL. So I gave it a second try and it turned out a little better, but still I wasn't happy with it. I did keep the dress, but it has found it's way to the back of KS's closet.
To be honest, after reading and still being confused, I ended up just winging it on my second try and using the pattern pieces to figure it out on my own. Then thankfully, a fellow YT'er, Kathy, posted instructions (pictures included) that really helped me out. Those can be found here:
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yt-...n-pitiful.html
This pattern includes a vest, a coat, pj's, coat with scarf and leg warmers, and dress. The sizes in this pattern are small through x-large. The sizes are as folllows: (in inches)
1. Small (Length 6.5-9, Girth 11-13)
2. Medium (Length 9-11, Girth 13-15.5)
3. Large (Length 11-13.5, Girth 15.5-17.5)
4. X-Large (Lengthy 13.5-16, Girth 18-20)
Suggested Fabrics include satin, short pile fur, short pile fleece, flannel, fleece, vinyl coated fabrics, sweatshirt feece, novelty cotton, novely sateen, cotton, cotton blends.
In the end, I would give this pattern a try again. It is confusing at first, but after many tries, I think it could be a go to pattern. The only thing I still do not like is the top of the dress. I do not like the harness part. To be honest with you, I now mix this pattern with another when making basic dresses for Katie Scarlett. I use the skirt of this pattern and mix it with a simpler harness from a Simplicity pattern...pattern #2393 to be exact.) It is just easier for me.
Here are some pix:
1. Pattern picture
2. My first dress attempt (don't laugh....LOL. It is sad!!!!)
3. My 2nd dress attempt
4. A dress I made using the skirt of this pattern and the top of
a Simplicity pattern