Pattern Sale

Patterns are expensive, but once in  awhile JoAnn Fabrics has a great sale. You just have to watch and plan ahead a bit.

I found a great deal on patterns yesterday at the local JoAnn Fabrics store. McCalls patterns were 5 for $5, or a buck a piece.

I bought 5, and my total savings were over $87.

When I start stitching them up, I'll review them here and post any workarounds you can do to make them easier.

Now, one last question, this is for McCalls and the pattern companies... Why the heck is your selection of men's and boy's clothing patterns so stinking pathetic? Seriously, it's SUMMER WEATHER, why is there not a single pattern available from the big name companies for a pair of men's shorts with pockets. I don't even care if they're the zipper kind or elastic, but there's NOTHING. Boo... Hiss... Sewing pattern company FAIL!!!!

Butterick B5152 Retro Robe Pattern Review

This pattern, Butterick's B5152 '48 Retro robe, is a doozy. It's labeled as easy, but as someone with a lot of sewing experience, I can tell you, it's NOT easy!

From the really strange cutting directions, right through to the last stitch, the directions for this pattern are just plain flawed.

Now, I'll be the first to say the design is beautiful, and if you just throw the directions away and put it together, it's doable, but I'll say it again, it's not easy.

I'm not going to give workarounds for this one, just because the directions that come with it are such a mess, I wouldn't recommend it, not even to an experienced seamstress.

Now, if you already have this retro robe pattern, and you're stuck, leave a comment and I'll do my best to talk you through it, otherwise, pull the directions out of the envelope and read them before you buy it. If you don't understand them in the store, well, it's not going to get better.

With some patience, the pattern does provide a sort of general guideline that you can turn into a beautiful robe, but it took a lot of guesswork to turn it into a wearable garment.



Short-Sleeved 40's Style Retro Robe

40's Style Retro Robe Belt

Draping skirt of 40's Style Retro Robe

Long, Draping Skirt of 40's Style Butterick Retro Robe

Have you ever tried this pattern? I would love to hear what you thought of it, or if you have encountered similar problems with any other pattern and would like to share, go for it in the comments section below.