My visit to NYC for my sisters graduation was a way for me to connect with my sewing. I have always had an interest in learning the processes of the patterns that I sew and how they go from a concept to a garment at home sewers like you and me sew daily.

Visiting McCall’s

The McCall’s Pattern Company is located not to far from the World Trade Center, a stopping ground for me when growing up in NYC as my mom worked near by and I would often visit her.  It was definitely a nostalgic feeling while walking the area as it brought back so many memories. Ok, enough of me being mushy… I just miss my mom.

Back to the visit! I was greeted by Meg with a warm reception! She is just as I pictured her from her instagram page, very stylish and friendly. We have  been communicating for over a year or more now and it was nice to finally meet her in person. We greeted each other with a warm hug and large smiles. I was excited to see the company and the space and hope I would get a glimpse of upcoming patterns. Don’t worry… I won’t spill the beans on that….. Just know that they are really nice, and I can’t wait to make some!

Meg began the tour by introducing me to staff that handle the mechanics of the patterns,  from selecting fabrics for the models, marketing, website management, pattern making, designing, sample making, As we walked the halls, I took pictures and soaked in every bit of information that I could. I was like a kid in the candy store when I got a chance to head into the fabric selection room as well as the sample closet.

 

 

I got a chance to view the vintage catalogs from the late 1800’s that you need white gloves to touch. There was so much history in the archive area that it was very impressive to see.

 

The pattern process as I stated earlier is multifaceted.  The many layers and staff help to make the patterns we purchase and sew come to life. Honestly, there is a person doing something, from the design,  creating a mock up, drafting a muslin, fabric selection, sewing samples, editing the PDF, creating the pattern, writing the instructions, editing and quality control, website development, hiring of models, creating samples, packing, etc. etc. So when you think of the pattern process know that more than one person even possibly 20 people have worked on that one pattern to bring it to you. I will not complain again about cutting. Also, for those that don’t know the customer service number is monitored by a real person that will pull the pattern and may have to sew a little mock up with you to help you with the directions.

While Meg was giving me a tour, I saw a familiar face and voice that I noticed immediately, it was Deb from Simplicity!! We looked at each other and then embraced as I said “DEB!!!!” she said “Monica?!!” and then I laughed. Deb is so sweet and it was nice to see someone you have been interacting with on social media for years and finally connect.  As you all may know CSS Industries the owner of McCall’s acquired Simplicity last year. As they go through the transition period both Meg and Deb go back and forth between offices. As I continued the tour, Meg introduced me to some more of the companies awesome staff (I can’t remember names for the life of me… but I do remember faces). Everyone was so nice and so sweet and very enthusiastic about their jobs.

The fabric room is to die for ladies. So much inspiration there. There is a huge wall of notions, trims, and fabric samples. I was happy to see some Ankara fabric. I was able to visit the vault where they store their vintage collections. Only white gloves are allowed in that room… just kidding, but for real you do need white gloves to go through the oldest archive there. I continued to stroll the halls with Meg, around and around. As you walk past offices you notice vintage patterns, inspiration pics, designs, vintage notions and overall a feeling of history.

 

As we headed to Meg’s office to chat in comes Jackie and I instantly smiled. We hugged and laughed. Carlos wasn’t there during my visit but I do hope to see him next time. It was nice to see Jackie in person and show her something that I made from the patterns she designs.

Visiting Simplicity

My visit to Simplicity is too fold. I took a quick train ride from McCall’s and headed uptown to Simplicity. Another familiar stopping ground with my mom. Simplicity isn’t too far from the garment district and if I worked near there I would be there everyday.

I met with Victoria who handles the social media and reports to Meg. She was so sweet and gave me a great tour Simplicity. She introduced me to production, marketing,  The Simplicity Office is nice. Everyone is friendly. They have a photo studio fo  r shooting looks and a whole team of people that work on every facet of the pattern.

Later that afternoon Deb and I connected later on that afternoon and she happened to have time the following day for me to come out there again and learn more about the company with her many years of experience there. Of course I had to catch my flight that evening and I was also planning on seeing another sewing blogger friend to visit Mood! But as a New Yorker you make it work and fit it in!

It was so nice meeting Deb finally. I have been following and interacting with her on social media now for a few years and love her personality! The first thing she said is “Monica were you wearing heels yesterday?” LOL, I said “Yes, I was wearing my tall wedges, but since I knew I had to run around I opted for the flats,” and guess what we are around the same height with colorful personalities.

Deb and I met for a little in her office. We talked about sewing, patterns and upcoming Deb introduced me to the production team, those responsibility for testing the patterns, designing them, drawing the sketches as well as the instructions. Again, very detailed and more than just one person involved to make the pattern happen. EVERYONE has a role in making the one pattern we see. The fabric room was so cool and I so wanted to play in there. Each area she took me I was like a kid in the candy store.  We walked into the production area where they make the samples and meet with the designers. I was able to able to see the upcoming Fall and Winter patterns. I was eyeing this one pattern and I know for sure that Deb was tickled by my excitement.  Ladies, ladies… once it comes out I will definitely let you know, but in the meantime all I can do is dream about it. I am so ready and already have the perfect accessories.

Deb gave me history on the company as she has been there for many years. Her new role covers both Simplicity pattern brands and McCall’s. I appreciated her knowledge of the company and its long history. I wrapped my visit with Deb by taking a picture and getting a glimpse of the upcoming Fall and Winter patterns.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Honestly, there is so much that goes into it making and creating the patterns that we wear. Contrary to what we believe the process starts at least 6 months to a year in advance. It is important that the designers are thinking about future trends, looks, and designs that we the consumer would want to sew and wear. That’s a tough job to have, however they have been successfully doing it for years. Just like in the fashion industry collections are thought about a year in advance, the pattern companies are doing the same.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to tour both The McCall Pattern Company and Simplicity Pattern Group. As a home sewer it was nice to see that they valued my opinions, suggestions as well as comments on things I enjoy sewing and what I think trends are.  It was a pleasure meeting all of the staff and putting faces to the names that I have interacted it. I look forward to future visits.

Lastly, I will not complain ever about cutting patterns. Though I could not take pictures of what they were working on (Spring/Summer 2019) just believe me when I say that it takes a village to make a pattern and each person in this village has a unique and important role.

xoxo

Monica

• 
• 
• 
•