Region One Meet-Up: Visiting McCall’s Pattern Company

Today's post has been written for me by Past SAGA President, Lisa Hawkes as I was unable to attend the Meet Up due to events beyond my control. My thanks to Lisa and I hope you enjoy the virtual visit!

SAGA members were treated to a wonderful day of visiting with good friends, eating delicious food, and given a glimpse into the wonderful world of sewing pattern creation as they toured McCalls pattern company at the Meet-Up hosted by Region 1 Rep, Kim Gimblette. Members from as far north as Boston, to as south as Virginia met in New York City’s Financial District at the Trinity Place Restaurant to enjoy a delicious luncheon in what used to be an old bank vault. They then walked across the street to the historic Equitable Building and McCall’s offices for their tour.

The SAGA Group at Trinity Place Restaurant Vault.

 

Picture taking opportunities were limited since the staff is busy working on patterns that have not been released yet, but the members were excited to learn about the company and its process. It takes about a year and half for a pattern to go from concept to a printed pattern that one can purchase. The designers had recently been into the offices to begin work on the 2018 spring line and the photoshoot for the Vogue Patterns Holiday issue was starting tomorrow!

Our ladies were full of questions as we walked through the offices and heard about the process. McCalls is the home to McCalls patterns of course, but also Vogue, Butterick, Kwik Sew and CosPlay. Between its offices in New York, and printing center in Kansas, it produces over 250 patterns a year, the pattern books that we peruse in the fabric store, and Vogue Pattern Magazine. With just around 70 employees in New York, it was amazing to realize the volume that this company produces.

We were surprised to hear that you can call McCall’s customer service and they will be happy to assist you with a difficulty you are having with a pattern. The lady who mans the phones has all the patterns there at her disposal so she can pull out the pattern and answer your question. McCall’s would also appreciate hearing if you find a mistake so that they can fix it for a future run. Upper management daily reviews their Facebook page and Pattern Review and appreciate feedback on styles that you like, and want to see what you are making with their patterns!

The SAGA group at the McCalls Offices NYC

We all left with a goodie bag from McCall’s, that included the new issue of Vogue Pattern Magazine and some free patterns. Some ladies headed off to the Fashion district (via the maps provided by Kim) to purchase fabric for their next creation, but all were inspired and impressed with the work and detail that goes into producing a sewing pattern. We also appreciated all the hard work and time of Kim Gimblette who put together this amazing day!

Thank you Lisa and I hope to return to normal service very soon!