The Great Pattern Review
Mill Farm
#MF-6 - Man's Waistcoat
Wendy Moyer - Highly Recommended
This went together very nicely on the first try. I had hand-sewn the entire article while traveling so I am not sure about sewing machine vs. hand-sewing for this pattern. For the pocket flaps, I recommend you use the outer material for both parts and not sure a lining fabric. The package comes with a bonus pattern of a shirt. I found the shirt easy to use but, do measure the shoulders. I had to make the shoulders a bit wider. Do not sew all the way down to the bottom of the side seams but, leave about 12" on each side to make vents. The vents allow the wearer to pull the tail through for an under-garment. I love how historically correct the placement lines are on these patterns.
#MF-9 - Child's and Girl's Gown with Shift Directions
BethAnn Duerre - Highly Recommended
I found this pattern very easy to use. It has clear instructions and produces a great fit. My child is on the small side but, I did get two year's use of the gown with the growth pleat put in. I am a beginning sewer and was able to finish this off on one Saturday. I'm using the next size up now and a larger size for my 11 year old daughter.
#MF-8 - Man's Breeches
Wendy Moyer - Highly Recommended
This went together in a breeze. You MUST make a muslin mock-up. I had to remove about 6 inches from the legs. My husband is much shorter in the legs than many men. Make sure to have your gentleman crouch down so you can check the fit for the legs and seat (the fit should not be tight, the correct seat fit is actually quite loose or full). If the directions sound vague to you, try pinning the pieces together and flipping them over as if they were sewn. You'll find the appearance makes the directions make more sense. Over all this is a very easy pattern to put together if you take your time and don't rush.
#MF-13 - Woman's Gown, A Robe Polonaise
Janet Canning - Recommended
The instructions are vague. Not suitable for a beginner. The sleeves are cut on the bias and had to be adjusted several times to get them right. The skirt is cartridge pleated and contains a lot of fabric; therefore, you should choose a fabric for the bodice to support the weight of the skirt. Carefully line the bodice with a medium weight fabric. The finished gown fits very well. Janet is wearing the gown in the photo on the right.
#MF-16 - Woman's Robe A la Francaise or Robe A L Anglaise
Tina Buchanan
This is the first Mill Farm pattern that we have used. I like the fact that you can make two different style gowns. Patterns are so expensive; this gives you more bang for your buck! I wanted to have the English style gown made (the Roble a l'Anglaise). It was interesting to stand and have someone actually fit the dress to my back. I love this dress. It is so comfortable. We did make one modification. We sewed one side of the stomacher to the gown and put hooks and eyes on the other side. I have a problem with my vision so one side of the stomacher would always end up higher than the other and I would have to re-pin it several times. This way it's always straight.
#MF-17 - Woman's Caraco
Tina Buchanan
I love this pattern. I don't sew. My mom makes my clothing. She said this was a very easy pattern to make. It really only took her one day to get most of it done. The only adjustment we had to make was to the sleeve length, which is normal for me. It is so comfortable to wear. It has now become my favorite and I'm sure people will get sick of seeing it.
#MF-25 - Boy's Frock Coat
Hazel Dickfoss - Not Recommended
I just finished making this coat for my grandson who is almost 8 years old, I used the 8/9 size which worked well size wise. Next year if the sleeves get too short I plan to add a piece under the cuffs where it won't be visible. I found the instructions clear and easy to follow. Sharon Ann Burnston gives options for fabric and decoration so it may be adapted for the sons of the gentry or for those of the lower sort.