Sewing For My Sanity

McCalls 8101, the Natala Jumpsuit an awesome best buy pattern

African American woman standing the road wearing McCalls 8101

Today, I’m reviewing McCalls 8101. McCall’s Early Spring pattern collection is all about ruffles, texture, dimensions, and everything flirty. Any lady looking to make some waves with her wardrobe this spring wants to explore their new look and this pattern collection. The savvy pattern company has aptly decided to name every pattern in the new collection, so she is also called Natala. It’s a versatile jumper pattern with options like no other.  

African American woman standing the road wearing McCalls 8101 with shades on

Pattern Features

Let’s dive into the pattern elements here. The basics are:

  1. The button-up bodice or bra top
  2. The bottom/pants

You can make the bodice with or without straps. The pants can be petal pusher length, shorts, or full pants. If you like, you can add back pockets; yes, there are front pockets. Thank God! There is also a belt option shown. And to add more pizzazz if you like, you can topstitch this wardrobe addition for a little pop of design in a contrasting thread.

I chose to make Natala out of a beautiful tropical hibiscus rayon gifted by Fabric.com. The suggested fabrics are denim, linen, chino, and twill. So I chose a lighter-weight fabric. Why? It’s hot here! And I wanted a natural fabric that flowed and moved.  

Muslin of McCalls 8101

I made view B with the straps. I made a muslin because of all the different fitting adjustments I knew I would have to make. 

To sew this pattern well, here are the techniques you need to be proficient at:

  1. Inserting boning
  2. Making a faux bra/bra cup 
  3. Inserting and adjusting straps
  4. Shortening or lengthening 
  5. Button placement and installation
  6. Applying fusible interfacing
  7. Inserting a lining
  8. Making a placket
  9. Making buttonholes
  10. Cutting prints and use of grainlines

Pattern cons:

  1. There are plenty of pieces. I would NOT recommend this pattern for a beginner. For a beginner, I would recommend Vogue 9075 vs McCalls 8101, though it does have a zipper and a lining to install. Furthermore, McCalls rates the pattern as average, which is entirely accurate.  
  2. Nobody will fit this pattern out of the envelope because we are all shaped differently. You will need to make several pattern adjustments.
  3. The printed pattern is incorrect for the pants. The pattern piece is labeled for View D only, but it’s for ALL pants. 

Natala WARDROBE OPTIONS

  • McCall’s Natala + Cardi = Workwear
  • McCall’s Natala + strappy heel = Movie night with your boo
  • McCall’s Natala + Stan Smith = Running errands but looking cute

I could go on…

Pattern Pros:

  1. This pattern has so many options. Honestly, I plan to make another after I write this blog post. 
  2. It’s a great transitional piece to move from one season to another.

My measurements: Weight: 140lbs, Height 5’0″ , Bust measurement 36″, Hips – 42″, Waist – 31.5″ . You can see that this fits nothing on the pattern envelope. The bodice should be cut at a 12 (ish) and the pants at a 16 (ish).  

Overall, this is a great pattern, and I will make it again.  

African American woman standing the road wearing McCalls 8101 with right hand in pocket

McCalls 8101 Details:

Fabric: Makaha Nights by Robert Kaufman, digital print in rayon poplin sold by Fabric.com

Pattern: M8101, Natala, by the McCall’s Pattern Company

Shoes: Aerosoles, because I love my feet

Disclosures: This pattern was gifted by McCall Pattern Company in conjunction with a collaboration with Fabric.com and the Atlanta Sewing Style Group. All opinions regarding the fabric, pattern, and other review points are my honest assessment of the product.