McCall'sPatterns M7071, Misses' Historical Costume Sewing Pattern, Sizes 6-14

I sew costumes for a small theater. I have what I consider to be intermediate-level sewing skills. I can make pants, deal with zippers, can sew most patterns, and I can do very basic draping, but complex Vogue patterns and historical re-creation patterns scare me. I found this pattern to be clear as patterns go--I get flummoxed by their explanations all the time. I had no problems figuring it out or making it up, and would recommend this to anyone with intermediate skills. Someone with advanced-beginner skills and a lot of patience and time could probably succeed too. I was able to grab an assistant with very little experience to sew all those boring rectangles for the ruffles. (I flatlined them, rather that adding netting as the pattern suggested.) The result is not historically accurate, but was a great costume for a time-shifted Shakespearean comedy. I even won an ward for "Best Costumes!" As a result of this pattern, I've started to seek out more McCalls for my work.

Got this one mainly for the Jacket...Saw a look-a-like on a Mystery Show, Murdock Mysteries.Had to find one that looked like the jacket I saw, this suits, the bill.:Pattern came in the allotted time and in Excellent condition.

Overall this is very doable with a few known ahead caveats. The sizing runs smaller than the measures. I was aiming for the size 6 with measures of 34, 29, 37. As I cut; I even went past the size 8 lines on the pattern. The bodice has width but no accounting for girth. Meaning; the shoulders fit great, but the ribs, bust and back are about 2" too skimpy. Also the cut on the front of the jacket, above the waist, is cut to" bar maid" for me. The instructions are a bit waining and lack here and there. For instance, the peplum does not have instructions on how to edge finish.I will be making this again; now that I have my practice version. I will be adding length to the sleeves, inches to the bodice and waist band.I would recommend this pattern if you are looking for a style for historical purposes; as there are so few.