New Winter/Holiday Vogue Patterns

Vogue Patterns just released their Winter/Holiday catalog.  I was beginning to think that the Vintage Vogue line was no more, and then they go and release this beauty.  I was planning to make McCall 7478 as my highly detailed cold weather sewing project for the year, but now I am torn.  The Vogue design is slightly less of a fabric hog, which is nice.  On the other hand, I have been yearning for a true princess coat in my closet, and the McCall design definitely fits the bill.

The real question is, what color wool to use to ensure that the coat sees its fair share of outings . . .

Interestingly enough, the line drawing is not as gorgeous as I expected.  I do love that dipped back waist seamline, but the front seamlines read as rather busy.  I guess that hipline needs a body to really do the drafting justice.  Those pockets and collar really are fantastic, though!  I am still not sure which design to pick.  Although, considering that it is going to be almost 80 degrees this afternoon, there is still plenty of time to decide.

As for the other new designs in the catalog, there are not that many that pique my interest.  The back of this Badgley Mischka is intriguing, but I don't like the inset, and I suspect that it is there for a reason.  If I wanted to leave that out, there would be some other structural work that would be needed on the pattern.  And really, if I need a full length gown, there are a lot of other designs that I would pick before this one.  I do love a sleeved formal, though!

The other dress that caught my eye was Vogue 1652.  I have been playing with more of a 1960s silhouette lately, and I think the shorter version of this dress has potential.  I love the shoulder button opening.  That said, the longer version with those boots is dowdy looking on the model, so I can't imagine what it would look like on an average figured person.  Maybe without the boots it could be salvageable?  Those sleeves also look short on both versions which takes away from the lovely drape.  I just love when they button closed instead of using elastic at the wrist.  And I will definitely be checking out the sewing instructions on that neck closure, even if I don't end up purchasing this design.

Do you have any new favorites that you want to add to your sewing queue?  

For now, I am off to pull all my wool coating out to see if I have something suitable for either one of those glorious coats!

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Spring 2019 Patterns from Butterick, Simplicity, and Vogue

Butterick, Simplicity, and Vogue Patterns (all produced by the same company), released their Spring Catalogs within days of each other.  And while nothing has me clamoring for my nearest JoAnn Fabrics to scoop up the latest designs, there are a few that stood out to me.

I am sure it will come as no surprise that the one vintage reproduction from Simplicity is first on my list, even though I will probably never wear a bikini top with a pair of shorts.  But I can see myself altering the top to have a little more midriff coverage, and I will admit that I think the whole outfit it adorable, if not relevant to my wardrobe needs.

Cynthia Rowley has two new patterns released in this catalog.  The bathing suit and coverup is cute, but I have no use for it.  Should I find the need for a swimsuit, you better believe I would choose the retro Simplicity design over something modern!  But this dress looks nice.  There is really nothing special about it, so I have a feeling that the gingham fabric is what has me taking a second look at this one.  I have so many of the Cynthia Rowley designs for Simplicity, but other than the two that I made many, many years ago, I never seem to choose her patterns, so perhaps I should skip this one.

I do love a great shirtdress.  And the color blocked check print is really lovely.  However, this design has no waist seam, and that is just a recipe for disaster on me.  But I do find the print color blocking to be a striking combination!

And look, Vogue had the same idea with their own version of this design.  This one, however, has the same issue for me . . . no waist seam.  Thankfully, I probably have five other shirt dress designs calling my name from the sewing room.

The final Simplicity design that made me take a second look is this blouse.  I love the technical drawing, but it looks less than fantastic on the model.  Also, I never know how to style these things - I think they work best with a pair of pants, which doesn't work with my wardrobe.  I also know from experience that elastic waisted blousey garments do not look very nice on my body shape which means I would probably want to do some major alterations.  But I do love that neckline with the puffed sleeves!

Butterick also has a single vintage reproduction pattern in their new collection.  It's a cute halter dress with a bolero.  This is certainly a familiar silhouette and design, and not the most interesting choice, but I do like the addition of the coverup.  The sleeve cuff and collar look very smart.

At first glance, I was going to pass by Butterick 6679, but once I realized it was made for knits I took a second look.  I may want to add this to my collection because I have very few made-for-knit patterns in my stash, and I like the silhouette of this one.  Will this particular pattern make me want to use the knit fabrics I have languishing in the sewing room?  Perhaps.  I could definitely see the knee length full skirted version in my wardrobe.

While I like the look of this pattern (possibly because it reminds me of a 1960s silhouette, the drafting seems slightly off to me.  I think that the length of the overshirt makes the waist appear bigger than it really is, which makes the dress less flattering than it could be.  Now, is the pattern worth the price if I am going to want to make alterations? Maybe not.  But I do appreciate the vintage flair.

The final Butterick pattern that stood out to me was this blouse.  Yes, I am still looking for my holy grail top that magically goes with everyone and which I can make in every color.  I cannot imagine that this will turn out to be the one, but I find it hard to resist a blouse with a bow.  So, there you go.

There were no new Vintage Vogues released, which is a bummer.  This Nicola Finetti has a very 1950s silhouette, though, and I do like that the curved princess seamlines are unexpected.  But mostly, I think I love that textured fabric!  Does it come in any other colors?

I also find myself drawn to this Tracy Reese pattern.  I love the criss cross shoulder straps, which I think are quite flattering.  I don't love the thigh slit, but that is easily fixed.

And you know how I love an off the shoulder drape!  This silhouette is on the modern side, and I think that the shoulder straps are a bit too far out on the shoulder, but that could be a fit issue with the model.  Then again, can I really see myself making this, or will it get added to the stack of designer Vogue patterns that I never got around to sewing?

What do you think?  Do you have any new favorites that you can't wait to start cutting out?

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New Vogue Patterns for Spring 2019

New Spring Vogue Patterns were released last week, and there are no new Vintage Vogue patterns to tempt me; disappointing, but really, I have stacks of them waiting to be used, so I shouldn't complain.

Vogue 9355 was the teaser that was shown on the McCall Patterns instagram account for the week prior to the release.  I do like this, although, on the model, the off-the-shoulder treatment for view A and B is not very flattering on the arm.  It also looks rather restrictive.  I see that there is a sleeved version included, although they look a bit dowdy when compared to the rest of the design.  The look is classic and I am tempted, but I believe I will wait for some real life versions to appear before purchasing this.

The other design that caught my eye is Vogue 9357.  I adore the oversized pockets and the bodice detailing.  I think this design has a whole lot of potential!

The made up version this jacket had me skipping right past, but upon closer inspection (always make sure to look at the technical drawings!!) those lantern sleeves are fabulous.  This is actually quite a nice 1950s swing jacket silhouette with welt pockets, a wonderful collar, and those sleeves!!  Did I mention I love those sleeves?!

So, nothing I am dying to start sewing immediately, but there are a few goodies to be found.  Do you have any few favorites?

2018 Summer Vogues

Summer Vogue Patterns means no Vintage Vogue reproductions, boo, but the first of the new releases that caught my eye definitely has a vintage flavor.

This is a Claire Shaeffer couture pattern, which means that the directions alone are probably worth the cost of the pattern.  If only it wasn't such a fabric hog.  But who am I kidding . . . I will be adding this one to my collection next time there is a sale.

I am also drawn to Vogue 9312, although I suspect it has a lot to do with this fabric.  It is a nice classic dress, though, and the tie front is a nice touch.  I also have a few pieces of knit fabric stashed away, so I may have to try out this design for myself.

And I love Vogue 9315.  This wrap top is gorgeous!!  It also includes a caplet version which I definitely have to add to my closet.  Now if only I had some fabulous striped shirting in my fabric stash.

There are also a bunch of new and rather interesting designer looks.  I am intrigued by this Tracy Reese, but do I really need another wrap dress?  No, Laura, the answer is no - step away from the pattern drawers.  I do love that color, though.

And I have absolutely no need for a backless jumpsuit (how exactly do you use the restroom in this?)

But I really appreciate the split yoke style lines on the pants.  Could I somehow turn this into a dress?  That would certainly fix the going to the bathroom issue!

And continuing the backless trend, here we have a color that usually sends me running in the opposite direction.

But if we take a look at the back . . . I love it!  And I guess getting rid of that strange drippy flounce on the front would be easy enough.  And look, wrist zippers.  I have been handling a lot of vintage clothing lately, and this was a very common feature before stretch fabrics took over and it was the only way to achieve a very fitted sleeve.

While I am really weirded out by the sample fabrics, there are some intriguing style lines on Vogue 1577.  I think I prefer McCall 7187, which is a similar idea, without muddling the idea with a classic shirtdress into the mix.  But the Guy Laroche design has reminded me of the McCall pattern, so I thank it!  Which officially means there is no way I am going to make it through my long list of ideas for summer sewing plans.  But that always happens, so I can't blame Guy.

I do applaud Vogue for continuing the trend of including more complicated designs.  This Rebecca Vallance falls into that category for me, although the dress is not my style.

What bothers me most about Vogue 1588 is the similarity to Vogue 1545 that was in the catalog a couple of seasons back.  I want variety in pattern choices, and while there are differences between the two, the overall effect is that these two pieces are very closely related, so do we really need both?

And not to overlook the "Very Easy" patterns . . . Vogue 9311 is pretty darn cute.  Again, do I need a simple dress design to clutter my sewing pattern collection?  Probably not.  But I definitely enjoy this look.  There is also a sleeved view that is rather tempting, as well.

And finally, this Easy Options design has me digging around in my button drawer.  The asymmetrical line on that fitted skirt is just too cha-cha for words.  I would make sure the buttons contrasted with my fabric choice to make sure to emphasize that particular design element.

So overall, there are a lot of interesting options in the Summer catalog, including many new designer patterns, which is wonderful.  Some of them are even tempting me to try out baggy pants with crop tops and jumpsuits, but I know that I will never actually get around to making those particular garments.  In most cases, I think I am going to pass.  But that just means I have no reason to keep ignoring all those other patterns patiently waiting their turn in my sewing room.

2018 Spring Vogues

Vogue's Spring Collection was released today, and my first thought is always . . . are there any new Vintage Vogues?!  After I realized that there are two new ones (hooray!), my next thought was, what they heck were they thinking with the fabric choices for the samples?  Thank goodness for line drawings, and those gorgeous illustrations!

What at first glance looks like a scary 1980s mother of the bride frock gone wrong, is actually a very lovely design.  Note to self:  those long bishop sleeves definitely work better in a sheer fabric when the bodice is not fitted.  Or perhaps I am just going to stick to the short sleeve option.  I do love that hat they put on the model, though - the shoe choice, not so much.

They have also included an adorable sketch of the back view.  What is it about vintage styled drawings that I love so much?!  It probably has something to do with the fact that I always wanted to be six feet tall, although this lady may be closer to seven feet.

Here is the second Vintage Vogue offering, and once again, the sample looks off.  I think part of the problem is that the width of that trim and the brightness of the white on the delicate fabric looks clunky.  And don't get me started on the gloves/shoes/belt combo.  

But after looking at the illustrations and the technical drawings, this one is really lovely.  It certainly isn't the most complex design option from the late 1930s, but there are some special touches here.  The neckline gathers, the sleeves, and the trim that ties in the adorable pockets have real potential if the trim works well with the fabric choice.

And just look at the illustration of the reverse view.  I love her hair!

I believe what I like most about this dress is the fabric.  How perfect do those stripes work together!  On the other hand, the line drawing does not look quite as flattering to me with that high surplice neckline.  But the model looks fantastic, so perhaps I will have to try this one out as well.  Ack - I was beginning to think my obsession with collecting dress patterns was under control . . . now I am not so sure . . .

As far as the contemporary designs go, I suppose it's no surprise that I am drawn to the one that could easily work as a 1960s piece.  And I rarely can resist a capelet!

Part of what draws me to Vogue 9292 has got to be that amazing red color.  I also like the princess seaming, although the flesh colored inset is somewhat off-putting.  It would be quite low cut, but I think this would work as a very bold evening look with a proper fit and a little bit of added structure in the bodice.

And while I would pass Vogue 9299 by in a second from the envelope alone, I actually like the checked version of this blouse.  The only thing is that I don't always like the way baggy items with an added tie belt fit my body.  I may have to skip this one for that very reason, although I am curious if the wide obi style belt might help with my fit issues.  If the side slit opening was lowered and the item worn as a dress, I could actually see myself wearing this.

I am also tempted by this bodysuit, although I am not sure I would ever wear it.  It definitely reminds me of vintage Donna Karan!  Under a circle skirt, this has real potential in my wardrobe.  Now I really need to find the time to open that serger box!

Do you have any plans for these new designs?

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Shades of Green in Silk & Velvet

Last year I cut into this lovely silk/cotton blend jacquard.  I was hoping to have a warm weather dress in a Fall appropriate color for those transitional days when I am ready to wear darker colors, but the days are still quite warm.  The weather turned cold before I got very far with it, and since I did not feel like rushing through this project, it was abandoned.  

There really is something about lovely fabric that makes me slow down!  (Which is a good thing!)

This fabric was originally a very olive toned green.  I have no real problem with the shade, but it has a problem with me and my skin tone.  The obvious thing was to dye the fabric.  Since I have fiber reactive dye on hand, and since the textile contained cotton, I went with that.

The dye worked like a charm on the flat side (I suppose you could call it the “wrong” side) of the fabric, but not so much on the silk portion.  Go figure!  

I thought about overdying with an acid dye for a cross dyed look, but in the end, I just used the flat side of the fabric.  This makes the garment look slightly less dressy, which I rather like.

This design could use a bit of a swayback adjustment on me, but as long as I do not stand in direct sunlight and twist my torso, the wrinkles are not very noticeable.

It may not be the most perfectly executed garment I have ever made, but I really do like this dress.

The style lines are really lovely.  I may even have to make another version.

And because it got chilly before I had a chance to wear my new dress, I pulled out this old thrifted dress one to use as a cover up.  I really was determined to wear finish and wear this dress before another year passed!

Dress:  Made by me, Vogue 9103

Velvet Dress:  Thrifted, T. T. Mar

Necklace, vintage, borrowed from Mom
Shoes:  BP