Vogue 9037 - Double Cloth: Purple and Sage

Finally, I'm posting  my review on Vogue 9037.  I've been stalling because I really didn't like the pictures.  They were taken a few days after Thanksgiving, and it was raining.  So I just decided to take them inside instead.  They aren't as bright.

This is one of the twenty-five patterns that I wanted to make before winter.  Needless to say, my production is very, very low considering I've only made a few of the patterns set aside for the season. So, I'm late with finishing this jacket as it is snowing the third time in the Chicagoland area, and it is much too cold to wear my new jacket.

Warmer days are ahead..,

Anyway, hear is my review of V9037.

Vogue Pattern Description: Loose-fitting, unlined, double-breasted jacket has collar variations, front and back tucks, shaped front hemline and snap closing.  A:  Draped collar and three quarter length sleeves.  B:  Shawl collar B,C:  Long sleeves. C:  Side pockets and wide collar A,C:  Self-belt.  Note:  No provisions provided for above waist adjustment.

I made view C with draped collar of view A.

Pattern Sizing:  6-14; I used size 14 with minor adjustments.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Yes, a combination of the two views.  The drawing on the website shows the back a little shorter than the front.  But my version appeared to be even shorter.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  The instructions were typical and easy as stated on the envelope.  Nothing confusing or difficult about them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  

Likes:

• I love asymmetrical hemline
• The tucks - they create ample room in the bust area and across the upper part of my back.  So I didn't do a FBA.
• The collar variations.  

Dislikes:

• This isn't really a dislike; just a preference.  I think it would look and feel better across the upper arm if the sleeve was two pieces.  Then it would not be easy, right?

Fabric Used:  I used a double cloth tightly woven fabric.  It looks and feels like gaberdine.  This double-cloth is actually two fabrics fused together.  Using a scrap, I was able to pull it apart.  The substance holding it together was not sticky though.  I'll have to research double'cloth a little more.  What I do know for sure is that it provides an added layer of warmth.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I lengthen the sleeve about an inch and reduced the sleeve cap about a fourth of an inch.  Just above the fullness of the bust at the neckline, I made a small tuck in the pattern to eliminate any gapping.

I also made a few construction/design changes.  Instead of one snap, I sew on three.   Secondly, I Hong Kong finished the seams and added binding to the hem.  And lastly, I added sleeve heads to shape the sleeve cap.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I don't think I will.  I have so many more jackets I want to try.  But who knows, I may change my mind.  And I do recommend it to others.

Conclusion: This is a cute jacket and it is fairly easy to sew.  It a good design for hourglass and inverted-triangle figures.  The tucks give some fullness through the hips area and provides ample room in the bust area.

Maroon Double Cloth Lace - Simplicity 1314

My eyes light up with joy when I see something beautiful.  And that was exactly what happened when I saw this Maroon Double Cloth with Lace from Mood.  At first, I imagined a high-waist pencil skirt.  But when the pretty cloth arrived to my surprise the yardage was more than I requested.  It must have been the last on the roll, because it included this tag.  No matter the circumstance, I was too happy to get a little more and couldn't let it go to waste.  So I decided to make Simplicity 1314 again.

There is nothing wrong with getting a little extra mileage out of your pattern.  Especially if you've spent time making fit adjustments.  My first look made from it was "Cookie Lyons" inspired, from the hit show, "Empire".  This time I wanted a more sophisticated look.  So I paired my maroon lacy double cloth with black neoprene from a local fabric store in Chicago.

All of the descriptive information is the same as before.  I made view B. For the most part the pattern was ready to use without more adjustments.  But I did want to bring the neckline closer to base of my neck.  With most patterns I find that the necklines are very wide.  This makes it difficult to keep the garment on the hanger.  Also, I had to take it in along the sides about three more inches.

My likes for this dress are, of course, the fabric.  And all the things I mentioned in the first review.  It was even easier to sew this time.  I consider this a sloper, a basic princess seam dress that is very easy to sew.  I definitely recommend it to others and will probably sew it again for myself.

That's all for now.

Happy Sewing!
Cennetta