Vogue V1515 Pullover Vest and Skirt

I hesitated awhile before finally deciding to go ahead with posting my pattern review of Sandra Betzina's Vogue V1515 (OOP).  The hesitation is due to my "not being so happy" with how the top/vest looks on me.  I really was hoping that it would be a good look for me.

This is the last garment that I made in January 2022.  I decided I would do end of the month reviews.  And before doing that, I wanted to post this last garment made.  To be clear, the vest is the last garment for January, and the skirt is the last garment for December 2021.

Anyway, as far as the making of it, the construction was fine. There are somethings I could try if I decide to make it again, which I'll mention later in the review.  So, let me get to the specific details of the review.

Pattern Description:  Misses' top and skirts:  Loose fitting, pullover top has elasticized collar, forming ruffle, contrast facings at armhole and lower edges, and topstitching.  Below waist skirts have wide yoke piping cargo pocket, hidden pocket on front yoke facing and shaped hem.  C: Side zipper.

Pattern Sizing: Sandra Betzina uses a different sizing chart from other Vogue pattern designers.  I used size E with very little modifications. Views A and B

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? I think both garments looked like the photos and drawing for the most part. 


Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were pretty easy to follow.  I did have a little issue with the outside cargo pocket (skirt). I mistakenly place the ends too far apart.  So, there is a pull at the top of the pocket.  But other than that, no problems.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  What drew me to this pattern was the pullover top.  (I'm calling my version a pullover vest because of the heaviness of the fabric.)  Unfortunately, I'm not that happy with how it looks on me.  

So here are my likes:

• The design of both the top and the skirt.  I love the ruffled collar of the pullover as well as the shape of the uneven skirt hem with the cute cargo pocket.
• Easy to sew project.
• Yoked skirt.
• The bust darts were spot on.  I didn't have to lower them.

My dislikes:

• The length of the pullover.  I wasn't thinking when I cut it out.   I should have made it a few inches longer and tapered it a bit at the bottom so it wouldn't look so boxy on me.  So I added a piece of elastic to create some shape to the vest.  In turn, create some shape for me.
• The length of the elastic to form the ruffle on the collar.  It's too long.  I would have like it closer to my neck.  

Fabric Used: 

• Pullover Vest - I used a faux suede with fleece backing from JoAnn's.  I thought this was perfect for the vest.  Only problem, it's a little bulky for me.  Contrast facings - crepe back satin remnant from my fabric collection. 
• Pullon Skirt - I thought this was a cute jersey knit.  For the life of me I can't remember where I purchased it. BTW- this is a UFO.  It was cut and ready to sew for about two years.  

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I only wish I had made a few adjustments on the vest.  For the skirt, I added the elastic to the waist and omitted the piping.  I made a design change on the vest.  For the collar I used the satin for the inside of the collar.  I actually, divided it in half lengthwise adding an inch to the faux seude outside and subtracting an inch from the inside satin. The original design would call for an all-faux suede collar and that would be too hot in my opinion. No other changes.  

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I really like the skirt.  I may make a woven version with the side zipper and adjustment to the width of the yoke to fit better.  The pullover vest, I probably won't try it again.  I think I'm going to gift this one to someone.  

Overall, I like this pattern especially the skirt.  I do recommend it to others.  The rating on the envelope is average.  I think most sewist could make this with no problems.  

PS - I did add the little inside pocket.  I forgot to take a picture of it.

Happy Sewing!

C

Another Butterick B6628 Top

I couldn't resist.  So I made another Butterick B6628- View A last week.  This time I used a viscose knit jersey from Minerva Fabrics.  Love the fabric and the top.  There is not much more to tell.  So this post is super short on the words.  I just wanted to share the latest version of this view.  It's a winner.

Happy Sewing!

C

Vogue V1275 - The Other View

After making and being happy with the outcome of view B, I was still on the fence about giving view A a try. My apprehension was centered around the ruching and if it would make me look fluffier than I am.  These days I'm focusing more and more on making good choices for flattering styles and colors.

As the years go by, gravity and metabolism try to take over the shape and density of my body.  More than ever exercise and better fashion choices are  of great importance.  I try to always look my best.

So when I decided to go ahead with making view A, my thought was the ruching is center front as oppose to on the sides.  This might work for me.   

This view didn't take as long as view B.  The difference was the careful placement of the trim and the experience of first time sewing a pattern.  The ruching was only a matter of gathering up the front to fit the side front sections.  The elastic wrist, quick and easy:  measure, cut, place, and sew.

My fabric is from Mood. A polyester jersey that is nearly sold out. 

 Mood has other similar fabrics that are equally beautiful. 


I'm happy I decided to give it a try.  Another successful make in the knit top category.  BTW- I've been sewing a lot of knit tops lately. (NOTE: a few more to post from last year.)  I think it's time to make some woven shirts and blouses.

Vogue 1275, View B 2019

Anyway, this is another win for me.  I do recommend both views of Vogue 1275 if this is your style.  So, if you have the pattern give it a try.

Happy Sewing!
C

Mood Bold Floral Jersey and Vogue 1250

There is no question about the popularity of Vogue 1250.  This easy dress stormed the internet in 2011.  dozens of bloggers and sewists posted pictures of they versions on various social media platforms.  This is the fourth time I've made it.  My other dresses, retired now, are posted  here, here, and here.

So, of course, it was time to make a new dress.  And I made it with this beautiful, bold but lightweight Italian floral jersey from Mood.  You can find it here at the Mood online store.

It's available in three color ways.  This breathable jersey has 4-way stretch.  It's very light and perfect for summer dresses and T's.

There isn't much more I can say about the fabric.  It speaks for itself.  And as for the making of the dress.  You can finish this baby in two hours from cut to press.  Yep, that quick and easy, especially after you've made it a few times.

So that's all for now.

Happy Sewing!
C