Vogue 8805 - Color Blocked

Vogue  8805 has been around for a couple years.  Several bloggers and members of Patternreview.com have made it   When it was first published, I thought it was a nice easy pattern to try.    Back then I read a few reviews and saw that some ladies had no problems with it.  It didn't really find reviews that included changes that I may need to make to get a perfect fit.

The pattern includes cup sizes A, B, C, D, but that does not always work for ladies who need to make a FBA.  And believe it or not, most times when a pattern says "very easy" that means fewer pattern pieces or easy to sew together.  Keep in mind that does not always translate into very easy fitting.

So last weekend I decided to give V8805 a try.  Really this was my "wearable muslin" test.  My hopes was to make it work.  This pattern can be used to make a top and a long coat.  I got the long coat idea from one of my pins on Pinterest.com.

Here is my review of Vogue 8805:

Pattern Description: MISSES' DRESS: Pullover dress (semi-fitted through bust) has back neck slit, hook/eye closing and narrow hem. Purchased bias tape finishes neckline. A, B, C, D CUP SIZES.  This pattern can be worn by all body shapes as indicated on the pattern.

Pattern Sizing: It comes in sizes 8 - 24;  I used 14/16 with the middle section D cup.  Just testing the usability of the pattern options.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Pretty much.  The dress worn by the models seem to have a little more shaping about the waist area.  It appears to have less style ease than the illustrations on the envelope.  I wish Vogue included the photographs on the envelope.  That would reduce the number of times I have to go back to the website to look the shape and fit of the garment.  That probably cost more money.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Very easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? The shape of the dress and the color blocking options.

Fabric Used:  Ponte knit from JoAnn's.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I was hoping that I could get away with minimum alterations.  Occasionally, I have a momentary brain freeze and forgot that I will always need certain types of fit alterations 99.5 percent of the time. This was no exception.

Construction Changes --

• Only topstitched where the middle and the lower part of the dress is joined.
• Made the hems wider than indicated in the guide sheet.
• Added two inches to the lower section.
• I prefer to finish the neckline with bias band cut from the fashion fabric.  It looks nicer.

Fit Changes --

• Tapered the sides of the middle and lower section starting below the bust area.
• Added vertical darts to the back of the dress.  But I forgot to do the swayback adjustment.  
• Added a centered back seam.

With  the fitting changes I still see a drag marks start from the side in the bust area that travel to the back of the dress.  So I think I really do need to make the sway back adjustment and I think it would be better to alter the mid-section A/B cup size to get a better fit all together.  

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes, I plan to.  I want to at least try it again in a top and/or possibly making the jacket/cardigan similar to my pin.

Conclusion:  This is a easy pattern to sew.  But don't skip making your usual fit adjustments.  You may need to do a little reshaping of the dress.  This pattern can be used for a jacket or top.   I do recommend it to others.  But read some of the reviews before you start.  You may find a few helpful tips.

Happy Sewing!
Cennetta

Fall Casual - Simplicity 1317-F and Vogue 1355

One of my goals this fall is to beef up my casual (weekend) wardrobe. I want easy comfortable pieces to complement what I already have in my closets.  When I wasn't able to sew as much, I took advantage of those weekly pattern sales at JoAnn's and Hancock's.  I racked up on patterns with many styles to choose from.

Today's review is on Simplicity 1317-F and Vogue 1355 (Sandra Betzina loose-fitting pants).

So let me start the review with Simplicity 1317-F. 

Pattern Description:  Misses' pullover decorated knit top.  These tops are on trend and offer a lot of decorative options with studs, fringes, and fabric textures.

Pattern Sizing:  XXS to XXL.  I used a medium above the bust, large at the bust, and medium below the bust. 

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes.  My embellishment was slightly different, but the design lines are as pictured and drawn on the pattern envelope.  No dislikes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  This is a very easy pullover sweat shirt type of top.  I didn't need the instructions, but I did take a look at them and didn't see anything difficult or confusing about them. 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  As I stated above this type of top is on trend now.  It is simple; it offers style embellishment options; and it's a great pattern to use to beef up your casual weekend wear.  It took about 1.5 hours to sew.

Fabric Used:  Sweater like knit and a soft ponte knit.  Both were purchased at my local JoAnn's.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  It is very forgiving when it comes to fitting. This was a plus for me as I didn't spend much time making fitting adjustments. I added the waistband to view F.  I did not add the studs on the neckline and my fringe is faux suede much shorter than the fringe pictured on the modeled version.  I wish I had double the row of fringes.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes and yes.  I've already made a second version.  But I will review that one later (Mood Sewing Network project). 

Conclusion:  This is a great pattern for beginners.  It easy and offers opportunities to add trendy embellishment.  It's also a top to use to beef up your fall casual wardrobe.

Vogue 1355 loose-fitting pants are just as easy to make as Simplicity 1317.   This is the second time I've made them and plan to make more.  They look a little like harem pants, except the drape is on the inside of the leg, which gives an interesting look to yoga styled pants.

 Pattern Description:  Misses' top and pants: Pullover, lined top (close-fitting through bust) has cut-in back armholes. Pants (very loose-fitting through hips) have waistband, inside leg drape, no side seams, and tapered lower edge. A, B, C: narrow hem.

Pattern Sizing:  A-J; I used size D for the pants.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?   Yes they did.  Exactly.

Were the instructions easy to follow? A piece of cake.  No problems with the instructions.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I liked the unique draping of the pants.   This is a nice alternative to the standard yoga style pants.  No dislikes.

Fabric Used:  I used a jersey knit from Vogue on Roosevelt Rd. 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I made only two changes to these very easy pants.  I added about 4 inches to the length and inserted wide elastic into the waistband.  Instructions 2 indicates that you shouldn't have to, but I wanted an added layer of security.  They fit snug and the elastic helps with tummy control.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I will definitely make them again and do recommend them to others.  Easy and comfortable.  You can't lose.

Conclusion:  This a easy pattern to sew and is a change from the standard yoga style pants.  Easy.

Note:  Please forgive the position of my hand.  I wanted to cover my neck.  Pictures taken 1 week post-surgery.

Notes on a Pattern - M6986

Today's installment of Note on a Pattern is the new Palmer/Pletsch fall wrap dress.  It has a little bit of 80's vibe with a "cinched waist".  I'm seeing a lot of 80-ish styling for the upcoming fall season and the "wrap dress" is a favorite.   I purchased this pattern as soon as I saw it. 

Things I like about it:

• Wrap dress
• Cut on sleeves (dolman), more room across the chest area.  More comfort and ease in wearing, still stylish.
• Cinch waist; I'm thinking of using a stable knit for the dress and a faux leather/suede for the midriff to create an obi effect.
• Palmer/Pletsch instructions and fitting techniques; I like having the fit lines drawn on the pattern.  It saves time.  Plus, this pattern as a different style bodice with cut on sleeves.  I like having the detailed instructions on how to handle the FBA.  
• Because it's fall, I'm going to make view B, with length of view A.

The dress on the model, appears to be too big.  The cinching at the waist is not apparent.  I will  eliminate some of the style ease throughtout the dress.  Also, I will stitch the pleats so they lay flat.  They fall right on the tummy area.  I like to fit of the dress below.

That's it for this installment of Notes on a Pattern.  What do you think about this pattern?

Happy Sewing!
C

Still On The Fringe - Part II

Hello everyone!

It's challenging to get good photos for completed projects.  So today's post is a continuation of last weeks inspiration:  On the Fringe.

Enjoy!

 

On The Fringe

Ralph Lauren RTW Spring 2013

I love fringe.  It's on trend right now.  Got to make somethin' with fringes.  Here's a little inspiration for everyone who's thinking about adding a fringe of pizzazz to your wardrobe.

 Parting shot:  The incomparable Tina Turner working the fringe.

Happy Designing,
C