Project Details:Pattern: Vogue 1087 - Donna Karan Collection
Description: Fitted dress, below mid-knee, has pleated and tucked front forming wrap effect. Front extends to back at sides, back has zipper and hemline vent. No side seams.
Pattern Sizing: 4 - 18, I cut the 14.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Other than mine is wrapped the opposite way, yes it did.
Fabric: Ivory Ponteroma Knit (I love that stuff!)
Were the instructions easy to follow? It was to be expected that the instructions would be difficult. This is a Vogue ADVANCED pattern and it lived up to its rating. There were a plethora of markings and I found it easiest to color code the different symbols. I thought Vogue 1117 was challenging, but this one makes that one look like a walk in the park. Needless to say, my seam ripper worked over-time on this project.
Fabric: Ivory Ponteroma Knit (I love that stuff!)
Were the instructions easy to follow? It was to be expected that the instructions would be difficult. This is a Vogue ADVANCED pattern and it lived up to its rating. There were a plethora of markings and I found it easiest to color code the different symbols. I thought Vogue 1117 was challenging, but this one makes that one look like a walk in the park. Needless to say, my seam ripper worked over-time on this project.
Donna Karan Collection - Resort 2008 What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I'm a sucker for the designer patterns from runway looks and this one was no exception. I love that it's a Donna Karan design. She most certainly knows how to dress a "woman's" body. The details of this dress is absolutely wonderful. I love the crisscross front and the draping. And the back gives you the look of a tailored sheath dress. I didn't like how the bodice panel was just loose hanging. I kept feeling the need to want to tack it down. And the instructions lead you to believe that all of the seams will be left unfinished. Well, I serged mine and hemmed when I felt it should be done. You'll just have to wing this part based on your own experience.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: According to the finished measurements, I knew I didn't need to do a FBA. The bodice has a lot of ease and was clearly cut for a larger bust. I probably could have cut a size 12 on top. As with most patterns, I had to add 3 inches to the length. I also used a fusible knit interfacing to the zipper area. The skirt back has inverted darts. I didn't want to take a chance that they wouldn't lay flat, so I edgestitched them down.
Would you sew it again? Nope... not a chance... it's already been trashed. Would you recommend it to others? You're on your own if you want to try this one.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: According to the finished measurements, I knew I didn't need to do a FBA. The bodice has a lot of ease and was clearly cut for a larger bust. I probably could have cut a size 12 on top. As with most patterns, I had to add 3 inches to the length. I also used a fusible knit interfacing to the zipper area. The skirt back has inverted darts. I didn't want to take a chance that they wouldn't lay flat, so I edgestitched them down. Would you sew it again? Nope... not a chance... it's already been trashed. Would you recommend it to others? You're on your own if you want to try this one.
I love the look of a sheath dress, so timeless and elegant. During the cold weather months, you can change the look by pairing a turtleneck sweater with a fitted sheath dress. This is a great way to wear your classic dress and not have your arms exposed when it's chilly. It also gives the the dress a more casual look.
"Create a clean base with a thin, stretchy turtleneck; top it with a short-sleeved, tailored shift dress that has flattering details like a low neck and a nipped waist."
Project Details:Pattern: Vogue 1117
Description: Lined, fitted dress, below mid-knee length has pleated bodice, tucked front, invisible back zipper and center back slit.
Pattern Sizing: 4 - 18, I cut the 14.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Actually, it looked more like the original design!
Fabric: Black and White Stretch Wool Tweed
Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were well written. But I agree with Allison about the "Average" rating of this pattern. I think it should have fallen into the "Advanced" category. This is not a pattern where you can just gloss over the instructions and go for it. Nor is this an afternoon project. You have to make sure that you make all of your markings, read every step and sew in the order suggested.
Pattern Sizing: 4 - 18, I cut the 14.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Actually, it looked more like the original design!
Fabric: Black and White Stretch Wool Tweed
Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were well written. But I agree with Allison about the "Average" rating of this pattern. I think it should have fallen into the "Advanced" category. This is not a pattern where you can just gloss over the instructions and go for it. Nor is this an afternoon project. You have to make sure that you make all of your markings, read every step and sew in the order suggested.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love most of Vogue Pattern's "major" designer patterns. This pattern was identical to the Michael Kors Collection "Starlet" dress. I love the v-neck, the draped bodice and the diagonal seaming that I've been seeing everywhere. I always get sucked in by the details.
I've notice that Michael Kors uses facings on his linings. Anybody else ever noticed that or any other designers that use this technique?Now let me tell you what I didn't like:
At step 8, they would have you use a 2" stabilizing remnant sewn to the outside at the pivot point where the bodice side is to be attached to the bodice front.
This is one of those unnecessary steps that I feel take this pattern from (what they claim) is "AVERAGE" to "ADVANCED". Now I know earlier, I told you to follow every single step in the order suggested. BUT, this is one of those times where you don't have to.In order to stabilize the pivot points on the front and back pieces, I used a 2" piece of fusible interfacing on the inside.
front bodice 
back "When you know better, you do better." -- Maya Angelou
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: Other than the above mentioned step, I added 1" at the hem. For those of us that think we have to make a FBA on everything, you may want to look closely at the the finished measurements printed on the pattern pieces because I didn't need to do one.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I usually say "probably not", but I think I will sew this again for Spring/Summer. I do highly recommend it!
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I usually say "probably not", but I think I will sew this again for Spring/Summer. I do highly recommend it!
Pattern: Vogue 1151 - Cynthia Steffe
Notions: 18" Metal Zipper
Description: Tapered, close-fitting dress, above mid-knee has slightly raised waist, princess seams, cut-a-way armholes, two-piece bias, turned back collar and exposed back zipper.
Pattern Sizing: 4 - 18, I cut the 14.
Pattern Sizing: 4 - 18, I cut the 14.Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes (with the exception of the additional length).
Fabric: Ponteroma Knit
Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were very easy to follow.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I'm a fan of Shaun Kearney's designs for Cynthia Steffe, so I was excited that a couple were offered at Vogue Patterns.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I made a small FBA, added 1" to the hipline and SIX INCHES to the length, because this baby would have been scandalous without it!
Back View
Zipper Close Up
Collar
Armhole
Hem
FBA
and Lengthening
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? No, I will not sew it again... so many dresses, so little time. But I do recommend it. This was a quick sew that only took a few hours from cut to finish.
Conclusion: This is a fabulous little dress that is so trendy and cute. I don't think it would be as special without the exposed zipper.
Project Details:
Pattern: McCall's 5929
Fabric: Black Dot Shirting (100% cotton)
Notions: Five 1/2" buttons
Description: Fitted shirts A, B have darted front and back, front band, front ruffles and shaped hemline; shirt A has stand-up collar, below elbow length sleeves with sleeve band; shirt B has collar and collar band, full length sleeves with placket opening and cuffs; dresses A, B have sleeves gathered at cap and lower edge.
Pattern Sizing: 4 - 18, I cut the 14.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes... but mine was sort of a hybrid.
Were the instructions easy to follow? They appeared to be. I only used them to see how the ruffles were sewn on.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I'm a sucker for ruffles and this style didn't disappoint.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I made view A, but added the collar from view B. According the finished measurements, I didn't have to do a FBA. IMO, this shirt had a lot of "extra" ease. I did add an inch length. I wanted to make sure that it would stay tucked. Instead of hemming the ruffles, I used my serger. I used all French seams. And of course I used black interfacing.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Probably not. I like it, but it's not basic enough to be a "TNT". But I do recommend it.
Project Details:Pattern: Vogue 8601
Fabric: Brown wool blend tweed
Contrast: Faux suede
Lining: China silk
Description: Jackets A, B, C, D, E are close-fitting, lined to edge and have princess seams in upper section, darts in lower section, back slit, upper and under collar, one buttonhole in waist seam and long sleeves with elbow darts. A: contrast collar and upper section. A, B, C: two buttonholes. B, D: contrast upper collar. A, B, C, D, E: back length is 30".
Pattern Sizing: 4 - 18, I cut the 14.Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it does!
Were the instructions easy to follow? I didn't follow Vogue's instruction. I consulted my tailoring books.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the "riding" style of this jacket. Another great design from Vogue that falls right in line with the "Country Chic" trend. Also, this pattern could be easily translated into an evening tuxedo. I would use crepe back satin using the matte side for the body and the shiny side for the lapels. Hmmm...
The pieces are drafted great, but the only thing I didn't like about this design is that they didn't use a 2-piece sleeve. But this is just my personal preference on tailored jackets (and coats).
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I made a small princess seam FBA. I did the whole tailoring kit and kaboodle. I also added suede elbow patches that I drafted myself. They are sewn on by hand using a blanket stitch.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I don't know if I'll actually sew it again, but I would love to make a ladies' tuxedo from this pattern. I think it would look great in an evening style. Not sure if I'll ever get around to making it, but I'll definitely keep it in mind. If you like this style, I highly recommend it.Conclusion: I think I'll be sending it to the cleaners to get a good professional press, but I'm sure I'll be getting a lot of wear out of this jacket. It's the perfect weight for an Alabama Autumn!
I bumped this post back up to share the author, Faye Penn's jacket! She commented and uploaded the pic! Faye, I think you did a fabulous job on the jacket!
click images to enlarge
Carolyn had mentioned this article a couple of weeks ago and I was dying to read it, but my October issue of InStyle had not yet arrived. "Project Disaster" by columnist Faye Penn is about her decision to base an article on sewing her own designer outfit. She decided to use Vogue 2923. Now, the article didn't reference the pattern number, but she did say it was a DKNY. And I recognized the illustration because I've made that jacket -- twice! The article is hilarious! She bought her fabric from none other than Mood Fabrics (because clearly in NYC's garment district, that's the only choice). She had success with the blouse. She decided to make the jacket in wool and make it reversible. Ambitious much? The part that would have stopped me in my tracks was when she lost the pattern piece for the jacket flounce. She decided it would be a good idea to take the instruction sheet and venture off to Staples and have the thumbnail enlarged. *Blank stare...* The next part about the pants and wearing this ensemble to meet with Jane Chung - DKNY's executive vice president of design is beyond funny!
My take on this article is it was very REALISTIC. In my opinion, Faye's results were more realistic than the Vogue writer who had Jason Wu at her side guiding her hands and sewing her lining. I found Faye to be fearless for even considering diving into a project like that. I know people that have been sewing for years that won't go near a Vogue Pattern. Even though I'm sure the results weren't that great, I wish they would have published the photos of the finished pieces. I hope this is becoming a trend because I would love to see more D.I.Y. projects in fashion magazines.
There are a few ways to set a sleeve. I set my sleeves with a bias strip of Armo-Rite. I didn't buy it, I've been recycling a couple of my husband's old ties. As you see, the bias strip is placed on the the wrong side of the sleeve cap and sewn 1/4" from the edge. 
Note: While sewing, make sure that the edge of the sleeve cap stays next to the 5/8" marking on your machine!
I used a catchstitch to make my 1 5/8" hem on the sleeves.
I also added 1/2" shoulder pads.
And here is the finished sleeve!
Nearing the finish line!
Project Details:Pattern: McCall's 5936
Fabric: 100% wool
Lining: China silk
Notions: Two 1" buttons
Description: Semi-fitted princess seamed jackets A, B have separate lapels, flared peplums and sleeve variations.
Pattern Sizing: 4 - 18, I cut the 14.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it does!
Were the instructions easy to follow? I barely used the instructions. I've done so many jackets that I didn't need them. I only glanced over them for the the lapels since they are sewn on and not part of the jacket fronts. I also looked to make sure I was doing the peplum correctly.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the peplum! And this style of jacket is very "of the moment". Who knew peplums and bustles would make a comeback?! I always like to add trendy pieces to my wardrobe.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I made a small princess seam FBA. I also did a little bit of "light" tailoring, but interfacing all of the pieces to add structure, with the exception of the sleeves and peplum. I also added a back stay and stabilized the shoulders.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it does!
Were the instructions easy to follow? I barely used the instructions. I've done so many jackets that I didn't need them. I only glanced over them for the the lapels since they are sewn on and not part of the jacket fronts. I also looked to make sure I was doing the peplum correctly.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the peplum! And this style of jacket is very "of the moment". Who knew peplums and bustles would make a comeback?! I always like to add trendy pieces to my wardrobe.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I made a small princess seam FBA. I also did a little bit of "light" tailoring, but interfacing all of the pieces to add structure, with the exception of the sleeves and peplum. I also added a back stay and stabilized the shoulders.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? It's a good possibility that I may sew the long sleeved version since I'm in love with this particular style. I like it, if you like it too, go for it!
