Friday, September 19, 2014

Review: Vogue Patterns 8945 & 8916 | Black & White for Fall Nights!

There is just something so classic and elegant about a black and white ensemble.  And I just can't get enough of these wardrobe staples.  There are so easy to mix and match with other pieces in my closet.
And one of the things that I've been craving most is a black guipure lace skirt.  And why not a white top with dramatic sleeves to pair with it!
For the top, I used Vogue 8945.  It's actually a pattern for a dess, but I love the sleeves... so why not a top?  I cut the size 14 and I only used the front darts.  I didn't make the darts in the back because I wanted the top to fit a little boxy.  I plan to wear it with pants and to leave it untucked.  My fabric is this unusual Italian Pearl Solid Textured Cotton Blend (Content: 53% cotton, 26% nylon, 16% rayon, 5% linen).  
This fabric has a crisp hand, similar to a bottom weight linen.  And it's woven with glossy threads.  I found a that a very sharp Microtex needle worked best for sewing this.  This fabric has no stretch at all, and it would also work well for tailored garments.  And it would make a divine full skirt!  
My skirt is Vogue 8916.  I used Bemberg lining from my stash and cut the lining in the size 14, straight from the envelope.  I added 3 inches to the length of the skirt so that it would fall below the knee.  I felt a midi length would be much more elegant.
My fabric is Black Cotton Guipure Lace.  The fabric is 36" wide.  I cut it on the cross grain.  I eliminated the darts.  For this particular guipure lace, the motifs are smaller.  So instead of working around the motifs in the seams, I just cut the seams straight.  And since this lace is so delicate, I chose a skirt with a waistband.  I underlined the waistband with the lining fabric and used silk organza from my stash to stabilize it.  And for the hem, I cut around the motifs at the selvage line.

38 comments:

  1. Beautiful, as always. You are looking so slim and healthy. Very inspirational!

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  2. So pretty! I love the sleeves on the blouse, and the longer skirt length does highlight the lace.

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  3. Love this black and white combination on you! That skirt is just beautiful. Not to pass over your amazing as always sewing, but can we talk about these shoes?

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    1. Thanks Alicia! They're from Zara.

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  4. Gorgeous and full of glamour! Wonderful! Wow, the photo is fantastic. I'm rethinking my fall projects with that lace in mind.

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  5. Beautiful outfit! I love black and white such a classic combination!

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  6. Very Classy.. I love it.

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  7. Absolutely Elegant!!!!!

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  8. Chic, chic, and did I mention chic? Please send them both to me when you're tired of them.

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  9. Timeless!

    And I love how the lace skirt lace goes beyond the lining.

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  10. Love both the blouse and the skirt. Both so beautiful and elegant. I love how you extended the lace - very nice, feminine touch. You look gorgeous.

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  11. This outfit is just so stunning. Fabulous job.

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  12. This is gorgeous! I love guipure lace and I think you did a perfect job with this.

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  13. Beautiful outfit!

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  14. That's it. Now I have to find some black guipure...

    Absolutely stunning, Erica.

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  15. You put a lot of work and couture techniques in the construction of your garments, and it shows. Your style selection, fabric choice and fit is perfect.
    You look awesome

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  16. So lovely and elegant.

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  17. Absolutely beautiful! Classy and elegant!

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  18. Very glamorous skirt!
    XO
    Jeanne
    http://fashionmusingsdiary.blogspot.fr

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  19. Anonymous2:53 PM

    Send my skirt back now ;-)

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  20. Anonymous12:02 PM

    It's wonderful how you stopped the lining at the knee to feature the lace. Just gorgeous.

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  21. Anonymous3:18 PM

    Hi Erica,

    Your lace skirt can only be described as heavenly! You look so lovely.

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