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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

I also reinforced the shoulder by adding bias cut hair canvas. Padstitched the lapels, taped the roll line (by hand) so that the lapels lie close to the body without gaping.

Note: This is a very important step, especially for a full-busted figure.

My fabric has a very soft hand. Instead of underlining, I interfaced all of the pieces with a nylon fusible.

In order to stabilize the jacket and prevent stretching across the shoulders and armholes, I drafted a back stay or "half-back interfacing". I used cotton muslin (or you can use any thin fabric), but DO NOT USE FUSIBLE INTERFACING for this part!

This is drafted by cutting it 6" to 8" inches from the neckline and about 3" below the armscye.

Since I've been working out, I've lost an inch in the bust. This means I now have to make a smaller FBA. When I did my tissue fit, I was only off by 1/2", so this is how my FBA looks.

Both of these were pretty much sewn right out of the envelope. On view c, I left off the banded hem. These were VERY easy... sewn on the serger and both done in the same day. They're both perfect for the "Indian Summer" weather we're having!

I had this fabric in my stash for a while. It was too lightweight for jeans, so I decided to use it for a denim skirt. Even though the pattern suggested lining this skirt, I omitted it because I wanted it to be casual. This is another pattern that was ridiculously easy, that only took a couple of hours from cut to finish.