Vogue 8633

Pattern Description: Close fitting dress, with lined bodice with darts, raised neckline with front slit, extended shoulders, back zipper.  Options for sleeveless, short-sleeved, straight, or flared skirt

I love how well this fabric draped

Pattern Sizing: Available in 6-22.  I cut a 16.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes!!!

Were the instructions easy to follow? Very.  I glanced at them but didn't really follow them once I started sewing.

Perfectly aligned seams

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?   The neckline and bodice darts really stand out on this pattern which I really like.  This pattern was well drafted and everything lined up beautifully.  No dislikes.

Love the neckline darts

Fabric Used: A cherry red double knit

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I omitted the zipper.  I also lined the bodice with a black crepe de chine from my stash.  The armscye was lower than I had anticipated but not a deal breaker.

 

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I do plan to sew this again but using the straight skirt.  I also plan to line the bodice and skirt next time but that is due to the lightweight fabric I have selected.  I do recommend this to others.  It came together very quickly, and with the options, can be made to flatter nearly anyone.

Conclusion: I don't know what took me so long to make this pattern.  I purchased it shortly after it came out and the fabric store was having a pattern sale.  It sat in my bin for the longest but I am glad I finally made it and am very happy with the result.

Bottom Line:
Fabric: 2.5 yds @3.98ea (-20% off coupon)=$7.96
Lining: black crepe de chine from my stash
Thread from my stash

Total: $7.96

Simplicity 3628 take 2

Pattern Description: Misses lined jacket from the Threads Simplicity Collection.  I made a basic version of view B without the pocket flaps, cuffs, or embroidery stitching.

 

Pattern Sizing: Available in 8-24.  I cut a size 16

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? 
Not exactly but that was because I omitted all of the design elements.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes.  I didn't use them this time around since I just made view C a few days ago.

Fabric Used: For the jacket I used a mystery navy blue fabric that I found in my stash.  I don't remember where it came from and can only guess at the contents.  For the lining I used a charmeuse that I stocked up on because it was so cheap and makes a great lining fabric for the jackets I've been working on.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: As mentioned above I omitted all of the design elements because I just wanted a basic suit jacket.  I thought about adding pockets but decided not to since the skirt I made already has pockets. Also I opted to only add one button to the jacket. 

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? This makes my second time sewing this jacket so for now I plan to retire this pattern.  I do recommend it to others.

Conclusion: Really good jacket pattern that offers a number of options. 

Simplicity 3628

Pattern Description: Misses lined jacket from the Threads Simplicity Collection.  I made view C with a mandarin collar, pocket flaps, and top stitching.

Pattern Sizing: Available in 8-24.  I cut a 16 with no alterations.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes!!!

Were the instructions easy to follow? Very straight forward instructions but be sure you are reading instructions on the correct view.  It does jump around a bit.  I did stray from them when attaching the lining because I prefer a different method.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I really liked all of the different options from sleeves to closures that this pattern offered.  The princess seams and overall fitted style of the jacket were also a plus.  Disliked there were no pockets.

Fabric Used: For the jacket I used a khaki twill that has been in my stash for at least two years.  For the lining I used a lightweight cotton blend that was given to me by a colleague.  I wasn't sure what to do with it at the time but it worked well for this project.  The twill is nice and thick and I didn't want to add any more bulk or stiffness to the jacket so the cotton blend worked out great.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: No changes

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I do plan to sew this again and very soon.  It was slow going at first because of all of the top stitching on the collar, pocket flaps, and sleeves but it all came together very nicely.   I do recommend this to others. 

Conclusion: Really good jacket pattern that offers a number of options.  If it had pockets it would be an A+.

Bottom Line:

new look 6939

Pattern Description: Misses tunic or top with sleeve variations.

Pattern Sizing: Available in 6-22.  Based on the finished measurements I cut a 14 as I wanted a more fitted top.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yep

Were the instructions easy to follow? I glanced at them to see the order of construction and they seemed to be fine.  The illustrations were plenty to assemble this top with no problems.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Liked that it was very easy to assemble.

Fabric Used: A white jersey knit from my stash

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: None.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Although a fairly east project, I do not plan to sew this again.

Conclusion: Easy pattern to sew if you like the style.

Bottom Line:
Fabric: White jersey knit from my stash
Interfacing and thread from my stash
Pattern:$2.97

TOTAL: $2.97

Butterick 4865

Pattern Description:  Unlined raglan sleeve jacket with collar, sleeve, and length variations.  A,B,C have button closure; D has hook and eye closure and belt.  All views suggest shoulder pads which I omitted based on preference and fabric selection.

Pattern Sizing: Available in extra small to extra large.  I cut a large

Finished Jacket

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? On the outside yes, but I chose to line mine to get it a more polished look on the inside.

Front facing and lining

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes.  The project came together quickly and the instructions were fine.

Back lining

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked that it was an instant gratification project.  No dislikes

Fabric Used: A medium weight fleece for the jacket and a charmeuse for the lining

Hanging Loop and my label

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I added a couple of inches to the sleeves to make them full length.  I also opted to line the jacket as well as add a hanging loop.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I will sew this again since a family member has asked for one of their own.  I do recommend this to others as  it was an easy project that went together with no issues.

Conclusion: Very cute jacket that I can wear with jeans or slacks.  It cost a little more than I usually spend but I can see getting lots of wear out of it so it's fine.

Bottom Line:

Pattern: 2.99

Fabric:
Black Fleece-2 1/2 yds @ $4.97/yd= $12.43
Charmeuse-1 1/12 yds @ $1.99/yd=$2.99

Thread from my stash

TOTAL: $18.41

I finally did it! Vouge 8548

I have had this pattern in my stash for two years along with the fabric while I was building up the courage to tackle making a coat.  Despite the fact that the pattern said Very Easy I still hesitated because this has been one of the more expensive garments that I have made.

Pattern Description: Lined coats in two lengths.  Bodice has princess seams, A-line skirt, closure variations and sleeves in two lengths.  A, B: topstiching. B,C: cording button loops; B, C: length is 2 inches above mid-knee.  I made view C

Pattern Sizing: Available in 6-22.  I cut an 18 in the bust and graded to a 20 in the skirt.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes!!!

The finished product

Were the instructions easy to follow? As many reviewers have previously stated, you can ignore the construction order for this coat.  Assemble the coat, then lining, and bag it to save yourself endless hand stitching and to get a more professional looking inside.  I followed this method to bag my lining which result in NO hand-stitching.

Before attaching lining

All bagged

Back view of lining

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?    I really like how well this pattern was drafted.  All of the seam lines matched up beautifully.  I also really like the collar of this coat, although I chose to make the more tame version of the three.  I just didn't think the wide collar would suit my body shape.

Fabric Used: A black/dark gray wool blend for the coat.  I also underlined all of the pieces with black flannel for warmth and stability.  I used a royal blue china silk left over from Vogue 1030 for the skirt and bodice pieces.  I used a light blue poly lining for the sleeves.  I opted to use poly lining because to me it offered more 'movement' which I felt was necessary in the arms.

Here you can see the flannel I used to understitch the coat with

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I bagged the lining like many others.  I also underlined the entire coat.  I ended up taking about 2 inches off the collar, otherwise I looked like a turtle peeking out of its shell.  I also added pockets to this coat.  I can't have a coat without pockets.  Where am I supposed to put my gloves, or my phone, or my hands for that matter?  In browsing a different coat review I saw where someone added 'pocket stays' to their garment.  I am not sure if that is the correct term but that's what I remember them as.  I used ribbon for mine and added them to the top and bottoms of the pocket to keep it from drooping or flipping out.

pockets!

View of pinned pocket stays

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I do not plan to sew this again but I highly highly recommend it to others.

Conclusion: I feel this was a well drafted pattern that can produce a really fantastic garment.  It is easy to make this your own from fabric weight to lining.

Close up of buttons

Bottom Line:
Fabric:
2.5 yds of Wool blend coating @ 9.98/yd (-15% off)=$21.21
2.75 yds of black flannel @3.74/yd(-15%off)=$8.74
4- 1 3/8 buttons @ .97/ea=$3.88
2 yds of china silk lining leftover from Vogue 1030
Notions: thread, cording, ribbon, and interfacing from my stash

Total: $33.83

I added this hook and eye which prevents drooping and stress on the cording

Simplicity 2256

Pattern Description: Project Runway jacket in two lengths with neckline and sleeve variations

Pattern Sizing: Available in 4-22.  I cut a 16.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes.  I made the long jacket with long sleeves, collar, lapel, with front and back flaps.

Front view (ignore the fact that Caroline is lopsided)

Were the instructions easy to follow? I didn't use them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I haven't had the best luck with PR patterns but this one came together fairly well.  It didn't offer as many options for a business casual jacket but I am pleased with the result.  It was well drafted and the sizing was such that I didn't have to make many alterations to get a good fit.  I disliked that the pattern wasn't lined but I was able to add a lining.

Fabric Used: A turquoise twill for the jacket and a turquoise poly for the lining.

View of front facing and lining

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I opted to line the jacket.  I only added two buttons to the center front instead of three.  The top button would have been right underneath the lapel so I lowered it about half an inch.  Because of my body shape and short torso, the placement of the middle button would been in an weird spot that wasn't lining up with the buttons on the front tabs, nor was it in a place that was comfortable for my bust.  Instead I lowered the third button and just omitted what would have been the middle button.

Closeup of button 

View of back jacket lining

How I lined the jacket:  I saw at least one other reviewer that had lined the jacket but I couldn't find any information on how she did it.  After a Google search, I pieced together instructions from a few tutorials on how to add a lining to a jacket that doesn't originally call for one.  It wasn't until I was almost done that I realized I didn't take any pictures of these steps, but hopefully my description will help someone who wants to add a lining to this particular jacket but can't quite figure it out.

For the sleeve lining pieces,  I cut them not quite one side larger in the shoulder and cut them about two inches shorter than the jacket.  The jacket was already faced so I taped together the side bodice and lower jacket pieces and cut that out for the bodice side lining.  I then taped together the lower jacket back and upper back pieces.  I overlapped the back facing piece, matching up the notches, etc. so the pieces would line up correctly.  I centered this piece over the fold of my lining fabric and then cut where the back facing overlapped the upper back piece.  The lower back pieces included extra width to gather, which worked out well for adding the center pleat to the lining.  I then followed this tutorial  to bag the jacket lining. Hopefully that will help any beginner sewers out there.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Although I am pleased with how this jacket turned out, I don't think I will sew it again.  There are other jackets that are already lined so I can save myself some of the guess work.

Conclusion: Nice lightweight jacket that will serve me well for work.

Bottom Line:

2.5 yards of poplin @ $4.98/yd (-15% coupon)=10.58
Thread, Facing, buttons, and ling  from my stash

TOTAL: $10.58