Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Summer Vogues

I'm still alive in case you were wondering, just having a MAJOR case of lost sewing mojo. The new summer Vogue patterns were released online yesterday, which has me excited for warmer temperatures.

I'm starting with a fun Badgley Mischka scalloped dress, Vogue 1398. I always have to stop myself from making stuff that is too twee because I tend to gravitate toward it. This looks pretty sophisticated to me, though, even with the tiers and scallops. I love the color too, and might just have to totally copy the example dress.


I saw the other Badgley Mischka dress, Vogue 1399, on the runway (youtube) and gasped, so you can bet I'll be getting it too. I love the topstitching and the color, but wonder why the collar is collapsing a little.


Both Kay Unger dresses are gorgeous, but I think Vogue 1392 is a little too sexy for church. That's where I wear 95% of my fancier clothing. People always ask me that. Anyway, Vogue 1393 is totally on trend with all the sheer panels designers are using. They made the example dress with lace, but it could also be made with crepe and chiffon. There's lots of possibilities with this one.


I think my small girls would be lost in all the blousy-ness of Vogue 1394, but the other Rebecca Taylor dress, Vogue 1395, is a lovely and simple summer frock. I usually pass over these types of dresses in favor of clothing with refined fit, then wonder why I don't have many easy things to throw on in a moment's notice.


I don't care for midi-length skirts on my body, even though I know they are extremely in vogue. You've got to pick the trends that work with your body, IMO, or you end up looking like a fashion victim. So I'll just pass by the Lialia and the Tracy Reese patterns, even though I think they're beautiful dresses.

As for the non-designer offerings, I really like Vogue 8995. I do feel like we've seen a lot of these color-blocked designs in the last several years, and I own a few of them (even though I've yet to make any up.) What I like about this one is the construction lines. The side panels of the skirt are slanted in on a diagonal, making the thighs appear narrower. I also like that it's designed for a woven instead of a stable knit.


I love the drama of the full skirt of Vogue 9001, as well as the wide scooping neckline (which I will probably need to raise.) Lovely seaming lines too.


Claire Shaeffer's newest jacket is also very beautiful. I'll probably raise those pockets up to give some fullness to the bustline. Gosh those sleeves are pretty. I love it!


Vogue 9004 is a neat architectural top. The neckline is making my eyes twitch though. I wonder if it would lose its drama if I evened it out?


I'm usually not a big fan of cowl necklines on my body, again because my girls would get lost in all the fabric. But I like the looks of view A on Vogue 9006. The front princess seaming would enable me to sew some definition into the bust area. It looks easy to make and easy to wear.


Lastly, I really like the lingerie pattern, Vogue 9015. Silk nightgowns are impossible to find. When I was getting married 14 years ago, I bought several silk chemise and robe sets at Dillard's (I think). That is now a thing of the past. Probably I could find some at fancier department stores like Saks, but I never shop at those. Might as well make it myself, right?


It is a really nice collection in which I found a lot to like. Someone on Vogue's facebook page complained about the volume of dress patterns but I couldn't disagree more. I love dresses. They're simple, feminine, easy to pull out and not have to think about.

Now I've only to wait for a good sale!

34 comments:

  1. I am glad you are alive!! :-) I hope your sewing mojo returns soon...maybe for Easter? There were only a few Vogue patterns I liked for the summer collection, but your choices made me consider the possibility of some garments.

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    1. Goodness, I wish it would come back too! I want the clothes, I just don't want to go through the effort of making it happen! Honestly I really just need to turn off the TV. :)

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  2. I know, isn't it all just so lovely? Great picks. :)

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  3. I saw these yesterday as well and that yellow Badgley Mischka is just yummy. Perfect for Easter Sunday at church and brunch. I'm also in love with 9004. That shirt is definitely calling my name!

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    1. Yes, yummy is the exact word for it! I'm glad you think so too.

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  4. I love your sewing Amanda but have to admit that I miss the days when you sewed using fabrics from Joann's. All of your clothes are beautiful and the seam finishes are fantastic! Did you ever take formal sewing lessons?

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    1. Awww! I still have tons of Joann's fabric to use, I just never get around to it these days with my busy schedule! In fact, I have so much fabric that I never even allow myself to look at it at fabric stores. Having 2 school age children in activities and a preschooler thrown in the mix really wipes me out. That's my life right now. I love it, though. And no, I never took any formal sewing lessons. My mom taught me some basics, and I learned over the years by trial and error. Lots and lots of error.

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    2. Your mom was an excellent teacher! I watched my mom but she didn't have the patience to teach me. I learned from the Simplicity Sewing Book! I have a new granddaughter that I can't wait to sew for. Joann's is much more affordable to me right now. I have to admit that I have copied some of your pieces!

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  5. Hey! I've been thinking about you! Registration is ON for PR weekend in Austin--are you going???

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    1. Hmmm. I'll have to think about it. While it would be fun to meet you and other sewing bloggers in person, I'm not really very involved with that website anymore. Wouldn't it be like crashing a party for me to show up?

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    2. I don't think so? There are people who go who have never posted a review, and I know you have posted reviews. It's more like a festival of seamsters. Check out the schedule (click on the PR weekend icon on the right bar of the PR home page).

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  6. It's funny how you mentioned the collapsing collar... I am astonished at how often the model clothing for a pattern looks not well made! I mean, seriously!

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    1. Vogue is usually really great for their example makes, often using thoughtful and beautiful fabrics. Some of the other big 4 companies use ugly fabrics that I have to look past to see the actual design. What astonishes me is the dresses JoAnn's has on display in their fabric section. Talk about poorly made! Why anyone would look at those things and then go ahead and purchase fabric to make it themselves is beyond me.

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  7. Great review! Btw, if you are interested in making a silk slip/nightgown, there is a free pattern here: http://buzzybeesworld.blogspot.com/p/patterns.html
    The woman that writes this blog is a professional patternmaker, so although I haven't made this pattern myself, it would be my first choice for the slip if I needed one. Melissa Fehr (FehrTrade blog) made and reviewed this pattern as well.

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    1. Ooh, great suggestion! I'll definitely check it out, although I've never downloaded a pattern and printed it out.

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  8. Nice line-up! Can't wait to see what you actually make. I really enjoy following you as you do such nice work.

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    1. Thanks Make more laundry! I had to chuckle at your comment because I often do pick out patterns and then just lovingly gaze at them instead of making them all up quickly. If only I had more sewing time and more energy!

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  9. I'm totally with you on wanting to get sewing summer dresses! Enough with sleeves already :)
    I like that cowl top - I'm surprised you don't find cowl necks flattering for a small bust, I love cowls! I always thought I liked them because they were good for my tiny bust, but maybe it's just because a cowl doesn't require a neckline finish...

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    1. Oh I've made my fair share of cowl tops for that very reason, but then they don't get worn much. I need under-bust definition, or some type of ruffle/pockets/button placket & collar combo. Otherwise I look like a boy. And I cannot WAIT for summer to get here as I much more enjoy being hot then being cold. Bring on the cute strapy sandals, the shorts, the sleeveless dresses!

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  10. I always enjoy reading your take on new patterns! Those are great picks :) I hope your sewing mojo comes back - though I totally know the feeling :)

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  11. Love that scalloped dress and plan to make it as well. I might wait to see what you do with it before I make it though. You are so good at finishes and fixing issues with the pattern. My dress will be better if I wait for you :)

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    1. I'm glad other people are liking that dress besides me! I think the secret to the scallops is going to be aggressive curve clipping and seam grading.

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  12. Thanks for pointing out so many new patterns. My list keeps growing!

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  13. Hi Amanda, maybe the loose fitting Rebecca Taylor dress would give you the kick start that you are looking for before tackling the more complex fitted numbers? I love the dress because it has that effortless style for summer that you often see in French clothes.

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    1. Those Frenchies are always effortless, right? I always wish I could wear scarves like them too.

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  14. Wow Amanda. You sound like a much younger version of me! I too wear my fancier clothes to church and that's about it. I love most of the patterns you picked out. My very favorite is the Kay Unger lace dress. Wish I hadn't made one last year now!

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    1. I found out earlier this year that I do need a formal dress or two added to my closet, though. And you can always make the Kay Unger using a different sort of fabric, or another lace dress in another hue. If you love it you should go for it!

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  15. The Rebecca Taylor 1395 is on my list too. It looks blousy but still with shape--perfect for super hot days I hope.

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    1. Exactly! I think that dress would look awesome on you.

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  16. I love your picks! and I agree, I'm a dress-lover like you :) Is it a trick of the lighting? but the lower layer of scallop-edged yellow dress looks like it is a slightly deeper colour. I love it! and also that lace Aline dress, AND the navy/white two toned top. So much to love!

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    1. Ooh, wouldn't that dress be lovely in gradually darkening colors?! Might be hard to find fabrics though. I can totally see you in the navy/white two toned top. You should make it up soon and then let me know if the neckline bugs. :)

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