New Vogue patterns!

Vogue has their new line of patterns up. Check them out here. There's quite a bit of choice - something for everyone, it seems. I found 3 that I'll definitely be purchasing, and 1 that I like and will think about.

This first one is my favorite, 8532. It's totally me. Fitted, tailored, refined, with an interesting neckline. Does look a bit low and off the shoulders. I'll have to make a muslin for sure. Check out the blackline drawing to see what the back does. I like both views.

This next one is 8536. After my latest knit shirt success, I'm wanting to make a few t-shirts. I especially like the mock-wrap green one. These have a small amount of gathering at the bust side seams for a flattering fit.

I just love the knit shirt on 8546. It has an interesting neckline and front and back princess seams. The pants look nice, too.

The last is 8533. I like the tunic with contrast neck and sleeve bands. I'm sure I've seen this same design from other pattern companies. Not sure I love it enough to add it to my collection...

Butterick 5187 - Brown polka-dots cropped jacket

These cropped loose-fit jackets were all the rage last year. I'm hoping they're still in vogue this year... I told you I usually don't like styles when they first come out. Anyway, here it is! This design was very loose-fitting so I modified the pattern to be less blousy and actually made a muslin to check the fit. Can you believe it?!

I just love the tucks in the front and back and the cute little collar. The sleeves have slits on the bottom.

I added a full lining. The most difficult part of doing this was redesigning the front facing. It was smaller and curved around - hard to describe. I had to design it so it could be sewn to the front lining and also go into the first front tuck without any added bulk. Here you can see the bias tape sewn where the sleeve meets the bodice to cover the exposed seam there.

Here's a view of the back lining. I slipstitched it to the bottom hem.

Okay, about the buttons. The pattern calls for 3 - 1 1/2" buttons. I decided to use covered buttons because they blend into the fabric and with the amount of dots I already had, I didn't want to call attention to any more. Here's the result:

All I need is a red nose and some big floppy shoes to complete the look! So then I tried covered buttons in two smaller sizes. Then I tried no buttons and only snaps. Now I've got two medium sized buttons but only on the yoke. I left the snaps in case I change my mind again. I am usually not this indecisive!!!

My only issue with this fabric is when one of the dots got caught in a seam or here, where there were two right next to each other on both sides. Since they are embroidered I could remove them with the seam ripper using extreme caution. I had to remove about 6 or 7 dots or partial dots.

I made view D. I think it's cute, but won't be making any of the other views. I'm not sure how long this style will last, and it's honestly not the most flattering thing I've ever made.

Vogue 2925 - Winter white knit tank

I needed a top to wear under my new jacket, so in keeping with my resolution to not buy any ready-made garments for a year, I decided on this pattern. I already had the knit in my stash. Instead of tucks where the shoulder band meets the front bodice, I gathered that area. I also cut it a bit more fitted at the waist then the pattern is designed. The bottom band was a total accident. I forgot to add 1 1/2 inches to the bottom and it was too short. But I really like it and think it adds a little interest to the hemline.

Here on the side view you can see the little bust gathers.

I used bias tape around the neck and armholes. I'm glad I did because this knit has some cotton in it and the neck would have been totally stretched out by doing the 5/8" narrow hem that the pattern calls for. I had to redo the front bias tape once because I got it too loose the first time and had some gaping issues.

This is not something I would usually go for. I guess I might consider it too plain or too easy. However, I think I will be making a few more of these in the future. It turned out so cute and is very comfortable. Here's the pattern picture. I actually bought this pattern because I love the jacket and am planning to make it this winter.