Vogue Patterns just released their Winter/Holiday catalog. I was beginning to think that the Vintage Vogue line was no more, and then they go and release this beauty. I was planning to make McCall 7478 as my highly detailed cold weather sewing project for the year, but now I am torn. The Vogue design is slightly less of a fabric hog, which is nice. On the other hand, I have been yearning for a true princess coat in my closet, and the McCall design definitely fits the bill.
The real question is, what color wool to use to ensure that the coat sees its fair share of outings . . .
Interestingly enough, the line drawing is not as gorgeous as I expected. I do love that dipped back waist seamline, but the front seamlines read as rather busy. I guess that hipline needs a body to really do the drafting justice. Those pockets and collar really are fantastic, though! I am still not sure which design to pick. Although, considering that it is going to be almost 80 degrees this afternoon, there is still plenty of time to decide.
As for the other new designs in the catalog, there are not that many that pique my interest. The back of this Badgley Mischka is intriguing, but I don't like the inset, and I suspect that it is there for a reason. If I wanted to leave that out, there would be some other structural work that would be needed on the pattern. And really, if I need a full length gown, there are a lot of other designs that I would pick before this one. I do love a sleeved formal, though!
The other dress that caught my eye was Vogue 1652. I have been playing with more of a 1960s silhouette lately, and I think the shorter version of this dress has potential. I love the shoulder button opening. That said, the longer version with those boots is dowdy looking on the model, so I can't imagine what it would look like on an average figured person. Maybe without the boots it could be salvageable? Those sleeves also look short on both versions which takes away from the lovely drape. I just love when they button closed instead of using elastic at the wrist. And I will definitely be checking out the sewing instructions on that neck closure, even if I don't end up purchasing this design.
For now, I am off to pull all my wool coating out to see if I have something suitable for either one of those glorious coats!
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The coat looks fascinating. I also like the clean lines of Vogue 1654, view A. I also like view B of pants in Vogue 1661 - with the right fabric, these could flow well and look as if you're wearing a long skirt, with the comfort of pants.
ReplyDeleteGal in a California construction conundrum,
ReplyDeleteThe Badgley Mischka dress is likely including a panel to conceal the closure of a backless-strapless bra. You could draft the cowl to commence a smidge above the panel, and the nadir of the final curve to hit in the small of the back.
Both coats is the answer - you excel in coat making,and they have such longevity, never you mind how flattering they are on you. It may be time for a "coat round-up", where you show and share your creations. That ought to make the colorway choices a little easier. A steel grey with those bluish undertones, or a brassy caramel, or maybe a muted green from the early 50s? No doubt you will choose wisely (your fabric choosing has proven heckle-proof - I ought to know!).
Skip Vogue V1652 - the flounce on B is an 80s redux. Wait for a "famous designer" pattern from the era to emerge into the specter of your world. The most flattering trapeze looks actually narrow from the shoulders/armscye to the horizontal line at the bust point, flaring from there (not the armpits) - it's almost a very raised waistline, if you will). There are some great examples from That Girl, and Marlo Thomas' wardrobe is surprisingly documented (I don't think Elizabeth Montgomery, any actress on My Three Sons or Family Affair, created more of a fashion ripple than Marlo did).
Oh, one other colorway I'm not sure is you, cinnabar. The hem of a cinnabar coat, over sepia hose, and a chunky heel suede pump in deep chestnut...men of certain age will openly weep (and one wonders if that hasn't been your end game all along, Miss Laura Mae).
Signed,
A dear and gentle reader
The Vogue coat is sleeker and more sophisticated looking to my eye. As far as V1652, eek.
ReplyDeleteI love that Vogue coat so elegant.
ReplyDeleteThe yardage on the McCalls (and those long princess pieces) are a killjoy for me, but I am Not A Princess Seam Body). I can see getting the Vogue to fit and flatter with a lot less crying.
ReplyDeleteAs far as I can tell, Ms Marlo's association with McCalls never produced a trapeze dress as she modeled during the show (shame, really). I'd hold out for a vintage version; Monsieur T is correct as always regarding the best style line. So many Pucci knockoffs to choose from.Simplicity 6794 for one.
IMO, Vogue 1652 gets the Dowdiest Pattern of the Year award. It truly is horrible but that coat, 1669, soooooo divine!
ReplyDelete