I’m not going to lie to you; I have a lot of sewing patterns.  I generally don’t feel bad about that – I like having a library that I can go to at any time and pull out the perfect pattern.  I usually buy the patterns I like from a new collection when they go on sale for the first time (I got the new Vogue and Simplicity patterns this week!)  Of course, this means I wind up with a few patterns that are duds – the sort of pattern that looks ok until someone , ie me, actually tries to make it (as in Vogue 1192, an Anne Klein pattern that has since garnered five “would not recommend” ratings on Patternreview.  I never got around to reviewing it, but I consider the public well warned by those ratings.)

I always check for reviews.  I think reviews are the best thing about the internet sewing community – it must have been much harder to decide if the patterns were decent in the pre internet age!  Occasionally though, I end up with a pattern that no one ever seems to make.  The longer they go without any reviews, the more I become convinced the pattern is cursed!  Sometimes there will be a few reviews, but the pattern is so altered, or the purpose is so different that I can’t tell.   Most are discontinued, which makes sense when you consider that I am clearly the only person on earth to have bought a copy. I’ve been weeding through my pattern collection this week, and I thought I’d ask – can anyone vouch for these patterns?  Should I make them, or is it a lost cause?  Let’s get to the sad contestants:

Vogue 8231:

This was discontinued when I bought it.  I literally can’t find anyone who has made this online.  I was disappointed when I got it to realize that it’s actually 2 pieces, rather than a dress with peplum.    Still, I rather like the cap sleeved version.   Maybe it was just too early for the peplum trend?  I think this could be really cute in a fun suiting.

Vogue 8595:

I love a tunic and the pockets are cute.  For that matter, so it the version with full sleeves and no collar.  Image it in a cotton voile!  I found one of these completed on a blog, but as she made it to be a beach coverup I still can’t tell.  I think the Very Easy Vogue patterns suffer a bit from their drawings.  Lord knows I’m not opposed to illustrations – I have bought many a vintage pattern because of adorable drawings.  These just seem to oddly proportioned – they always look so broad shouldered.

Vogue 8612:

This has been on my list forever.  I found one completed, but no reviews.  Actually, I doubt I would make this one, as I’ve learned over time that patterns without waist seams do not always suit me.  It’s also one of those patterns that calls for knits or stretch wovens.  And it’s lined, which again is not an advantage for me.

Vogue 8610

Honestly, I think I just have 80s nostalgia sometimes.  Again, one review, which is mixed.  I don’t know if I’ll ever make it, because I’m just not sure about how flattering that silhouette is for people without 7 foot long legs.  And yet I keep pulling it out, wondering if it might be cute in a sweatshirt knit.

Vogue 8768

This pattern isn’t all that old, but I’m surprised I haven’t seen one yet – usually the vintage patterns are popular!  If I made this I would have to shorten the skirt, but I can’t tell if that would work or not.    This is pictured on the website in shiny, stiff dupioni, several sizes too large for the model – Vogue seemed to make every vintage dress in dupioni for awhile there.  I don’t like dupioni much at all – it reminds me of curtains, and doesn’t drape well.  Someone should make this so that I can decide if I like it or not!

New Look 6092

Again, not that old, but I don’t feel like I can judge it if I can’t see one.  I think I like it, but maybe the sleeves will be strange, or the dress will fit oddly due to the lack of a waist.  Also, I applaud the idea of bringing in Project Runway designers to design for Simplicity and New look, but Suede?  Couldn’t stand him on the show, and I don’t really love his patterns, with the possible exception of this one.  On the other hand, Simplicity has some designs from Leanne (season 3 or 4 winner I think?) which I love, and have already purchased.  I can’t make this dress without more feedback!