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!
Green apples - Stitchywitch Creates 
I have not made any of those specific patterns, but I generally like the “Very Easy Vogue” patterns I have used (maybe 7-8 of them?). I think people pass them over because they only have illustrations rather than photos and are rarely in the front of the section in the pattern books. I think 8612 and 8231 are adorable, though!
Jessica – I would definitely try making V8231 in the suiting. I can see the potential on you and while it’s a lovely pattern, quite a few of us would not put a peplum around our abdomens…it just wouldn’t be flattering!
V8612 – try it in a stretch woven instead of the knit & lining. It reminds me of a Cushnie et Ochs (with more coverage) that Eva Longeria recently wore: http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/2012/02/24/eva-longoria-in-cushnie-et-ochs-vanity-fair-chrysler-celebration/
V8610 – is still on my list too so I have hope for it. It just seems like it would be one comfortable stylish dress to wear on one of those I feel fat days.
NL 6092 – definitely make the short sleeve version. Just find an amazing piece of fabric to make it out of. I have no comment on the Vintage Vogue pattern and please realize that these are just my opinions and you are free to ignore me. 🙂
I love 8231 and am jealous that it’s out of print. Maybe you could attach them and extend the zipper? That’s garment surgery I know but that’s so cute! Butterick has a peplum dress that’s on my pattern wishlist, 5520 I think.
You know, I don’t watch Project Runway, but I do have a pattern titled “Suede Says” which I thought was some random line of patterns intended for suedes, since the jacket on the cover is made up in one. I guess that was my ignorance, but it does seem like a silly name…
I do think that all patterns have potential (and agreed- yuck at the photo of the model modeling the red Vintage Vogue- if you made it you would get satisfaction for looking better than the model, at least! 🙂 When I made New Look 6594, I had that feeling, hah! I don’t GET the tragic styling some of these patterns get given!
Hmmmm I made Vogue 1192 and I managed to make it work but not without ripping my hair out once or twice since I don’t think that the pattern instructions were all that good. I have it hanging in my wardrobe having worn it only once because it is a little bit short for me and although I made it for summer I think the only way that I can wear it is with tights under it for winter. The shoulders are very wide which isn’t an issue for me since I have big shoulders but if you didn’t it could end up looking rather odd.
Hi, I have made Vogue 8231 and I love it. I made it in some crazy coloured suiting that is cream shot with neon orange and green – it was a practice run for some gorgeous and expensive designer wool – but the pattern is so elegant that what I thought would be a wadder has become one of my favourite work outfits.
I made the scoop neck-sleeveless version. I made a couple of alterations to the pattern: I elongated the waist and made the peplum wider so it flared at the most flattering point on me. I also lined the peplum for neater finishing. I think I should have made it a size smaller than usual too – I wanted something very fitted and had to end up taking in almost all of the bodice seams as the unaltered pattern made for a fairly roomy fit. I also pegged in the skirt by quite a ridiculous amount – I wanted a very fitted pencil skirt – the unaltered pattern was more of a straight skirt. On my practice run I bound the skirt seams with bias, but in my next version I think I’ll add a lining to add to its polished look.
Anyway – I highly recommend the pattern. I found the suit very elegant and flattering and the instructions were easy to follow and clear. I’ll definitely make at least one more version.
I think Vogue 8231 would look really cute on you – you would so suit a peplum with your slim figure and I `m sure you could somehow work out how to make it a dress by extending the zip and eliminating any waist band of the skirt etc.
I like the vogue with the peplum! Peplums are really in style right now.
I hope you do end up making 8768, 8612, and 8231 – I love those! Could you make 8231 into a dress? It really does look like one on the pattern. I don’t know how hard that would be, though.
Inspired by watching your sewing progress, I am learning to sew. I am making my very first project right now. I feel like I’m climbing a learning cliff! My knowledge of knitting is no help at all. 🙂 I’m now even more impressed with how much you’ve learned.
I know what you mean about some patterns getting no reviews! I sit there stalking Pattern Review sometimes and nothing appears. And then others get lots and lots. Having said that, I have none of the ones in your collection although I have a similar set of my own.
I haven’t made any of these but I really like the fact that the first one is two pieces. There have been loads of times I’ve hesitated to use fabric in my stash because I can’t decide if I want a dress or a skirt, something a bit more special or everyday. And the peplum is a bonus!
V8231-make it. Its cute. Something to be aware of though is a lot of very easy vogue patterns seem to incorporate heaps of ease everywhere (regular Vogue is only loose for me in the bust area but very easy vogue pattern are loose everywhere). V8610 make it either in super thin drapey knit as a tunic (way shorter than what’s shown on the envelope and wear it with tights) or make it in sweatshirting/ big wool as a sweater-dress (as short as you can handle). I’ve seen that style on the street and it looks cute with tights + boots or a pleated mini and tights+boots. Extra points f you keep the main fabric boring and the tights extra crazy.
Everyone’s said it already, but I think you should make the Vogue 8231. I’ve seen lots of cute tops with peplums worn over contrasting skirts and so, as it’s a two-piece, you’d have that option as well as wearing the two together to resemble a dress.
I’ve been thinking of doing somthing similar to this with a fine black and white hounds-tooth fabric. I’ve got a white lace skirt I made last summer that I’m sure would go with a hounds-tooth peplummed top! Out of interest, how is the top fastened? Is it an invisible zip? If so does it go all the way through the peplum?
I agree – make the Vogue 8231. With your slim figure, I think it would look really cute on you. One idea — make the zipper an exposed metal one, a detail I’ve seen on more expensive rtw. It would be a great LBD!
If you don’t want to make 8231, I’ll buy it from you. Seriously! I looked last year for a mother of the groom pattern like that and in two pieces, but missed it. Or maybe it was already discontinued. Silly decision by Vogue!
I don’t know why, but it honestly never occured to me to look up a pattern review online before delving into a project- talk about a duh moment…so thank you for that!
I totally agree about 8231, make it immediately and post a review! I also agree about Suede…ugh, out of all the talented PR designers they could collobarate with, they chose him.
I’m Jonesing for the McCall’s 6505. All the patterns are awesome. You gave me the kick I needed to get going on my own sewing.
I made up 8231 years ago before I even knew about Pattern review so I never reviewed it. But guess what! I just posted a review and a special blog post just for you!!
http://amityoriginals.blogspot.com/2012/04/special-post-for-green-apples-vogue.html