Thursday, May 19, 2011

Vogue 8605, Remodeled

I absolutely love this pattern!



I've always known the style wasn't for me but I made it once before in a winter knit.




Well,I've worn this to death, but in the house only for warmth. It was just too roomy.

I know this style looks wonderful on tall thin women but since I'm 5'4 1/2" tall and not quite slim,it just didn't look right. I eventually altered it by raising the underarm by about 2" and also taking the same off the sides and the sleeves. It then became quite cute,IMO.

I was just stash cruising one night and I came upon a remnant piece of coat weight orange linen, the same linen I used for this trench coat).Well it hit me like a ton of bricks! A new and improved version of V8605!

Here it is and I LOVE it! (Although I wore it to a meeting today and didn't get any comments,positive or negative!)



I not only changed the depth of the armhole, took 2" off the sides and under sleeve but I changed the collar to a wing collar;




I took away about 1.5" of the center front as there was way too much fabric there;

I eliminated the back seam to save on fabric




Added a sleeve band to make the sleeve a bit longer



I faced the hem to add a bit to the length of the jacket.





And I made my own version of "bound" buttonholes. To see how I made these, look here on my other blog.



A few close-ups of design details;

(the pockets)


(the top-stitching)


(the buttons)


(behind the buttons and buttonholes)



Because this jacket is unlined, I used a pretty batik from my stash to make a Hong Kong finish on all the seams. This was great fun and is really easy to do. It takes a little time but is well worth it.
There's an article in the current issue of Threads about Hong Kong finishes. If you don't get Threads, I have a tutorial on Diana's Sewing Lessons.





I also broke down and sewed in shoulder pads. This style really doesn't look well on sloping shoulders ( which I have).

I wore it with my Marci Tilton skirt which, my husband pointed out and I tend to agree, doesn't do much for it.Now I have to make something to wear with this ,my new favorite jacket.





What do you think?

See more pics here!

More later from

17 comments:

Dilliander said...

Diana, you've done a great job making this pattern your own. It looks very stylish and suits you perfectly. I like both versions and your details are fantastic.

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

I love your adjustments to the pattern! It keeps the spirit and style of the pattern but makes it totally wearable for you. Great job!

Anonymous said...

VERY cute! Ya know, I kind of like it with the skirt...

Margaret said...

Diana, I love what you have done with this pattern -- it looks smashing. Although I have the pattern and because I am even shorter than you I somehow knew that it wouldn't work for me the way it was --- now -- you've shown me with determination , how really beautiful it is. Love your blog
Margaret in PEI

shams said...

Very cute! I haven't made this jacket because I know that cut-on sleeves aren't the most flattering and I would also have to tweak it. But yours has such wonderful details!

Jenny said...

Great improvements! I still love that color. Maybe you'd like it better paired with some slim pants. Balance out the volume on top with some a bit more form-fitting on the bottom. Just a thought. :-)

Ann Made Studio said...

WOW Diana, I think it looks awesome on you. The color , the style and the fit are you! I love the details, you did an amazing job on this jacket!

Gail said...

Beautiful coat. I didn't know you had another blog. As your newest follower can I request a sewing lesson on regular bound button holes...please?

Vicki said...

Really cute. Love the changes. Skinny pants in a light colour would really show off the jacket I think

Sharon said...

You have done a wonderful job getting this pattern to work for you and love all the detail.

Irene said...

Love, love, love your new jacket. All the changes certainly make a huge difference in how it looks on you. Lovely. And such a happy colour!

Shelly said...

I think it looks great. Much better with the adjustments. BTW I like it with the skirt.

Jackie said...

I love what you've done. It looks great on you!

The Sewing and Knitting Loft said...

I love what you have done with this jacket. The wing collar is much nicer than what Vogue came up with. Your button hole technique goes great with the fabric choice. Love it!

Barb

pdiddly said...

Diana,
another outstanding piece of work - I love the colour, so pretty - you know I could see that jacket with a pair of black cropped pants, flat ballet pumps and a black light-weight turtle neck (polo in the UK) - I think its very Audry Hepburn.

Audrey said...

How clever of you to see past the winter version of this jacket on the pattern and make such a beautiful, summer linen version. It looks great on you!

Reena said...

I saw your garment on FB from Sandra Betzina and here I am on your fab blog- I loved seeing what you are doing. I am now a quilter primarily tho still make the occasional garment. You may inspire me to get going on something! Your hubby has a good eye. I think maybe a pair of slim pants even cropped would look good with it. That's what I would do. or a short skirt. You did an amazing job! Thanks for sharing- Reena Kaplowitz San Diego CA