Saturday, September 25, 2010

Sewing Vintage Styles: Vogue Vintage Patterns, 8686 & 8687

Vogue 8687
Vogue 8687

Vintage style sewing patterns Vogue 8686 and Vogue 8687 offer a great way to get a retro look with a more modern fit. Fall is a good time to start a sewing project and these two patterns would sew up well in light weight wools or wool blends.

The Vogue 8687 ensemble above has a 1950's coat style that would be easy to sew. It could be made to be worn alone. This coat would be perfect in many weights of fabric, from brocade for evening to gabardine, plaid or canvas for outer wear. The body of the coat is cut in one with the sleeves, so it is a great project for the sewist who might be afraid of a difficult and complicated coat pattern.

The sleeveless sheath included in this pattern could also be worn alone. 1950's styles are often seen in silk florals, brocades, solid crepes or linens (great for spring and summer). For a more modern twist why not try a light wool men's wear gabardine.

Of course, you can go with the suggested ensemble and create the set. I have in my collection a gorgeous dress and coat set in black wool crepe lined in silk with a black and white abstract design. This pattern is a super way to showcase a dramatic silk print. Another alternative is to make the sheath bodice in the same silk to match. As a lining, the print will come as a suprise when you take off the coat with a flourish!

Vogue 8686
Vogue 8686

Vogue 8686 has a mid-1930's style with a slender skirt and wider upper body typical of the period. When looking for the right fabric, try to find one with enough drape to reveal the body. If the fabric has too much shape, this dress could look bulky and stiff. I think that a wool crepe would be nice and have the right vintage look.

The bodice pattern has small bust gathers at the waistline, typical of the early to mid-1930's. It may not have enough shape for a larger bustline. Sizes bigger than a B cup may want to make a muslin fit sample and add shape to the midriff with a waistline bust dart to decrease the bodice fullness.

This dress would be a knock-out, especially of you can find a great bakelite buckle to go with it!