It is currently the depths of Winter here so something summery to blog about was in order to brighten up the day. Oh Vintage Vogue be still my heart. Vintage Vogue patterns are the best vintage reproduction patterns out there. Well, in my mind. The beautiful illustrations on the pattern covers themselves catch my eye every time a new season of patterns hits the stores. Most are rated as ‘average’ more so than ‘easy’, and some even ‘difficult’ in rating, which I am yet to tackle!
I had bought Vintage Vogue 8789 a while back as I loved the yellow and pink versions of the dress on the pattern cover and thought the two colours together in one dress would be even better. It was also rated easy and didn’t have a lot of pieces and finicky detail so I thought it could probably be sewn up pretty quickly. I opted for version A that had a v neck bodice. I was in need of something to make for the Vintage Fair I was attending in a few weeks’ time so this fit the bill. I did my almost weekly shop at my local fabric store and found the ultimate fabric for the dress. I was so happy to find it! It was a Vintage reproduction fabric with rows of lemons on it in a crisp cotton that would just go swimmingly for this dress. I also found a silk satin in a dusty pink for the cummerbund. Thankfully the fabric store had plenty of the fabric as this dress eats it up – 3.5 metres of fabric. I bought a little extra given I needed to work with the pattern printed on the fabric.
I was a little nervous about making a top on the bias as it can so quickly look out of shape but using a strong cotton helped with not going off course. The pattern instructions were really easy to follow and I think this would be a great vintage dress for someone sewing one up for the first time. I cut out a size 12 and made next to no alterations except for taking it in slightly at the waist and shortening it so it fell just under the knee. A lot of the vintage patterns end up as mid-calf length on me and for my height it tends to swamp me and doesn’t do my figure any good! The only thing you may consider doing differently if you sew this is making a skirt bottom that isn’t as gathered. Using a stronger cotton the gathering ended up quite thick around my waist which might not suit everyone.
I can’t say too much more about this pattern as it was simple to sew up, little alterations required and I am really happy with the outcome. Thank you vintage Vogue!
I ended up wearing this to the Vintage Fair and had a couple of offers to purchase it from me, but I just couldn’t part with it. Am I the only one that has difficulty giving away with anything you sew yourself? My wardrobe is getting out of the control because I just can’t bear to part with what I make, even when I don’t always like the outcome. I will need an extra bedroom just for my sewn clothes.
14 comments
Wendy · 9 years ago ·
Very lovely! Very summery! I can imagine some people wanted to buy your dress, I wouldn't mind owning one like that either...
Bec · 9 years ago ·
Thanks Wendy. It's a great pattern to sew up :)
Hannah Smith · 9 years ago ·
you look like someone right out of the 50's in this dress.great use of the fabric also. can I ask, was the skirt on this pattern basically just a large gathered rectangle?
Hannah xxx
Bec · 9 years ago ·
Hi Hannah,
Yes you are right, it was two big rectangles. Very easy to sew up! :) x
be · 9 years ago ·
That is a lovely dress - but Brrrrrrr - didn't your feet freeze off in this cold weather. Lovely fabric and a very pretty and feminine look.
Bec · 9 years ago ·
Haha, yes I did! When I dipped my toe into the pool I froze! Will be glad for sumemr to finally come. :)
Cecilee · 9 years ago ·
I found your blog while looking up Vintage Vogue 8789. I bought the pattern a while ago on sale and plan on making it next month before the summer goes away and I have to wait until next spring to wear it.
That said, your dress is beautiful and looks great on you! :D It makes me even more eager to make my version. :)
Bec · 9 years ago ·
Thanks Cecilee. :) I hope you enjoy sewing up this pattern. It comes together really well and doesn't need too much adjusting - a good vintage pattern! You can also pick some great patterned fabric to work well with the style.
Amanda · 9 years ago ·
This is absolutely smashing! The lemon print and the pink go so well together! I love popping by the check out what vintage fabukousness you have created and this is no exception!
Bec · 9 years ago ·
Thanks Amanda! :) Love your Elisalex dress. You've inspired me to go out and buy that pattern!
Tnalgirl · 9 years ago ·
Love the fabric! I just bought this pattern last week for my 18 yr old. I am perplexed about the cummberbund though. I'm making a size 22(that I'm cutting down) but the cummberbund piece doesn't look like it will fit around her waist. It's cut on the bias so I'm assuming this makes a difference? The instructions say to cut only 1. Please tell me how you did it.
Thanks!
Bec · 9 years ago ·
Hiya, I hope you enjoy making this pattern - its a great dress! You are right, the cummberbund is made on the bias so it has more stretch but i find that with vintage patterns they have really small waists so I ended up just adding more length to the pattern piece and then just sizing it on the person. You do only need to cut one and then fold it over and sew sides together so it doubles like a tube. Just cut it maybe a couple of inches longer and then you can check the length around your daughter's waist as it only needs a straight hem on either end so adjusting for size doesn't effect the outcome. Hope that helps! :)
Tnalgirl · 9 years ago ·
It did!! Thank you!! I'm almost finished and she LOVES it! Happy happy happy
Chris · 7 years ago ·
I have been pondering about this pattern for a while, having read your review and seen the photos I think I just might have to get it now! I always have to do a full bust adjustment, so although I love the more complex designs they are sometimes too fiddly to alter. This one looks as though it should be simpler to adjust. Love your choice of fabric!
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