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Sunday, December 14, 2014

Vogue 8622 - Party!!!

I had been on a search for something to wear to a holiday party to be held in early December.  My search ended when I found Vogue 8622 by Elizabeth Gillett NYC.  I was drawn to View B, a cute little capelet with a large gathered flounce.   I am a bit top heavy so I was concerned about whether I really should be making a garment that may add more bulk to the chest area.  After much pondering and reflecting with sewing friends, I decided to take the plunge.  There are styles that I know would work for me (like a shoulder princess line) and then there are others that are iffy.  But there are times where I just want to step outside the box and this was one of those times.



Since the capelet is not fitted over the chest, the only adjustment I made in the front was to add 2 inches of length to the flounce from center front tapering to nothing at the side seam and 1 inch of width to the flounce.  

I used a textured red silk fabric purchased from NY Elegant in NYC that had red metallic threads woven throughout.  The fabric had quite a lot of give due to the way it was woven.  It was somewhat drapey but the metallic threads prevented the fabric from gathering as designed.  

Right side of fabric

Wrong side of fabric

What I did was press in some pleats randomly.  I really like the style lines of this capelet and love how the sleeves are incorporated into the design.  I really like the collar too.  The pattern did not call for a closure but I decided that for my figure, a closure was necessary so I installed a hook and eye at center front at the top of the flounce.




Since it was a special occasion garment, I felt compelled to use couture techniques in its construction.  I underlined the yoke pieces in silk organza.  I pressed open the seam allowances and attached them to the organza only using a catch stitch so as to keep them nice and flat.  You do not see it in the photo below but I also attached the flounce seam allowance to the organza as well.



The pattern instructions call for French seams along the side seams and the armholes.  I decided to do the French seams for the side seams only.  The fabric was just too textured for me to do a successful French seam in an armhole.  I finished the armholes by using bias tape created from the lining fabric.  The lining was attached to the flounce using a slipstitch.

Speaking of lining, I used China silk for the lining.  China silk has had a bad rap in many sewing publications but I love it.  As long as you don't plan to do a lot of activity and sweating in the garment, China silk is an excellent choice.  It has a beautiful soft hand and feels luxurious. 

Inside of capelet


This little capelet was just what I was looking for.  It was festive, felt luxurious and was so comfortable!

14 comments:

  1. You look fabulous - and that color is amazing on you!

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    1. Thanks so much Laura Mae. Red is one of "my" colors although the only time I feel comfortable wearing it is during the winter holidays and Valentine's day!

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  2. That is a perfect accessory to your outfit!!

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    1. Yes, it worked out quietly nicely I am happy to say!

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  3. That is such a pretty little caplet. You look great! and perfectly festive :)

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  4. Thanks for sharing this. It looks amazing on you and I hadnt even noticed this pattern. I'm going to purchase this right now! :)x

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    1. Thank you so much! Yes, it's a great pattern with other views you may like as well. I plan to make View C for the next holiday season.

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    2. My pattern is ordered... YaaY! And I shall look forward to seeing one of your other versions :)x

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    3. Hurray! I look forward to seeing what you will do as well!

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  5. Tomara, This is darling and very well made.

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  6. A little late here. I love this outfit!

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