Well, well, well… looks like the new Vogue sewing patterns are officially out! Happy day!! 😀 I’m know I’m late for this one – I hadn’t even realized that the new patterns came out (no shit, this is something that I tend to just randomly discover as I’m perusing blogs. Because, you know, joining the mailing list would be way too easy ), so I’m sorry that this is delayed! Although, to be honest, there’s really not a lot to snark here this go-round. Yay for Vogue, boo for us 🙂 Still, I didn’t want y’all to think that I’d, I dunno, gone corporate or some shit! Since my visit at the McCall Pattern Company offices, I’ve definitely had a much softer spot in my heart for the company and everyone who works there – but that doesn’t mean that we can’t still poke a little fun at ’em 🙂
One thing to keep in mind (something a lot of us – especially me! – recently learned) – with anything that is a Designer pattern, the garment you are seeing is an actual designer garment. Meaning, Vogue didn’t choose the fabric/notions and sew it up specifically for the pattern cover. It is literally a garment from the designer – labels, price tags, and all – that is being modeled. The pattern is drafted from the exact same garment (which was incredibly fascinating to hear all about), with Vogue sizing and instructions. Anyway, I’m reiterating this because any horrible fabric choices we see on the Designer patterns have nothing to do with Vogue! We should really be ripping the designer a new one (I’ve tried to note which pattern is Designer and who, so you know exactly who to direct your anger toward). That being said, any other Vogue patterns are fair game 😛
All right, onto the patterns!
Vogue 1426 // Badgley Mischka
OH MY GOD THIS DRESS HAS STARTED REPRODUCING
Vogue 1428 // Tom and Linda Platt
The question here is: Do we consider this print placement an epic fail or an epic win?
Vogue 1425 // Pamella Roland
Look at the lace at the hem. Wait for your eye to start twitching. You’re welcome.
Vogue 1427 // Donna Karan
Let’s call this one “Andre the Giant Goes to the Disco!”
Vogue 1422 // Tracy Reese
Here, Vogue decided to show you the prettiest dress/most gorgeous fabric/bestest hair ever in an attempt to distract you from what appears to be someone’s tool shed in the background.
Vogue 1423 // Bellville Sassoon
“What do you mean this isn’t how you wear a thong?”
Vogue 1424 // Rebecca Taylor
I guess the neckline is supposed to be some sort of snappy cutout, but honestly all I see when I look at this is a backwards wifebeater under a tank top.
Vogue 9046
I just wanted to point out that for once, this dress – with all it’s detailing – isn’t made up in some crazy patterned/shiny fabric, aka, you can see what is being modeled here.
Vogue 9066
~Tarp-Chic – taking camping to the next level, one business suit at a time.
Vogue 9072
If I was half this cute when I was a kid, maybe I wouldn’t be the angsty piece of shit I am today.
Vogue 9073
I just don’t know anymore.
Vogue 1429
What the everloving fuck is going on with this fabric.
Vogue 9065
If your lapels are so wide that they cover the shoulders of your SLEEVELESS BLAZER, you’re doing it wrong.
Vogue 1430
No comment on the pattern itself – my question is: Where the hell did they find this fabric, and do you think I can still get my hands on some?
Vogue 9069
Vogue 9096: The only time it’s ever socially appropriate to wear a bathrobe out in public.
Vogue 9057
The neck binding is not flat and that is bothering me way more than I care to admit.
Vogue 9060
Vogue 9060: When bad things Marcy Tilton happens to good people.
Vogue 9059
Frumpsville, population: This chick.
Vogue 9056 & Vogue 9055
So, these are pretty cute – basic knit tops with a few options. Just wondering, though, why the hell they have darts?? I thought that was the whole beauty of knits, that you could eliminate darts (barring giant FBAs or anything like that), and yet here they are. What’s the deal here?
Vogue 9074
Hey! I actually don’t hate this one. Ok, so that purse is definitely not my style, but let’s all just sit back and appreciate that it looks like a REAL PURSE you’d buy at, say, Macy’s. It doesn’t scream homemade – it actually looks pretty legit! (not that there is anything wrong with homemade purses – I’ve made my fair share of quilting cotton bags! But I think it’s safe to say one has definitely leveled up if they managed to make something that looks this pro, you know?). It even has little purse feet! Eee! Thumbs up for this one. I might pick up the pattern just to get a lurk on the instructions.
Vogue 9070
Ughhh I’m going to get so much shit for expressing my distaste – but I hate everything about this! The shape, the fabric, THE DANGLIES!
Anyway- what are your thoughts? See any patterns you love or hate? I gotta say, I’m disappointed to not see any Ralph Rucci 😦 I was excited to see what they’d come up with.
EDIT Just spoke with Meg (of the McCall Pattern Company fame) and she’s going through some family things right now, so there may be a delay in replies to the comments on her end. Just FYI!
LLADYBIRD 
Well… no Vogue pattern this time – again. I love some fabrics they used – and I would like to get some as well :-).
Regarding Vogue 9056 & Vogue 9055 – I am asking as well the same question – why darts! It it knit fabric!
Are you going to purchase/use any of the patterns from the weinter collection?
Possibly the purse (just to see the instructions), but I’m not really seeing anythig in this collection that is ~speaking~ to me, so I probably won’t make anything up.
Hope Vogue is paying royalties to Celine for the super-obv copy of their ‘Boston’ bag. Not cool.
BTW … how’s the coat sewing going on?
Coat sewing is good 🙂 A little slow, so I’m glad to have a cohost for this sewalong 🙂
LOL that indeed looks like a thong!!
LOL indeed that looks like a thong!
Am i weird if I say I actually sort of like this thong-like design? (even though I’m pretty sure I’d not wear this dresse on a daily basis?)
Not at all weird. I like it too. I wish though slightly smaller gaps/hols in this ‘thong part’.
I think it’s cute! Just not for me 🙂 The thong comment was way too good to not share with y’all, though, haha
I like 1422 and 1425, but I don’t need a party dress at all. i need an everyday dress with sleeves. Vogue forgot what they were this go round.
There is nothing special about the lines of the Tracy Reese dress, but I would kill to get my hands on that fabric.
You & me both. I am dying to know where that fabric came from!
i swear i saw that fabric in an episode of vampire diaries last night, and almost jumped through the TV.
I’ve been reading your blog for a while, wanted to say I love it when you review these patterns! It always cracks me up. I only disagree with you on 1426. I feel like if you cut that wierd ruffle off around the knees it could be a really cute little party dress
You’re right! I think the dress as it is photographed is a bit over the top (well… speaking as a 5’2″ woman. I’m sure a taller lady could rock the shit out of it), but taking off a chunk of the ruffles would really make it super cute 🙂
I like the detailing of the 9046. It’s very intriguing to me. However, since I generally don’t buy a lot of patterns, I probably won’t buy this one, or at least wont for a while.
In the 1970s I was very particular about sewing with Vogue Patterns only. I am thankful for Etsy and the abundance of vintage Vogue. None of these appeal to me. Vogue, please reissue the DVF patterns!
All of us (including Vogue!) wish those DVF patterns would get reissued, but DVF won’t renew the licensing to make that a reality. Trust me, we ALL want those damn patterns! Except DVF, apparently, so selfish! 🙂
They do show up on eBay, but the prices are ridiculous. Could always trace it and sell again though.
Dear ladybird, if you were to make that bag you could get in it afterwards. It is huge!
Ooh, wouldn’t that be fun though 🙂
Lol! Great review again. I so agree about the darts thing!!!why??!!
And Connie is right…you could probably fit in that ginormous purse!
Thong…… Almost ended up with tea splattered all over the computer screen!
Aw, I feel like you were so harsh! Funny, but harsh. Do you really dislike all of these? I do have to give you credit, though, for pointing out the thong neckline on the bellville sassoon…. I really didn’t notice that, but now it’s all I notice. I personally like the suit, and I’m super happy it has cup size variations. I’ve also been looking for a bathrobe coat, so I think that’s cool! But man, some of this Marcy Tilton stuff – who would wear that skirt????
I definitely dislike a few of them, but most of this is just commentary 🙂 I don’t think there’s anything harsh about not liking the style or styling of something! I’m not knocking the people who do like these patterns (you do you and all that!). I do like that suit, but I do not like the fabric they chose to make it up in. It looks like it was made out of a tent.
And Marcy Tilton, as much as I find her designs a bit ridiculous, has a HUGE fan base. I wouldn’t wear her designs, but they are very very popular.
Is it because you’re not quite so snarky as usual, and therefore not inducing us to think the same? i don’t know but I think there are some good things in this issue. I like the 9046 dress for instance.
No, I honestly don’t think this collection has much to hate on! It’s fairly normal this season 🙂
Damn you and your witty views! I loved the Bellville Sassoon one at first sight and now I can’t get g-string out of my brain. Maybe you did me a favour – as one of the few females in my office I definitely don’t want to remind my male (engineer) colleagues that I might wear underwear….hehe. Just after I started working there I won a voucher for designer underwear at a charity auction. I am yet to live it down! Rachel ☺PS. I like days in knit tips that don’t have negative ease. Am I banished? 😜
Wait, you got DESIGNER UNDERWEAR? That’s actually kind of fucking fabulous. You should make the dress and model it after your underwear… matchy matchy inside and out lol. 😛
Ha! Dude, when you come to the UK come up to a Edinburgh. I have the feeling we could share many irreverent laughs over tasty things to eat and drink (plus it’s beautiful. And men wear kilts). 😄
But seriously, what’s up with the bad ’90s makeup paired with all the designer patterns that are decidedly not ’90s influenced. It’s really throwing me off.
I actually like the makeup, but I’m a 90s baby at heart so there’s that 🙂
This was a pretty boring release, with the exception of that incredible Tracy Reese fabric (which also distracts you from noticing the simplest “designer” pattern imaginable). I am thinking about the Rebecca Taylor dress, though, just because I have this feeling that if I make all her patterns I might look cool, even if I don’t totally believe in them at first.
Ain’t nothing wrong with a simple pattern, though! Sometimes you just want a plain backdrop to let the fabric shine 🙂 Also – most of the designer patterns have cool techniques included in the instructions, so there might be something amazing about that pattern that we just don’t know about.
On that one it seams to be that there’s some hand beading at the centers of the flowers. But beyond the fabric, the only selling point is that Mrs. Obama wore it. Certainly could be a great basic but I think that’s why it was offered even though the lines aren’t as interesting as previous Tracy Reese.
I absolutely adore 9046, it’s such a fun, unique design but with no ruffles or danglies! The rest are all meh or bleh.
I think I love 9046…even though marking all those tucks would cause me to have a stroke. I also love 1422 but only because of the basic style lines…I would frankenpattern the shit out of that V-back!
Blah. I struggle with Vogue (mainly because.. !!£17!!?!) It feels so heavily pointed towards the 50+ market. Nothing wrong with that and probably why indie patterns are awesome BUT I see way more exciting photo shoots in free magazines. It’s like a whole book dedicated to curing insomnia. I just don’t ever feel the patterns justify the cost/offer a real alternative to the other big companies.
When I reached an age when I started to appreciate the Tiltons’ patterns, I wept.
LOL
I am one month shy of sixty and I don’t ever want to be old enough to wear them!
I like the coat, actually! If I had a higher frustration threshold with sewing right now, I’d be all over it, as I need a coat like that for fall, but threshold, meet low bar. Some day…
Hilarious! I always enjoy your comments about Vogue. That “thong” dress. I do think the poor lady is suffering from an extreme wedgie very well – only a slight wince and buckling at the knees!
I don’t know why the darts are there with patterns being geared towards ‘average’ proportions, but I do know from experience that if you’re a busty woman, there are just times when you need darts, even in knit fabrics. BUT even then it’s usually with sleeveless garments, not ones like these. So yes… weird?
I ❤ all your comments, hilarious!!! I couldn't agree more on all of them! Holy crap, what are they doing with some of these?! That last red jacket is heinous…..just…gross.
Wow, what a snooze fest. Not a thing I’m remotely interested in. At least that beaded fabric woke me up a bit.
When I was younger, I sewed Vogue because I thought it made me extra bitchin. (It was the 70s, remember.) Plus I was showing off; I’ve always really loved it when people say, “Seriously, you MADE that?????” I get off on that and it counter-acted my crippling lack of self esteem. Now that I’m 64, I have plenty of self-esteem, but I still love Vogue patterns for their classic elegance. I’m much more interested in fabulousness “for my age” than blowing socks off because I sew well. So Vogue has worked, does work, and continues to work for me. Now if I can just avoid getting too fat to look awesome in them.
Hey Lauren! I’ve had a good laugh at your criticism. All criticism should be like that, cinical and without pity, Hahaha! I agree with you everywhere, but I have to recon I like the four first patterns a lot! Not that we need a pattern to make those dresses (maybe the first one requires one), but they are real inpirational. As for the rest… you’ve said it 😉
I have to admit, I was considering making that Marcy Tilton skirt in a dark solid in an attempt to add more Eileen Fisheresque garments to my work cadre…
why would anyone give you shit for hating on 9070? it is HIDDY. i think my grandma rocked that exact same coat–red crushed velvet & all–while touring the south dakota badlands in her RV in 1992.
You know, terrible coat and all… your grandma sounds like one badass bitch 🙂
I just received a pamphlet of Vogue’s fall/winter collection with my 2nd RR pattern order. It’s a fold out poster with thumbnails, and has all these plus a few in house designs with only drawings. The only design I find really great is the Badgley Mishka. I agree with you
about the fabric for the 1430, it’s very cool.
Selling point for 9070 is the danglies–my cats would lose their minds over that.
But I mean they go a little nuts when I lay out fabric to inspect it/finish raw edges before pre-washing. And if I leave scraps on the floor (especially weird-shaped scraps). And if I set something down to mark buttonhole placement.
What I’m saying is, my cats like fabric A LOT and there’s just no reason to go to all that effort for a weird coat covered in danglies to entertain them.
But maybe it was designed for humans owned by pickier cats.
Cripes that was a good read! Hilarious! And don’t try to sugar coat what you think. Any designer who tries to make a dress out of a thong or a wife beater deserves to receive a review like that. Totally with you on the Bathrobe-goes-coat…BARF! My husband would probably think it’s an old towel and cut it up to wash the truck. But I do totally disagree with you on 9065. Those aren’t lapels; they are Yoda’s ear muffs. WTF???
Long time lurker here… I actually kind of like V9059. A little frumpy but has potential… then I looked at view C which has something called “applied sleeve heading.” This looks like a peasant sleeve with the sleeve cap seam allowance is on the outside. I can’t see the logic behind that move Vogue.
Oh yeah, 9059 can probably be decent if made up in the right fabric. It’s just that the drawing is TERRIBLE haha. And wtf at that applied sleeve heading! WHAT.
The more I look at the first one, the more I like the blue and white contrast idea. Maybe just less overwhelmingly ruffly, somehow?
But then again…you know, the more I look at it, the less overwhelming it seems. The style is otherwise quite simple, and the colors and fabric are understated. That allows a little more breathing room for the ruffles, I think. And the styling is good with it IMO – no necklace, unobtrusive hairdo, matchy shoes – nothing is really competing with the ruffles for attention and thus causing eyestrain. Maybe I’d (well, not *me* of course god forbid) wear even a simpler bracelet and non-strappy shoes.
And it might seem perfectly fine at any occasion you’d wear such a dress in the first place (a gala, a ball, a red carpet…I mean, probably not your neighbor’s Christmas party).
Huh, you mean people actually LIKE Marcy Tilton patterns? I just thought they were one gigantic troll from the pattern companies.
Yup, home sewers can’t get enough of the patterns from Marcy Tilton and Katherine Tilton. Consistently bestsellers; people like art-teacher chic. And yeah, Marcy and Katherine are real people and super-fun. Had dinner with Katherine at the American Sewing Expo and she is a hoot. —Meg
Interesting to know! I always wondered about them. I’m not much of a fan of the patterns but they are inspirations for wannabe fabric designers like me.. 🙂
Heeheehee… I love these posts! Overall I didn’t think there was anything hideous about this group, but nothing that really got me jonesing to buy either. I felt like a lot of them looked… the same? But I think that Claire Schaffer dress could be interesting!
9059 reminds me of a fuller version of the Wiksten tova top that the blogosphere was gaga over. I love when you do these reviews, they crack me up!
I like the first one because it looks like teeth. Like maybe she skinned a (cartoon) shark and made a dress out of it.
The cityscape fabric one is another pattern placement win/epic fail. I like the top version though. It looks like a star trek uniform and I’m into that.
The Tilton patterns give me fat-girl panic attacks. Go into a store for larger women some time. The clothes are basically all designed by someone with the same style as Tilton. And those are the NICE ones. I think it’s fine, I see people wearing those and looking fab, but it’s soooooo not my style and it’s upsetting when that’s all that’s on offer! No assymetrical hems for me, thanks.
But also, what about the coat that is basically a belted blanket, but which also is either MUCH shorter at the back than the front, or else someone photoshopped the back out to create a thigh gap?? (V8965)
Ha! If you look at the line drawing for 8965, it’s just a coat front/scarf hybrid. The back is VERY short – like, just enough to cover the shoulders. I don’t think there’s a photoshopped thigh gap in that picture 🙂
About the darts …..Sandra Betzina has a basic tee shirt pattern for Vogue, and it has darts. I’ve made it six times, and this is why. Even though I have few fitting issues with most patterns, and don’t need any bust adjustments either way, the darts make for a gorgeous fit. Especially if I use a knit with pattern, and the dart is mostly invisible. If I’m making a formfitting tee relying on the stretch of the fabric to really conform, no dart necessary. But if I like just a little ease, and the fabric has a dry hand, a little crepey, or like a rayon knit, and i want the tee to conform but with no actual stretching of the fabric, this dart makes for a super fit. Just saying.
My god you are funny! I love your blog.
Very true on the dart defense! I guess my question is – most of these patterns are sized for “average” proportions (maybe those tops aren’t; I didn’t check) and those with average chests don’t need the added darts. That’s just for those who needs to include a big FBA. That being said, it’s nice that they included them so you don’t have to add them in, guess 🙂
Love your blog and the reviews you do.
Thought it was interesting that there were no comments on the two patterns I am contemplating adding to my stash…V1421 Donna Karan and V1420 Anne Klein.
Both fairly classic and simple looking with interesting cutting lines and details. Understated yet I wouldn’t feel like I’m wearing something from the Dress Barn (what kind of name is that for a clothing line? Like we’re cows or sheep 😦 .
I don’t mind the darts on the raglan sleeve shirts (v9055) ’cause that’s pretty easy to use or not as you like or need. Lately I’m drawn to cowl necklines (living in a cold climate will do that to you) so I like the options on this pattern.
Not impressed with the coat which looks to me like a big, shapeless sack of bathrobe. I have an OOP vogue Anne Klein ‘bathrobe’ style winter coat (from the 90’s I think) and it looks so much better than this new one.
Haha, well, 1420 & 1421 weren’t snarkworthy enough, that’s why they didn’t make it into the post 🙂 I do like 1421 quite a bit, though 🙂
Also, I agree – Dress Barn has always given me a big wtf over the name! I’d love to know the story behind that one.
Bring back the DVF, please. (The pattern I have is not cutting it.) Nothing about this collection makes me want to go out and spend money and actually, that’s probably a good thing. Someone at work today suggested I need an intervention for my sewing habits. Good thing I have blogs like yours so I know I’m not crazy… and I’m not alone. 🙂
The DVF was licensed to Vogue to use in the 70s & 80s, and DVF will not renew the licensing agreement, which is why Vogue can’t reissue them 🙂
Well that is just sad, think of the chunk of change she… (DVF and her heirs) could be re-making by re-issuing it, instead, others are making it on the secondary market. Guess I’ll just have to keep looking for a used one to fit a “big gyrl” or get better at my pattern modification. 🙂
My review of current patterns is never complete until I visit your blog for your complete rundown. Thanks, as usual, for the belly laughs. I especially agree with your feedback on the Tilton patterns — so much fabric used to ill effect. That said, I must confess that I will probably buy several of the new Vogue releases — there are some nice-looking dresses in this crop — they will all need lots of tweaking to fit my shape and size, but I think it will be worth it. And speaking of tweaks — as someone who needs darts in just about everything, I like that the knit tops do have darts — makes it possible for the large-busted among us to consider knits without worrying about looking pregnant. Although I think for those who don’t need/like a dart in a knit top, it might be possible to cut the pattern as intended and sew out the dart excess by stretching along the side seam.
Love this blog!
oh great.. i can fit my life’s worth in that purse. i’ve always wanted to go for the mary kate look.. now i can tote around a purse as big as i am.. i’m not certain if this is sarcasm or envy that’s typing right now.. i’ll have to get back to you on that whenever i sort out my emotions.
The first dress is giving me : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYg5awPAyWM
Vogue 1429. Ugh. That fabric and pattern placement, just, LOLWUT.
These posts always crack me up, thanks for saying what we are all thinking!
I almost kind of like that first evening dress. My sewing group is making evening dresses this winter and I’ve been lurking for a pattern. Maybe with a matte black outside and the contrast lining in shiny black? I feel like it would work.
I shouldn’t have read this at work. Trying to stifle laughter and failing isn’t making me look good. Hahahaha
Hi Lauren, I just saw this, and I did get a chuckle out of it. The thing I like about that bag pattern is that it looks like a really sneaky CHLOE bag knock-off. Tempting!
Just found and follow you, you are right on target with your descriptions, you crack me up.
LMAO. Love your comments….that’s what kept me scrolling to the end 😅😅😅😅