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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: mozeyrn
Date: 05-02-2006, 03:44 PM (1 of 17)
Does anyone know how EZ these really are? Being that it's Vogue, I'm thinking it must be like an Advanced Simplicity?
- Maureen.
Learning something new with every stitch!!
Kenmore 16231000
User: mozeyrn
Member since: 11-29-2005
Total posts: 349
From: DorothyL
Date: 05-02-2006, 04:57 PM (2 of 17)
I've always liked Vogue -- except the price. They always seem to fit together nicely and I never had problems with the instructions. If you don't understand something just ask Pam. That's what she is here for.
Dorothy
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: paroper
Date: 05-02-2006, 06:33 PM (3 of 17)
Oh, is that what she is here for? I'd be happy to help.

Honestly, the Vogue patterns have had a very difficult reputation and for years I avoided them as much as possible. In the past few years I find myself making more and more of their patterns and I don't really find anything that difficult about them. I have found some interesting things in their designs like my daughter's (non) wedding dress where the pointed sleeve was in two pieces and the center back was on the same pattern piece as the back sleeve portion. Also, in that design the front was Empire and the back was at the waistline with the whole top in a princess design. Unusual, yes, but not terribly complicated.

The pattern instructions have been very good and I really do like the fit..I just haven't found any surprises in the measurments and the outcome of the pattern (for a change)!!! I have found a few places where I feel that they didn't necessarily use the best method for the job, but their instructions were clear, precise and certainly took care of the job. Beware though, one of the weddings I did had 5 bridesmaids. There were 36 individual fabric pieces for each garment along with boning, beads in the neckline and around the pointed lace sleeves. The outcome was beautiful and it had nothing to do with my sewing. The design was just unbelievably beautiful and it was the most fun I've had in years. I even made my dgd's Easter dress from a Vogue pattern this year! I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with their patterns!
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: Sancin
Date: 05-03-2006, 03:42 AM (4 of 17)
I have to ditto the comments on Vogue. For many, many, many years the only patterns I would use were Vogue d/t the styling and while pricy I did try to keep an eye out for sales and buy either basic designs I could adapt or 'drop dead, damn the cost' patterns. On occasion the designer clothes the instructions left a bit to be desired, but along the lines that Pam mentioned. I sure have learned a lot from them. I have never yet had a McCalls pattern fit. Having said all that I have gained quite a bit of weight in the last few years and am now finding that I can't fit the Vogue patterns as I used to and I don't care for their plus size clothes (intended for 6 ft biggies it seems). I am using more Butterick and Simplicity, mainly as I am retired and not the social butterfly that I was and I don't need designer clothes. I have 5 boxes of old patterns in my basement that I started to go through the other day and found myself saving more than I intended to not because I will make them again, but because this or that design feature can/may be used again, like the size 12 bridesmaid dress from 1964 with a unique bodice that I have used a number of times with different skirts.

The Vogue EZ patterns are just that and they are not advanced Simplicity. I wouldn't hesitate to make them or to recommend them to a beginner.

I have subscribed to Vogue Pattern Magazine since 1964 and with reluctance am letting my subscription go this year. I am getting just too many magazines, their new patterns are on line, many of their sewing instructions are becoming repetative and I can read the tips and letters while waiting in line for groceries - one reason not to be frustrated with the new high school and college cashiers this time of year!!

Pam, isn't nice to know the reason you are here!! :bluewink: But honestly, you really are one of the best things about this forumn
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005
Total posts: 895
From: paroper
Date: 05-03-2006, 04:06 AM (5 of 17)
Thank you! You guys are always around to give a nice lift to my day!
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: Patty22
Date: 05-03-2006, 04:06 PM (6 of 17)
I have found that Vogue patterns have a nicer fit than the other companies. Vogue has always been known as the leader in couture for home sewing.

Definitely try the Easy patterns and before you know it you'll be doing the Issey Miyake designs with a million pieces, lots of texture and fabric on the bias :wink:

Patty
Patty
User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006
Total posts: 1194
From: bluebirdie
Date: 05-04-2006, 01:12 PM (7 of 17)
Hm... I never dare to try Vogue pattern before. After reading Pam's insight, I must get one and give it a try sometimes.

Thanks for sharing!
- Robin
User: bluebirdie
Member since: 03-12-2006
Total posts: 139
From: sewing maven
Date: 05-05-2006, 09:30 PM (8 of 17)
I have worked with all the types of Vouge Patterns, from easy to advanced. They always have really well written instructions. I would shy from Burda though as I find the instructions impossible to follow. I am an advanced sewer and have even taken pattern making and draping classes and I still get confussed by Burda. The trick is to take each step one at a time. When you get to the end of a sentace - STOP and perform only that step. Have Fun! Lisa
User: sewing maven
Member since: 04-02-2006
Total posts: 11
From: mommydionne
Date: 05-06-2006, 08:03 AM (9 of 17)
I love vogue patterns, I get frustrated with others b/c they are not always the best drafted. the easy ones are easy and advanced and make you wonder at times but once you figure out what they mean ( the instructions can be odd at times) the outfit usually goes together well.
and Pam we LOVE having you here too!! :up:
Jeanette
User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004
Total posts: 838
From: lindalberk
Date: 05-06-2006, 03:43 PM (10 of 17)
Having worked at Butterick/Vogue for 32 years before they were bought out by McCalls in 2001 I've always sewn them because they were very accessible and now that I have to purchase other brands I find the fit is not what it is with B&V. I have made many wedding gowns, bridesmaids dresses, childrens clothes using Vogue and have had great results. Can't say the same for McCalls. I made a First Communion dress for my grand-daughter last year and followed the measurements for the size and it was way too large for her.

I ended up buying more material and making it again in a smaller size instead of altering it . Never had that problem with B&V. So I would highly recommend them.

Linda
User: lindalberk
Member since: 11-13-2002
Total posts: 2
From: ChoctawCharli
Date: 05-06-2006, 04:10 PM (11 of 17)
Time and time again, I find myself returning to Vogue patterns. Even with my weight and distribution thereof. By following their style block recommendations (hourglass, triangle (both ways), or rectangle) (I use the rectangle even though I am closer to an oval) I have rarely made a garment that looks bad on my figure. AND they fit! My favorites are the Sandra Betzina Today's Fit patterns. The one's I use most are now out of print, so I am so glad I traced them off! I use the tracings to make what little adjustments I need to make. Sit back and enjoy your Vogue patterns. They make wonderful garments with clear and consise instructions.
CharliAnn =^..^=
User: ChoctawCharli
Member since: 03-10-2005
Total posts: 22
From: Dee Dee Warren
Date: 05-08-2006, 08:40 PM (12 of 17)
I have only made one so far, and I understood the instructions. The fit though was not something I cared for, it was a sundress and the shoulder straps are wide enough apart for a football player.
Xena the Sewing Princess ~ I have many skills
User: Dee Dee Warren
Member since: 04-25-2006
Total posts: 49
From: LillianTXSewer
Date: 05-12-2006, 07:52 PM (13 of 17)
I have enjoyed following this thread _ - I haven't sewn garments for more than 15 years now and when I did I always stayed away from Vogue patterns fearing they were too difficult. IF only there had been "board discussions" back then, I may not have been so frustrated with my garment results and quit sewing.
But, I just recently bought a New Bernina 440 QE for quilting and have found myself "dabbling" in garment sewing again. SO, I just may peruse the Vogue patterns now and try some of their Easy patterns for starters.

Thanks to all for your positive input. :smile:
User: LillianTXSewer
Member since: 03-28-2006
Total posts: 2
From: paroper
Date: 05-13-2006, 02:40 AM (14 of 17)
That would be a wonderful machine for garment sewing as well. It handles and sews very very well. Congratulations on your choice!
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: Ronda Sews
Date: 05-14-2006, 08:02 AM (15 of 17)
I have the 400QE and use it for garment sewing, too. :up: I haven't tried Vogue yet, but am going to. They will be on sale at Joann's over Memorial weekend so I've started perusing their patterns to see what I'd like to try.

I've been kind of afraid of them, too, but have seen some Beginner's making nice garments with them, so figured if they can do it- so can I.

It's good to know that they are well fitted, too. Is it better to buy according to the finished garment size. Also, I buy and sew the tops according to the High Bust measurement in the McCalls, Butterick and Simplicity. I find they fit better that way- plus I look at the finished garment size very carefully. Is Vogue similar?

Ronda
Bernina Aurora 440QE
User: Ronda Sews
Member since: 04-07-2006
Total posts: 25
From: Bama
Date: 06-05-2006, 10:59 PM (16 of 17)
Vogue and Butterwick patterns will be 75% off at Hancock Fabrics on June 22-24. In store only. I just got my sales flyer. :up:
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000
Total posts: 2116
From: Shellymoon
Date: 06-06-2006, 09:55 PM (17 of 17)
I'm marking that on my calendar. I love the Vogue Patterns!
Shelly Moon
User: Shellymoon
Member since: 05-27-2001
Total posts: 240
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