Spring 2012 Collection – Vogue Patterns

It’s February 1 and the spring 2012 patterns are starting to arrive.  It feels like an early spring day today in Boston, but looking at the calendar, I’m certain that we will have many more winter-like days ahead of us, even into April.  It’s never too early to start planning your sewing for the next season (just ordered some fabric and patterns last week!), so here’s a peak at what I’m already planning to make this spring.

V1287 – Donna Karan
Maybe it’s the print that drew me in to this pattern, but it looks likes a lot of fun to make and wear.  The only thing I’m apprehensive about are those side pockets/bands – I’m not a fan of anything that draws attention to hips or makes them appear to be larger.  I’ll have to see this made up on some “real” sewers before I decide to take the plunge and sew this one.

V1294 – Anne Klein
Even though this top is not considered to be flattering to my body shape (I’ll be writing a post on that topic later), I love the design of the neck flounce and the tailoring of this blouse.  You could dress this up for work or dress it down with a pair of jeans for running errands.

V8784 – Very Easy Very Vogue
I’m determined to master the wrap-dress this year: I’ve never found one that fit my bust, either in RTW dresses or those sewn by myself.  It’s a style that I’ve given up on, but the skirt and the styling on this dress is adorable.  This just may be the dress that could work for me with a few tweaks.

 

V8787 – Vogue Easy Options
What a versatile dress pattern, I understand why it’s called “easy options!”  What I really like about this pattern is the above style in the peppermint-stripe fabric that is cut on the bias for the bodice and skirt but on the straight grain for the waist band.  It would be darling in a navy blue and white stripe double knit as well.

V8790 – Very Easy Very Vogue
So far three of the four patterns I’ve listed from this collection are dresses, which I have a weakness for in the warm months, but I really need to expand my sewn wardrobe and make more sportswear.  This pattern has a sleeveless, short sleeve, and long sleeve option, so it could transcend the spring season and be an all-year pattern with some changes in fabric.

V8792 – Vogue Easy Options
Again, it’s the striped fabric that drew me to this pattern.  It could be an interesting top to try mixing prints, a fashion trend for the spring, such as a large polka dot mixed with a small polka dot insert.  Or perhaps a contrasting color insert – there’s a couple of options to take what could be a boring long sleeve top to a higher fashion level.

V8791 – Custom Fit
This is another top that I’ll wait and see what other sewers come up with.  It has a cool, artsy vibe to it, and I’d style it with skinny cropped pants like on the model.  I prefer the tank and short sleeve style of this top, but I’m afraid of looking shapeless in a top like this.  Neat concept, but I’ll wait a little bit on this one.

A note to Vogue Patterns – I appreciate the attempt to style the pattern photos like in a fashion magazine, but don’t underestimate how important it is to get a clear, unobstructed view of the front and back of these patterns.  It makes it really hard to figure out how a dress or top will look on me if I’m standing up straight and facing front, such as these patterns here, here, and here.  I’m all for elevating sewing to another level, but I need a good idea of how a garment really looks before I invest my money and time into a project.  An illustration is not the same as a photo of a real person wearing clothes.