vogue 8811 – WeSewRetro.com

Mad About Plaid! (Vogue 8811, c. 1940)

By Bex on September 15, 2014

Hands up who loves a good plaid?

When I came across this plaid fabric in my local Spotlight, I knew immediately that it was perfect for Vintage Vogue 8811.

And the dress has my favourite design detail – a pocket!

The Good:
– Everything? I love the drape of the skirt, the fit of the bodice, the fabric. Also, one of my best side zipper insertions.

The Bad:
– nothing

The Meh:
– I think I need to make a further short waist tuck, as it’s probably still a fraction long in the torso. I can live with it though.

Mods:
– Not using shoulder pads
– Made sure the plaid didn’t make a ‘+’ shape at my bust apex (boobs) as that would look awkward…. Hello girls!

This pattern is super easy, I’d definitely recommend it as a different way to use tartan/plaid fabric. It’s also a great everyday vintage style, perfect for work.

As always, more about it on my blog…

12 Comments

1940s | Dresses

Lobster Dress

By Joni on June 12, 2013

I fell in love with this Michael Miller lobster print the moment I set eyes on it. I don’t even know why, since I don’t really care for seafood, but it was so obnoxious I had to have it. For the dress I used Vogue 8811 – this was my first Vintage Vogue, in fact it was my first Vogue pattern period!

The pattern came together fairly quickly and easily, even though I decided to make it harder on myself and line the bodice. I did an invisible zipper by hand and made a belt to match, both of which used to scare me silly! I also hand-stitched the hem – and that is a LOT of hem – while I was sitting by the pool for my kids’ swim lessons today. It was fun because people kept asking me what I was making.

I’m so jealous of those of you who show lovely photos of your creations! I don’t have anyone that can photograph me well, don’t have a decent backdrop, and don’t look good in most photos anyway. However, I think you can see what a fun dress this will be. I can’t wait to wear it on our vacation to Florida next month! And now the wheels are turning, I want to make six or seven more of this pattern in more obnoxious novelty prints.

30 Comments

1940s | Dresses

My 1940 Sew for Victory Cotton Dress

By tanya maile on March 12, 2013

I’ve just finished my first sewing challenge — Lucky Lucille’s “Sew for Victory” challenge!

Lucky me, I already had the pattern (Vintage Vogue 8811) and the fabric and the intention of making this dress for myself anyway. I previously made this dress for a client and thought it would be cute to make for ME as well!

I used a peacock blue stretch cotton broadcloth and fully lined it. I thought that a self fabric covered buckle would be a bit too monotonous for this dress and instead used this vintage buckle that I found at a sewing show in the Bay Area a few weeks ago.

I opted not to put the darts in the back and added a little fabric to the bodice so that I’d have more of a blouson effect.

I found this vintage buckle in my grandma’s button box. It was used and probably from the 40s-50’s. I opted not to make a thread loop for the back as I was lazy…..plus, I like ribbon better anyway. 🙂

I can’t wait to wear this dress and liven it up with some snazzy jewelry and some espadrilles! I promise to have photos of myself in a dress the next time I post on here. 🙂

2 Comments