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SEWING MY STASH | VOGUE 8649
This is pattern #7 of my personal challenge to sew 22 patterns that I already have in the year 2022. That means I have 15 old patterns to sew in 6 months. Oh dear! I need to pick up the pace.This is a real oldie but goodie. It came out in 2010 and is Out-of-Print. I don’t remember when I purchased it. What I do know is that I’ve pulled it out many times and kept changing my mind about sewing it. Have you done that? I change my mind all the time. Hahaha!
PATTERN INFORMATION
Vogue 8649 is a semi-fitted, pullover knit top. I love the kimono sleeves, and the hip line length. However, when I pulled it out again in May, I had a different idea. I wanted a simple sheath dress for a wedding. I decided to lengthen the top to below the knee.
You may be able to find the pattern wherever older patterns are sold. While writing this blog post, I checked and saw a few copies on Ebay, Etsy, and Amazon. The pattern calls for Two-way Stretch Knits and the suggestions are: Rayon-Lycra, Cotton Lycra, and Wool Lycra. It’s a beginner-friendly pattern and only requires 4 pattern pieces to make the top. I cut a size 10 and it was perfect for the fabric that I used.
The only notion required is 1/2″ single fold bias tape. You can actually make your own knit bias tape but I used purchased woven bias tape because I had it in the color I wanted. I prefer to use knit bias tape when sewing knit garments, but woven works out fine too.
The upper front comes in 4 different cup sizes (A, B, C, D), making it easier to get the fit you desire.
Fabric Options
I used a beautiful Brushed Poly Knit that I purchased from my local Joann Fabrics. I’m a big fan of brushed poly knit. It’s comfortable and lightweight. Plus, there are so many beautiful prints to choose from. You can also find lots of it online at Fabric.com. They have an abundance of options.
Inside the Garment
Styling Option
I styled the dress with a pair of red, open toe, pumps, pearl earrings and bracelet, ribbon necklace with pearls, and a small, green clutch purse.
Congratulations to the Bride & Groom
Allison, one of the young ladies I mentored from a little girl until high school graduation, married John. They actually got married in 2020, but couldn’t have the wedding they had planned because of the Pandemic. So they exchanged vows with a few family members. Last month we got to celebrate with them as they exchanged vows again and had the reception.
Here is Allison with two more of my young ladies, Mia and Velena! My girls are all grown up. I love them so much.
How would you wear the dress?
Do you have this pattern? If so, how would you style the top? Leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you.
Don't Forget your Sewing Project Checklist
Did you know that I created a Sewing Project Checklist to help you stay organized while sewing your garments? If you missed the video where I shared 3 Steps to Time Saving Sewing for Beginners, check it out to learn how you can streamline your sewing process. Tap the link below to get a Free PDF copy of the Checklist.
Thanks for stopping by,
Remember: When you live in your DESIGN, it is from there that God SHINES!
Links to Products, Posts & Tutorials
Here are links to products, blog posts, and tutorials I mentioned in this post.
- Vogue 8649 (Out-of-Print)
- Sewing Project Checklist
- Brushed Poly Knit Option 1
- Brushed Poly Knit Option 2
- Baby Lock Soprano
- Baby Lock Vibrant
- Baby Lock Euphoria
(DISCLAIMER: This blog post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission on qualifying purchases. All opinions in this post are my own.).)Vogue 86
This Post Has 39 Comments
Your dress looks amazing on you, Anita — so much better than the illustrations on the pattern envelope! Of course the fit is exquisite as usual for you, and the neckline looks like it lays really nice and flat with no gaping. Does this pattern include a dress option or did you lengthen it yourself? Or is there another skirt/dress pattern that you merged with this top pattern to create your dress? I would love to try this one! PS: Thanks for including the inside-out photo. That’s super helpful for beginners to see!
The dress is lovely and so are you. I have seen the lengthening of a top before. I may try it
Ty
B tenley
Thank you, Barbara. I have several top patterns that I’ve lengthened to dress length. And there are many more that I want to lengthen.
OMG I love what you did with this pattern. I think I have this pattern can’t wait to get home and check. Maybe You would like to do a tutorial ?✌
I love all your makes!!!
Thank you, Ginger! I hope you find it in your collection. I decided not to do a tutorial since it’s out of print.
Anita,
I love how you show other options to something so simple. I would not have thought to transform a top into a dress. Thank you for sharing your talent. I love the dress and the fabric. And, may the married couples union be blessed for many years.
Thank you, Trish! Sometimes I see a dress immediately when I look at top patterns. ?
Thank you also for sharing the special day. Beautiful couple and young ladies.
We wish them well!!
Thank you. They’re the cutest couple.
Hi Anita,
That is one simple, but beautiful dress you transformed. Great job!!
How many inches did you lengthen it? Did you start right at the bottom of the blouse?
It’s amazing how you can definitely make clothes in your style to suit you. You gotta love sewing your own clothes.
Thank you so much, Lynette! I can’t believe I forgot to share how I lengthened the dress in this post. I used another pattern and merged the lines. I think it may have been McCall’s 7531, my pattern. You can also measure from the bottom of the top to wherever you want the hem to end on your dress. Yes, LOVE sewing my own clothes.
What a lovely dress! It’s a classic , never going out of style!
Thank you for sharing the information about the fabric, it really is beautiful. My mother used to buy many Vogue patterns which I now have. A few had a small patch to sew inside the garment. There are a few patterns my mother never used so they are just about new! So nice to spend a wonderful occasion
all dressed beautifully!
Yes, definitely a classic. What a treasure to have your mother’s patterns, Jacqueline. And how awesome that they included patches with some of the patterns.
I too have this pattern in my stash. I had seen a review where someone else made it into a dress, so I’ll probably make the top with the material I already have earmarked for it and the dress later. I hang on to all my old patterns, especially the ones with A-B-C-D sizing because I’m lazy and don’t like doing bust adjustments. Thanks for the blog.
Hi Coach Laura! Yes, the patterns with cup sizes are the best. You’re very welcome. Glad you enjoyed the blog post.
Congratulations to the happy couple, their friends and mentor! The dress is a perfect wear for the occasion. I love the print; it will look good for any season. You knocked it out of the park again. I’m lining up a few sewing projects I plan to start soon – a gift, a little home decor, and a few pieces for myself. Thanks for the inspiration!!
You’re very welcome, De! Sounds like you’re gonna have some sewing fun. I love hearing about sewing plans from other SEW Sisters.
Beautiful dress & it fits you perfect. Nice young couple. They young ladies are pretty. Thanks for sharing.?
Thank you so much, Gaynell.
Hi Anita. What a great story about the wedding! Your mentees certainly have grown to be lovely ladies! Your dress is fabulous. I do change my mind all the time! I did so last week, after purchasing fabric from StyleMaker for one of my patterns – but thought it would be better suited to another pattern currently on its way from PDF Plotting. Thank you SO MUCH for sharing the inside of the garment. That helps me so much! If I had to comment on accessories, I am all for a little bling. A shiny choker or a shiny barrette in your hair. Still stunning without though. Have a blessed day!
Thank you, Linda! I love that we can change out minds about our DIY garments. Oh, how awesome to be able to have full control over every aspect of our creations. Oh, yes, the bling is always a plus. You have a blessed day too.
I love the dress and I love your site !
Thank you so much, Mary. I’m so glad to hear that you’re enjoying the blog.
You look stunning in that dress. When my mom passed away in 2007, I was cleaning out her things. She was a master designer and seamstress (daughter did not take after her). Sometimes she used patterns, but she mostly designed her own. I did find some Vogue pattern that were so old, they cost 25 cents. She used to tell me that she had to save up any extra money she had to buy a Vogue pattern because they were more expensive than the other brands. If she really couldn’t afford the pattern, she would tweak the design and create her own. Like you, she was a perfectionist, but every garment was amazing. Like you, she would press all the time. I was too lazy and skipped that, so she used to tell me that my garments scream ‘homemade’ and not in a complimentary way. I’ve learned a lot through your videos. Thank you. Marilyn
Hi Marilyn! Oh, I love hearing about the prices of patterns and sewing tools in the past. I still have a few zippers that I purchased when I first started sewing in the early ’90’s and they were under $1. Sounds like your mom had impeccable sewing skills. I’m glad to hear that you’re learning from my videos.
What a sweet story. Love the dress.
Thank you so much, Simone.
I don’t have this pattern but the dress looks lovely on you. I would love to start sewing old patterns and would love to share. Stay tune and God bless you ❤️.
Awesome, Victoria! Looking forward to hearing about you sewing your old patterns.
The dress is so you. It’s lovely. Glad the bride and groom had the opportunity to really celebrate.
Yes, Henrietta, it is totally my style.
I love sewing with Vogue patterns. Maybe a little more complicated than other patterns, but the longer dresses/gowns fit so well.
Yes, Vogue has some awesome designs.
Very pretty. Perfect fit, very elegant and yet comfortable. It is nice to see people celebrating life again.
Yes, it is very comfortable. And I agree. It’s so nice to be out enjoying life.
That dress is simply beautiful, Anita! And what a lovely bride! Those young ladies are fortunate to have had you as a mentor!
Thank you so much, Laura! I love my young ladies so much.
Very Pretty Anita! Thank you for Sharing!
Thank you so much, Dara!