Vogue V1751: a couture workshop!

In Dutch

Vogue V1751 is a jacket designed by the well-known designer and Chanel couture expert Claire Shaeffer. Therefore, this jacket is not just any jacket, but a couture jacket. The sewing pattern is a complete couture workshop, meticulously explained in over 90 steps, detailing how the pattern comes together.

A significant amount of handwork is involved. However, this jacket presents a real challenge for hobbyist sewers and serves as an incredibly instructive lesson!

Vogue 1751

Vogue 1751 is not for sale in the Netherlands, but you can still find the sewing pattern here and there on the internet, usually on platforms like Marktplaats, Etsy, or Ebay. (Note: the prices vary significantly... and that's an understatement!)

This pattern is specifically for just one jacket, no variations possible. However, you can certainly add your own twist, like I did, using different colors of fabric. I made this jacket more 'casual' by using a checkered fabric and adding leather elbow patches.

Make sure to follow the fabric recommendations strictly; there's little room for deviation in that aspect. The recommended fabrics are men's suiting, brocade, and wool crepe. These are slightly stiffer and thinner types of fabric, although wool crepe often has a very fluid drape.

My Experience:
The instructions are easy to follow. That's why I didn't create a photo tutorial, but I did take plenty of photos of specific steps in the making process.

Pros:

• A couture workshop! and perfect explanation/schematic drawings
• No pitfalls in this sewing pattern
• Beautiful couture jacket as the end result!
• Lots of handwork, perfect for enjoying a Netflix series or audiobook while sewing :>)

Cons:

• The sewing pattern offers little room for fitting or mid-process alterations, unlike Chanel-style jackets.
• The shape, like in the jacket below from Claire Shaeffer, Vogue V8333, is quite roomy at the top and snug at the bottom, despite the slits at the bottom...
• Not for beginners!!!
• Limited variation in types of fabric possible.

Overall, it's a beautiful and highly instructive sewing pattern. I don't think I'll ever shy away from things like bounded buttonholes or reinforced sleeve heads again. It's all suddenly a breeze :>)"