Vogue V8333 in red Suede

Vogue V8333
Vogue V8333 is a Claire Shaeffer sewing pattern published by Vogue. We know Claire Shaeffer from the books: The Couture Cardigan Jacket, Making Designers Trims and The Couture Skirt. She describes in her books how Coco Chanel designed her famous Chanel jacket, the faux wrap skirt and other classics.

The sewing pattern V8333 is not a sewing pattern for a classic Chanel jacket, but a tailor-made jacket. It is almost a personal workshop/study to learn many couture sewing techniques.

The perfect blazer
The Vogue sewing pattern is a pattern for a 'semi-fitted' (we do not agree, the blazer is very tailored and has a tight shape), lined blazer, complete with extra inner lining, princess lines, slightly extended shoulders, shoulder pads, pockets with pleated sides panels (no side seams), a shaped hem. Two-piece sleeves with buttons at the sleeve ends.
Last but not least: with couture constructions on the inside.

Recommended fabrics are: wool for (men's) suits, wool crepe or brocade. Stiff/strong fabrics are needed to create the perfect shape of the blazer.

Advanced sewing level
The sewing pattern has been labelled "Advanced". This is not a superfluous comment. You really need a lot of  sewing skills and knowledge of couture sewing techniques. But it can be done and it is a great challenge.

Pros:

• The sewing pattern is a 'free' masterclass or study by Claire Shaeffer
  
• The jacket is super chic!
• Lots of details and timeless elements
• The jacket is a pure classic.
• Tailor-made with capital letters!

Cons:

• This will keep you busy for a while, take your time for it and finish each step properly before you start the next one.
• Stick to the fabric advice. With other types of fabric, this jacket is really not going to be as beautiful as intended.
• Do you have a deadline? Start a few weeks before the due-date!

Our project
We have created the jacket by using red suede fabric. 

The pleat at the bottom with inside-pocket is easier than we thought it would be. It also gives a nice shape to the blazer and the waist is really nicely designed.

The sleeves are also super nice shaped. Pay close attention to the sleeves.  If you really stick to the instructions with extra care about the interfacing, the sleeves will create the perfect 'couture' look.

We have made the jacket step-by-step as Claire Shaeffer explains in the accompanying instructions. We also went through the couture tips with a close look. And we learned a lot !! The result is not hundred percent good as we hoped, because of the collar that could have been better. But we are satisfied with the result anyway.

Summarized:
Vogue V8333 is not only a sewing pattern for a perfect tailor-made jacket but also a kind of masterclass or study. The sewing pattern designer Claire Shaeffer explains the entire process and is giving many couture tips.
The making off the jacket requires a lot of time, experience and techniques but it is a great challenge for every seamstress.

Apart from adding a beautiful timeless classic jacket in your wardrobe, you will be proud because now you learned to create the real couture jacket!