Vogue V8991 "Sophisticated Perfection"

In Dutch

Vogue V8991 is a Claire Shaeffer designed pattern, published by Vogue. We know Claire Shaeffer from the books: The Couture Cardigan Jacket, Making Designers Trims and The Couture Skirt. In her books she describes how Coco Chanel designed her famous Chanel jacket, the faux-wrap skirt and other classics. The sewing pattern V8991 is an example of a classic Chanel jacket and completely focused on the couture sewing techniques.

Vogue V8991
The vogue pattern: Semi-fitted, lined jacket has stand-up collar, side-front seams, side panels, no side seams, patch pockets, and two-piece, button sleeves with shaped lower edge. Note: Fabric is quilted to lining to provide added body.

The fabrics for this jacket: Lightweight Tweed, Wool Crepe, Boiled Wool. It is advisable to stick to the fabric recommendation.

Notions: Buttons, chain, triming, interfacing and Silk lining fabrics.

Sewing level: advanced
The pattern has been titled "Vogue ADVANCED". We agree with this. Claire Shaeffer provides great detailed instructions, but you must have sewing experience to understand them. The quilting work is a very difficult job if you do not have sewing-experience.

Foto links: Paula Kuitenbrouwer

Sewing-by-hand or 'Hand-sewing'
As mentioned, a lot is work for this project is sewing by hand. You gotta love this. You can find the stitches you need in most books and on the Internet. Claire Shaeffer also explains it nicely, but first learn more about it. Sewing by hand is more than just basting, the stitches have to be really strong and above all demonstrable.

The sleeves consist of two parts and we think the sleeves are quite narrow at the top. Make the pattern out of muslin first, to make sure it fits properly. Sleeves that are too narrow is really a pity. As a result, you cannot move comfortable in the jacket and there is even a chance that you will tear out, especially if you use delicate fabrics such as tweed and Bouclé.

The round sleeve-edges of the sleeves are very difficult to make. If you do not want it make them: 'normal' sleeve edges are perfectly for this jacket as well.

Claire Shaeffer's extra 'couture instructions' are very nice. This allows you to really learn to sew with couture techniques that you will enjoy later on. The instructions are "the secrets of the master". This way you can make a real couture jacket from an affordable pattern and fabric of your choice.

We made the jacket from light grey cotton bouclé. The Bouclé fabric was light and not too loose. This Bouclé offers the possibility to easily make the fringes and finishing with a contrast color: fuchia.

Note: make the fringes from a double row of fabric. This gives a nicer effect and thus the fringes are easier to see. Use an overlocker to make a nice flat edge that you can easily sew onto the jacket. Or rather: between the different pattern pieces.

The Chanel-style jacket has a classic look and is easy to combine with any kind of outfit.

Pros:

• The sewing pattern is timeless and completely in the spirit of Coco Chanel by Claire Shaeffer
• Beautiful quilted and sophisticated in every little detail
• One of the best sewing patterns available for Chanel DIY jackets.
• Great instructions by Claire Shaeffer !

Cons:

• Comfortable? Not at all.  The jacket fits perfectly but the tight sleeves and fitting shape leaves little room for movement and comfort.
• The sleeves are very narrow. Take this into account or adjust it.
• There is a lot of hand sewing involved and the whole sewing project is really a project that will take you a long time.
• Do you have a deadline? Start well in advance or choose a different sewing pattern first.

Summarized:
Vogue V8991 is a special sewing pattern to make the Chanel-Style jacket according to the vision of Coco Chanel and explained by Claire Shaeffer. (in the instructions for this pattern and in all of her books). The instructions are very comprehensive and clear. Yet this jacket remains a challenge for every seamstress.

Keep this in mind if you don't have much experience with 'couture sewing techniques' yet. The sewing pattern is a Chanel-style jacket par excellence. Good luck !