Review: Vogue 1507 | Paisley + Pinstripes Print Mixing!
12:00 AM
I've never been the biggest fan of prints, so when I find some that I like, it's true love! I fell in love with this crisp Dark Midnight Paisley Printed Cotton Poplin which is unfortunately sold out, but there is still some available in the yellow colorway. I knew it would be great for this top.
And since I knew that I would be making the pants also, I wanted a complimenting fabric, so I picked this Italian Navy Pinstriped Blended Linen. It's a cotton/linen blend with 1% of polyester. Just enough to keep them from wrinkling like crazy.
Vogue 1507, by designer Rachel Comey is taken straight from her Spring/Summer 2015 Collection. So I wanted to use similar types of fabric that I knew would work for both of these designs.
I cut the Rachel Comey Bowtie Crop top in a size 12. The fit of the top is quite generous. I probably could've cut the size 10. But I just tied the knot tighter, which worked out to my advantage and made the back "bra-friendly". The top is a layered design with scant narrow hems... lots of them! I felt like I was hemming this all day, but it was so worth it in the end.
Because the wrong sides will show on the hang of the flutter sleeves. And those tiny hems create a beautiful flirty swinginess. This fabric was perfect and handled wonderfully. With this type of hemming, you need a fabric that's crisp and takes heat well.
I cut the Rachel Comey Expedition Pants in a size 14. I was shocked at how long the inseams are on these. I normally have to add at least 3" to the length, I didn't add any to these. I suppose they're drafted long with the intent to cuff them up like on the designer's version. I did have to take in the waist, they were very loose as these are high-waisted pants.
The back waistband is faced, but the front is simply a single layer of fabric with a narrow hem. If I were making these again, I'd interface the front panel and probably use something thin like lining fabric as the facing. I feel that they could benefit from stabilizing, because after I've been sitting that the waist may grow.
What the pattern company failed to mention on the back of the envelope is that you're supposed to use a "separating" 6" zipper. I had a regular metal 6" zipper. I even did an online search and I didn't find any separating zippers that short. So I had to do a LOT of maneuvering to get that zipper where it's supposed to be.
But I like the asymmetrical design with the fold over pleating effect that's created. Even though it takes some shimmying to pull these up and down.
I really like these pants because they're interesting. The go together really quickly. They're different than just a plain pair of tailored trousers and a lot more special than a basic pair of jeans. So these are two winning wardrobe pieces added to my collection.
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29 comments
Oh my gosh, these pants are on my wish list. Love your outfit by the way. Both pieces are gorgeous! I've been having a heck of a time finding a 6" separating zipper here as well and blogged about my search earlier today. Someone commented with a link to a zipper supplier in New York and I just ordered a 6" separating zipper. I hope to make the pants soon. Thanks for the review and I'll keep a note on facing the front panel.
ReplyDeleteSo it wasn't just me? I thought I was absolutely crazy in my unsuccessful search. It would be great if Meg at McCall's did a post about this and list some sources. Thanks Graca!
DeleteHaha! I was just about to say, "So short separating zippers must not be a THING because someone else was looking for one!" :)
DeleteLove the whole look Erica! May reconsider the top since it can be bra friendly!
Thanks Kisha!
DeleteI should have mentioned that it was Alexandra V. who commented on my blog that zipperstop.com does custom sizing on some of their separating zippers. I placed my order for two on the weekend. I'll write about the experience when it arrives.
DeleteAwesome to know!
DeleteYou can actually shorten any zipper to the length you need! Take the longer zipper, remove teeth until the length you want (I use pliers) and then crimp a zipper stop on each side. Here is a nice illustrated guide: http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/17475/pulling-teeth-tips-to-shorten-zippers/page/all
DeleteAbsolutely beautiful :)
ReplyDeleteThanks DK's Wife!
DeleteI love your detailed notes and pictures on this Vogue pattern. Wonderful job on maneuvering the zipper.
ReplyDeleteDominica
www.3degreesdb.com
Thanks Dominica!
DeleteAnother great look! These pants are on my sewing to-do list so thanks for the heads up on the zipper!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sharon!
DeleteLove this! The whole ensemble is fun and chic! Thanks for warning us about that zipper.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tomasa!
DeleteI'm in love! I don't know how I missed this pattern! I love the top it's so flirty, sexy and original. I'm getting this right now. Of course I like your version better . The pants are the perfect complement to off set the femininity; you picked a perfect pinstripe. I would love these pants in anything they are very original. You made a home run, as far as I'm concerned. Thanks for the post , I didn't even know this patterned existed.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ines!
DeleteErica
ReplyDeleteMy favorite NYC store for zippers, Pacific Trimming will make and ship any zipper you need. If you're there in person, they do it while you wait! Love this outfit.
OH MY GOODNESS! And they ship to Canada. I love their selection as well. Thanks for the information!
DeleteThis is all great to know. I've been wanting extra long 2-way zippers... Now I know. Thanks Sheri!
DeleteI LOVE the two prints you used!!!! They both worked out PERFECTLY for this whole look!!!! That navy stripe is on my shopping list. I was skeptical about the pants....but I am sold now!!!!! LOVE IT!
ReplyDeleteI was skeptical about the pants too. But I was like, whatever... I'm going to try them! Thanks Ruqayyah!
DeleteLove the top.... it looks great on you too!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sweet Waters!
DeleteGreat outfit!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kelly!
Deletelove it - i just ordered the pattern and it arrived last week, i was wondering about the trousers so great to seem them made up - you look fabulous in them (as always)
ReplyDeleteI started making this yesterday.... I have still some final waist adjustments to make... (didnt realise the fit until the finish as the way its made up) the smallest zip I could get was an 18inch so I got that and cut it and put 2 stoppers (from twill tape at the tops) works fine..... but I will have to take one out and angle it more severely to get the fit at my waist -so hopefully that works
ReplyDeleteOh man... I'm working on these pants and have gotten to the point where all thats left is the zipper (I've been searching/waiting for delivery of the color I wanted). I kept thinking it seemed like a separating zipper would be needed given the directions, but after quadruple checking, I figured it must just be a regular zipper. Now that thats what I have (and I see thats what you used as well), I'm going to make it work! How did you manage it with a non-separating zipper?
ReplyDelete