This review was originally featured in Threads #168 (August/September 2013). If this pattern is no longer readily available via the pattern company, try searching online for the pattern name and number, or try Etsy.com or eBay.com. 

Vogue 8845

This Claire Shaeffer jacket is rich with sophisticated drape. It is cut on the bias, giving the design fluidity and drape. Eye-catching details include a low-cut notch collar, waist tucks, cutaway hemline, and saddle shoulders (a version of a two-piece raglan sleeve cut-in-one with the yoke). The jacket closes at center front with three snaps as well as a hook and eye, and it is fully lined. The pattern instructions are like a mini-sewing book that covers useful tailoring techniques, such as thread-tracing all seamlines, how and where to pad stitch, as well as general sewing hints and shortcuts. This pattern is appropriate for fabrics with body, such as lightweight linen, shantung, raw silk, crepe, gabardine, four-ply silk, and nubby fabrics. The sample jacket was sewn in silk shantung with silk organza as sewn-in interfacing.

(Sized Misses’ 6-22 for busts 30.5-44 in and hips 32.5-46 in.)

Sewing Tip: All pieces are bias-cut. Be careful about using napped fabrics, unless sheen variation is intended.

-Tested by Margrete Olsen, West Hartford, Connecticut

Have you made this pattern? If so, be sure to share pictures in our Readers Closet gallery.

Launch Gallery