Pattern Review: Vogue 1944 View B

I recently sewed up Vogue 1944, View B, and I have to say—this pattern is an absolute gem. It’s a boxy, oversized silhouette with dropped shoulders and short sleeves, finished off with a slightly cropped hem. I was drawn to it because of the relaxed, carefree style. It feels easygoing and wearable, but still looks current and intentional, thanks to that cropped length. That detail was new to me, but spoiler alert: I love the shorter length—especially with high-waisted pants. It creates just the right balance and adds a fresh proportion to my wardrobe that I didn’t realize I was missing.

This project actually started in a very unexpected way. I had two Zimmerman-inspired garments saved on my Pinterest board. One night, while scrolling through those images again, my eyes landed on two thrifted cotton pillowcases sitting nearby. They were lightweight, soft, and brand new—and suddenly, I knew they’d be perfect. The next day they came off the bed and headed straight to the cutting table.

I used those two cotton pillowcases to construct the entire shirt and paired them with red shirt buttons I had in my stash. The fabric is so light and breathable, it behaves like a voile or very fine lawn, and I’m officially obsessed. I’ll definitely be on the hunt for more similar fabrics for future versions.

As for the sewing itself, I’ll be honest: I didn’t follow the instructions. I’ve been sewing long enough that I often skip them entirely unless I run into something unusual. But I can confidently say this: the pattern is beautifully drafted. Every piece fit together smoothly, all the markings matched perfectly, and the whole process was stress-free. I didn’t make a muslin or any fitting adjustments—which is rare for me—and yet the final garment fits perfectly. The cut is relaxed and easy, with enough drape to feel effortless but not sloppy. It’s truly one of those rare moments where the pattern just works right out of the envelope.

One detail that really stood out to me was the collar drafting. Unlike many commercial patterns that use a more angular or straight collar, this one has a subtle curve to it, which helps it mold gently around the neckline. It gives the shirt a polished look without making it feel too structured or stiff. As someone with a Kibbe Soft Natural style ID, that little touch makes a big difference. I plan to borrow this collar shape for other projects—it’s that good.

I also ventured back into using sewn-in interfacing for this make. I’ve been trying to move away from fusible interfacing lately and get back to more traditional tailoring techniques. It definitely takes a bit more care and handling, but the feel of the finished garment is absolutely worth it. I even wrote a blog post about interfacing types recently, in case you're curious about the switch. I’ll be watching closely as I wear and wash this shirt to see how the interfacing holds up over time.

The warm reds, golds, and muted earthy tones of the pillowcase fabric are spot-on for my Copper Autumn palette. There’s a slightly aged look to the medallion/paisley-style print, which gives the shirt a beautiful lived-in feel while still looking elevated. It reminds me of how I felt after getting my color analysis done a few years ago (in spring, coincidentally). That process was such a gift—it transformed the way I sew and shop. I still use my recommended colors almost exclusively and can’t recommend it enough to anyone who wants to look and feel their best.

In the end, I give Vogue 1944 View B a solid 5 out of 5. It was a pleasure to sew, an easy fit, and something I know I’ll wear constantly. It’s earned a spot in my TNT (Tried and True) pattern rotation, and I’m already planning a few more versions for summer in different lightweight cottons. If you're into boxy tops, breezy silhouettes, or just want to try a great warm-weather staple, I can’t recommend this pattern enough.

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