Vera Venus Reversible Stole
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I first made this Vera Venus Reversible Stole in 2015 for an Art Deco event on the Queen Mary. For that version I used blue velvet instead of fur and grey crepe back satin for the lining. Since I was not using fur, I added a layer of canvas inside to add body. When I had pleated up the lining, I traced around it for the canvas, tacked them together and then treated them as one. Apparently I also adjusted the pattern to make it slightly smaller – I do not remember doing this, but realized upon making the new one (see below). I did not make the pompoms on this one, leaving the ties plain.
For the more recent version, I needed a wrap to go with my dress for the 1940s ball. I used a lovely ivory faux fur and red taffeta, both from Colorado Fabrics. Unfortunately, I no longer had the pattern and had to reprint and recut it. This meant that I didn’t make the adjustment that I made last time, and this one came out slightly too big. I’ll know for next time!
Working with the faux fur was interesting. I kept a lint roller handy at all times, and still made a mess! When cutting faux fur, you draw your lines and then snip the backing carefully, trying not to cut the fur itself. Going slowly is key! Then once your pieces are cut out, you trim the fur on the seam allowances. This helps reduce bulk in the seams. When sewing, it is helpful to use a slightly longer stitch than usual. This allows you to more easily pull out any fur that gets caught in the seam.
I did include the pompoms on this version. They were very easy but took a bit of poking and prodding to make them look right. They make me smile every time I see them!
This is a lovely straightforward pattern which works for the Art Deco era through the 1950s. It goes together easily and is simple to adjust (as long as one remembers to do so!).
Pattern
Vera Venus Reversible Stole
Description
A reversible vintage style stole with ties and pompoms.
Difficulty
Intermediate – You are happy wearing the things you make. You can put in a zip and do buttonholes. You have used more fussy fabric such as satin, faux fur, or floppy/silky fabrics.
Fabric and Trim
Main: Velvet/Faux Fur
Lining: Crepe Back Satin / Taffeta
Interlining: Duck Canvas (to add body on the velvet version)
Instructions
The instructions are clear with lots of photographs. It also includes tips on how to deal with faux fur.
Alterations
I have narrow shoulders so I made the pattern slightly smaller. On the velvet version, I left off the pompoms.
Conclusions
I love this stole pattern. It is easy and elegant, and works for so many eras. I highly recommend it.
