Vogue 8834

This is a Katherine Tilton top that is a new pattern.  When I saw it on the Vogue pattern website, I knew I had to have it!  Here is the description from the back of the envelope: Very loose-fitting top has yoke extending into collar (wrong sides show) with dart tucks, no shoulder seams, mock front bands, narrow hem and asymmetrical button closing.  Instructions for silk screening are included.  Well, guess what, I didn't silk screen or embellish this top in any manner! 
Here is a picture of the pattern envelope: Vogue 8834

Suggested fabrics are poplin, polished cotton and cotton lawn.  It takes up to 17 buttons to march down the front of this top, so be prepared to spend some time with your button hole feature of your machine. 

I chose view C with the long sleeves.  The fabric I used was a fun poly print from Hancock.  I had no idea what I was going to do with it when I purchased it but it was so adorable, I had to have it.  When I saw this pattern, I thought, bingo!  Perfect!  The only thing that wasn't perfect about it is the stiffness of the fabric.  To really do this pattern justice, you need a perky cotton--if you know what I mean! 

This is a multi-sized pattern.  You may choose the ranges from 10 to 18 or 18 to 26.  I made a 14.  It fits me perfectly though the shoulders and given the style and manner in which this top is created (no shoulder seams) it must fit precisely in that area of the body. 

What did I like/dislike about the pattern?  I simply loved the construction process.  Almost every seam is sewn with a french seam which makes it so neat and tidy on the inside.  The only seam I used my serger on is the armhole.  I do wonder about the 'easy' rating on this pattern.  No, french seams are not hard, but with the shoulder darts, the french seams and the collar, I am not sure this is entirely easy. 

What did I change?  Nothing, I used the pattern instructions as written (gasp!)  I even used the buttonhole guide as the proper placement for the buttonholes. 

I highly recommend this pattern.  It is unique and fun but quite stylish at the same time.  While it is unique, I do believe I will repeat this pattern in a crisper cotton in a three-quarter or short-sleeved version.  I think I will like how the collar sits on my neckline. 

Conclusion: this was so much fun to stitch up!  There are so many embellishment possibilities with this top and the possibility of paint.  The buttons really show off the asymmetrical closure, so use some color/contrast when choosing the buttons you want.