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Sewing is therapy for me. I hoard fabric, patterns, notions, and spend more time shopping for fabric than I care to admit...

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Vogue 8856 Summer top

Here is a review for the 'Easy' top from Vogue, pattern 8856.
 
I made view A, which is the line drawing shown above and below. 

Pattern Description:
Misses' Top: Close-fitting, pullover top has seam detail and narrow hem.  Topstitching.  B: Draped front overlay with pleats.  Wrong side of fabric will show. 

Fabrics: This top is designed for moderate stretch knits only such as jerseys, cotton knits. 

This was an experiment for me.  I was rummaging through my fabric closet where I hang my yardage (as long as it is a woven) on hangers so I can see what I have.  I pulled out this lovely floral woven that I've had for quite some time and thought, why not?  Try it out and see what happens.  The worst thing would be having to rework the blouse into something else.  So I sallied forth and did the unthinkable, made a top designed for knits from a woven linen-like fabric.  You can decide if you think it worked or not.  :) 

Sizing: A5 includes sizes 6 to 14 and E5 includes 14 to 22. I made a size 14 and I like the fit.

Does the finished garment look like the envelope? Yep although to get a really nice drape in the neckline, you need to use a knit.  

How were the directions?
Directions are fine.  The notches all match up and the drafting seems just fine.  I didn't have any issues with the directions and the line drawings are helpful as well.  Since I used a woven, I made just a few modifications that I will mention below.  

Likes/Dislikes?
I love the style of the top.  It is breezy and summery and just a little different that a typical top.  I love the front lower drape, it has just enough fabric so you don't feel like you need to twirl like a ballerina all day.
I think the length is great.  If you are shorter than 5'7", you might find this too long.   
Dislikes:
The narrow hems at the armscyes--it just seems like a shortcut to me. 
The back ruffle isn't as full as the line drawing shows, which is fine, but I kept looking to make sure I cut out the correct pattern piece. 

What modifications/alterations did you make?
1.  Since I used a woven, not a knit, I let out the waistline just a little (about 1/4" total) just so I had a little bit of wiggle room.  I know that isn't much, but sometimes every little bit helps. 
2.  I made 1.5 inch wide bias tape ad used that at the armhole edges and it gave a very nice finish.  After stitching on the bias tape, right sides together, I turned them to the inside, edge stitched and then turned to the inside and topstitched 3/8" away from the edge. 
3.  I made my usual 1/2" swayback adjustment. 
4.  I topstitched the seams where the ruffles are just to help them lay flat. 
5.  I thought I might need a zipper, but this fits over my head and torso, so everything is ok. 

Will you sew it again? Recommendations?
Yes, I will sew this again, most likely view C, the long sleeved top.  It is just a little different than a normal T, and I really like it! 

I do recommend this top to others. It is fun to stitch together and fits well.  Maybe next time, I will try this top in a knit.  I believe the fit will be good, especially in the armholes where they don't really gap. 

Conclusion:
This is a fun breezy top.  I love my fabric!  Try this one for something a little different. 

Thanks for reading!
Sue

4 comments:

  1. Very pretty. Interesting to see how this sews up as a woven. Love your fabric. Very nice.

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  2. very pretty and it turned out great using a woven fabric!

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