Vogue 8747 Top

Pattern Description: This is a Vogue Basic Design Pattern for Misses' top.  The description from the back of the envelope is pretty sparse: Misses'/Misses' Petite Shirt: Fitted, A, B, C, D cup sizes.  What I would add is that it has sleeve length variations, collar band with collar option, princess seams, both front and back, and gathers at the bust. 

Suggested fabrics are: Lightweight broadcloth, Sateen, Lightweight Crepe, Shantung. 

This is a multi-sized pattern. I started with between a 14 and16 since it is fitted rather than semi-fitted or more loose-fitting. 

Fabric used:
A beautiful quality batik that is just luscious. I purchased it at a local quilt shop in Sioux Falls.

Did it look like the envelope when you were done sewing it?
Yes the styling is the same.  My fabric is pretty colorful but the shape is there. 

How were the directions?

Sorry about the wrinkles! 
I should have pressed before modeling! 

Excellent directions.  Easy to understand and follow.  I did however change the order of construction slightly as I like to attach the collar/neckline detail prior to sewing up the side seams.  I just find it much easier when the neckline is flat. 


Likes/Dislikes:
The cup sizing.  No need for FBA! 
Gathering details at the bust gives this a little oomph, rather than an ordinary princess seamed top. 
Sleeve variations
You can leave the collar off if you'd like and still have a stylish top.
Dislikes:
There was quite a bit of hand sewing for this with basting things in place.  I tried to cheat and use steam-a-seam on the neckline and it just didn't work quite as nice a hand basting.  I ultimately had to hand baste. 
This is a great pattern, it would be nice if there was a 'real' placket for the cuff rather than the continuous lap. 

 
Alterations/Modifications:
I made my usual 1/2" sway back adjustment on the center back piece.  On the side back seams, I put in a 1/4" swayback adjustment.  I am pretty pleased with how this turned out.  Typically I let the center back piece do all the work with adjusting.  I think the back lies nicer now.  
After trying this on multiple times during construction, I was afraid it would be too tight.  So, to compensate, I used 3/8" seam allowance on the front band.  It ended up making the band wider and therefore the 'gap' between the bands on the front about the bust narrower.  This alteration also made the bust area too big so I merely moved the band over on the front a bit to compensate for it being too large there.  I should have just taken the band apart and sewed the entire thing.  Oh well. 
I decided to cover my own buttons. 


Conclusion:
It is easy to see why this is a favorite pattern from 2012.  It goes together really well and is a little more than your average top. 
If you haven't made this up yet, what are you waiting for?  I am just sorry I waited so long!
Sorry about the close up of the gathers, but DH said that was a design feature he needed to capture.  :)  Enough said! 

Thanks for reading!
Sue