This was the third top that I made during the sewing vacay but it was the most involved sew. So let's start with a picture of the Vogue 9084 top finished ~
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For all the trials and tribulations to get this top finished, I'm glad I made it. I know it looks nothing like the pattern envelope but I like the use of the suiting fabric with the faux leather to give it a funkysexycool vibe. See I told you, I'm a wanna be biker chick! *LOL*
Materials Used to make the Top~
Glen Plaid Wool Blend Suiting purchased from Fabric Mart years ago
Black faux leather from Sawyer Brook
Rayon Bemberg Lining from lowpricefabrics.com
20" invisible zipper
A little more sewing information ~
I detailed all of the pattern alterations and construction challenges in the previous post. Though this top took way longer to make than I thought it would. My choice of fabrics, alterations made to the pattern and the use of the faux leather all elevated the construction level of this pattern.
I was really concerned that I would have a problem getting the sleeves into the top. Faux leather doesn't really gather well and the sleeve cap on this pattern needs a little gathering to make it fit. However, adding just a small amount of gathering at the top of the sleeve cap worked. I was really thrilled with how easily the sleeves went into the top, especially since it was the last element added before the top was finished. Even the pressing went without a hitch, probably because I used my shoulder stand and an organza pressing cloth folded into fourths to get a good press.
If I were to make any change to the top, it would be to line the peplum...and I even thought about it. But removing all of the stitching in the hemline was overwhelming...so the peplum remains unlined. However, that is the only regret I have about making this top. Everything else worked so well and it's casual enough for my workplace and yet dressy enough for me...so a win-win.
All of the pattern pieces are altered and stored away. I don't know if I will make this again. It's such a distinctive pattern. Maybe a spring version out of a lightweight ponte...we will see.
A few more pictures ~
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Conclusion ~
I am a dress snob. I love sewing and wearing them. I thought that sewing tops would be easy, too easy after the complicated sews I've had making dresses. Boy did this top pattern prove me wrong! *LOL* Yet I'm so glad that it did! It means that I can take all of my advanced sewing techniques and apply them to some of the tops I make to satisfy my creative needs.
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I've primarily sewn tops on this vacay. Since my company closes Christmas Week and I will be on vacation for 11 days with probably 8 or 9 to just sew, I plan on concentrating on a pants pattern then. I'm so excited and so thrilled with this new top!
...as always more later!
For all the trials and tribulations to get this top finished, I'm glad I made it. I know it looks nothing like the pattern envelope but I like the use of the suiting fabric with the faux leather to give it a funkysexycool vibe. See I told you, I'm a wanna be biker chick! *LOL*
Materials Used to make the Top~
Glen Plaid Wool Blend Suiting purchased from Fabric Mart years ago
Black faux leather from Sawyer Brook
Rayon Bemberg Lining from lowpricefabrics.com
20" invisible zipper
A little more sewing information ~
I detailed all of the pattern alterations and construction challenges in the previous post. Though this top took way longer to make than I thought it would. My choice of fabrics, alterations made to the pattern and the use of the faux leather all elevated the construction level of this pattern.
I was really concerned that I would have a problem getting the sleeves into the top. Faux leather doesn't really gather well and the sleeve cap on this pattern needs a little gathering to make it fit. However, adding just a small amount of gathering at the top of the sleeve cap worked. I was really thrilled with how easily the sleeves went into the top, especially since it was the last element added before the top was finished. Even the pressing went without a hitch, probably because I used my shoulder stand and an organza pressing cloth folded into fourths to get a good press.
If I were to make any change to the top, it would be to line the peplum...and I even thought about it. But removing all of the stitching in the hemline was overwhelming...so the peplum remains unlined. However, that is the only regret I have about making this top. Everything else worked so well and it's casual enough for my workplace and yet dressy enough for me...so a win-win.
All of the pattern pieces are altered and stored away. I don't know if I will make this again. It's such a distinctive pattern. Maybe a spring version out of a lightweight ponte...we will see.
A few more pictures ~
Adding the extra flare and lowering the back hem by 2" prevented
the flounce from landing in the middle of my backside.
A peak of the faux leather insert on the side
Worn with a pair of RTW ponte leggings and a wedge shoe bootie
Conclusion ~
I am a dress snob. I love sewing and wearing them. I thought that sewing tops would be easy, too easy after the complicated sews I've had making dresses. Boy did this top pattern prove me wrong! *LOL* Yet I'm so glad that it did! It means that I can take all of my advanced sewing techniques and apply them to some of the tops I make to satisfy my creative needs.
I've primarily sewn tops on this vacay. Since my company closes Christmas Week and I will be on vacation for 11 days with probably 8 or 9 to just sew, I plan on concentrating on a pants pattern then. I'm so excited and so thrilled with this new top!
...as always more later!