Monday, April 5, 2010

Cute little top

I decided to try my adjusted pattern using some "junk fabric" before cutting into anything good, and part way in I decided I could really get to like it so should do it properly. After all, it's really only "junk" because of its provenance (thrift shop find).  I might actually have bought it if I'd seen it in a fabric store (soft rayon, nice blues, acceptable floral print over an interesting herringbone weave). 

I present to you - the properly-fitted Vogue 2770 vest-like top:


Overall, it's unfortunately a little bit longer than the jacket I was thinking I'd wear it with.  I will shorten it slightly when I make it again.  I have some really great tie-dyed cotton of African origin that suddenly shouted that it could be this top.


Now for some more details.

The front alterations were a success.  The V neck is now the right length and doesn't cause gapping, after I took that little 1.15cm wedge out of it.

Also, the excess fabric at the front princess seam is a thing of the past.

The armscye was stabilized with a 3cm strip (cut to match the armscye curve using the pattern pieces) of fusible interfacing, as you can see in the next photo.

To finish the armscye, I cut strips of bias from the fashion fabric (6cm or  2 3/8" wide).  These are folded in half lengthwise (wrong sides together), and then sewn to the armscye with cut edges aligned.  After trimming the bias facing is pressed to the inside and topstitched down by machine.  This is such a better finish than facing.  (The pattern calls for a full lining which also finishes the armscye nicely, but I wasn't about to line this one.)

The other noteworthy feature of this little top is the concealed button placket.  To the right is a picture, before the buttonholes were installed. 

I used silk organza for the inside finish because it would add no bulk.


To the left is a view after the buttonholes were installed.  I also tacked the edges together between buttonholes to prevent gapping.

Finally, the back.  The darts worked brilliantly to eliminate the gapping at the armscye.

17 comments:

  1. Wow! It looks great--fantastic fit.

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  2. superb! I would never have guessed that fabric is anything but "the good stuff".
    Nothing like a well made garment with a perfect fit!!

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  3. I am SO impressed with this top - your construction is perfect, as is the fit! I really like this fabric - it definitely doesn't look like "junk"!!

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  4. Perfect fit - but I think you know that already!!

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  5. Oh, that looks fabulous, even if it is "junk" fabric.

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  6. The fit is perfection! It looks wonderful on you too.

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  7. Beautiful! Loving your "thinking out of the envelope" test vest!

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  8. That is a beautifully fitted top. Very nice.

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  9. Fabulous fit. It really is worth the time to get it just right when the end result is so good. The fabric looks very nice made up in the vest.

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  10. I love it so much, I went out on the net and found the pattern in my size!

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  11. Fitted but not overfitted. Gorgeous!

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  12. Amazing fit! I love the design and the attention to detail as well.

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  13. It looks so great on you, my compliments!

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  14. This is beautiful! I love that your "junk" fabric looks so good!

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  15. Cute little top says it all. I love it!

    Kathryn

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