I can't believe I completely missed posting in May! May was a super busy month with my middle daughter, Serena, graduating from college; my youngest daughter, Alyssa, going to France, graduation parties, and wrapping up the year at my elementary school job. Whew!
I have been itching to sew something for myself for weeks, but wasn't sure what. I got a catalog in the mail from Soft Surroundings, and I really loved the styles that they presented. Lots of simple cotton voile tunics with interesting details like unusual hems. These retail for an average of $70, and I could definitely beat that by making my own. I knew that we just got in a beautiful shipment of cotton voile for SewBaby, so I shopped my shop (yes, this is the perilous part of being a fabric shop owner- you wouldn't believe the stash that I have!), and found this lovely Aqua Voile. I had just bought Vogue pattern 8821 and decided to try it out in the voile.
This top pattern has gorgeous lines in the back. I did not lengthen it, and I am 5'9", so keep that in mind if you are shorter. It is pretty easy to sew- it does involve quite a bit of narrow hemming to go around the bottom. I cut a bias strip of self fabric to finish the neckband, instead of using purchased bias tape. This is much softer, and easy enough to do.
I had a suspicion that the cotton voile would shrink, so I cut a little more fabric than the pattern called for. I'm glad I did. The width shrunk from 60 to 54, and my 2-1/4 piece shrunk to just a little over 2 yards. So, if you are ordering any, please do allow for shrinkage. The fabric is heavenly though. Just so soft, and a lovely drape without any cling.
Love, love, LOVE IT. I highly recommend the pattern for the top. And I will definitely be making more of these for summer.
This top pattern has gorgeous lines in the back. I did not lengthen it, and I am 5'9", so keep that in mind if you are shorter. It is pretty easy to sew- it does involve quite a bit of narrow hemming to go around the bottom. I cut a bias strip of self fabric to finish the neckband, instead of using purchased bias tape. This is much softer, and easy enough to do.
Love, love, LOVE IT. I highly recommend the pattern for the top. And I will definitely be making more of these for summer.
thank goodness you did a shrink test first. Lovely top beautiful colour
ReplyDeleteI love, love this top. It looks super on you.I wish it is a style I could wear but It wouldn't look right on me. I'm only 5' 4.5" tall.Darn!
ReplyDeleteThis looks beautiful on you! I love the way the back hangs with the graceful folds. The color is gorgeous, too.
ReplyDeleteWonderful and breezy! Lovely top for summer. Thanks for the information about the pattern length and the fabric shrinking - this is why blogs like yours are so valuable :-)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Thanks for sharing. Did you pre-wash and dry the fabric before cutting out the pattern?
ReplyDeleteWhat size Vogue pattern did you purchase? This looks awesome on you!
ReplyDeleteYes, I did wash the fabric in hot water, and then dried it bone dry to try to get as much shrinkage now, rather than later. I used the size 16, but cut a 14 in the neck and shoulder area. I typically am a L or XL in RTW tops if that helps you compare.
ReplyDeleteI love this top! Perfect for any type of occasion. :)
ReplyDelete