June 16, 2013

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER - V1282...

... You all know how I like naming things - well, I'm calling this one my "Better Late than Never" top.


VOGUE 1282
Better late than never because this pattern came out last summer. Although I really liked it, I was scared because the top shown on the model and reviews from people who made it clearly indicated a more than plunging neckline and elongated armhole.  So I shy ed away from it because I didn't want to deal with unfamiliar pattern alterations.  Fast forward one year and it just seemed the time to tackle this baby.  But not before taking it through the trial and error phase AKA a muslin.  Why muslin?  Because the bulk of the fabrics that I own are truly loved - and I just don't want to end up with the sick in the stomach feeling that happens when you discover - "oh no, now it's too late".

Allow me to talk a little about the pattern first:  don't you wonder about the funny model poses on the pattern envelopes of late???  I've started seriously looking for pattern flaws when I see models twisted and contorted in their poses.  I think it's a clear indication they are trying to HID something -  mmmmmm, just saying.  I was so glad; however, that so many people had made this pattern during the year.  It is wonderful to read the reviews and find out just where problems lie prior to cutting up my good stuff.  My thanks to all who worked out these problems for me ahead of time.  (they can be found on Pattern Review)  They helped me solve these problems:
  • How to raise the weirdly shaped armhole, 
  • How to eliminate gaping at the back center seam,
  • How to raise the elongated neckline,
  • and, how to weigh down the cowl neckline. 

What a Weirdly shaped pattern!  Two gigantic pattern pieces that are taped together to make one piece that actually turns out to be the back and front of the top and a armhole facing that's all.  I used a seriously mysteryfied WalMart fabric from le good old STASH, don't know what in the world it is.  Just knew it was a two way stretch knit and nothing that I would ever consider using for an actual garment so it fit the practice category.   I like the top.  And will be making another one as soon as I make a fabric choice.

Commencing with this top I'm using my high bust measurement for pattern sizing.  I know, should have been using that measurement all along, I've read it, but it was so hard to make that change for some reason.  I'll be able to get a much better fit through the shoulders and bust area.  This sewing thing is ever evolving... 



35 comments:

  1. Hmm, I can"t wait to see one of these tops on you. It's hard to conceptualize on the form, but the lines are interesting.

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    1. I'll make sure I take a picture wearing the actual top as soon as I get it made. I really like the fit of it.

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  2. Pretty top and pretty color fabric. Anxious to see how the fit changes for you with the high bust measurement, we do all evolve in our sewing.

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    1. Going down a size across the shoulders and bust is really a better fit for me already. I've been using size 16 in that area for a pretty good fit, but am finding out that the size 14 is even better. I tend to lean on larger sizes just to make sure, but you cannot always take up a garment in the shoulder/bust area once the garment is cut. I think it's going to work out fine.

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  3. Faye - I may have to make this one - I've never noticed it before!

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    1. Yes, it is unusual looking but I really do like it.

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  4. Faye! I think we like the same patterns! I made this one too. How funny is that little weight-pocket? Your version looks great! One of these days we should make the skirt :)

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    1. Marche that is a nifty little pocket. I'm sort of scared of the skirt, but who knows, maybe later.

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  5. Love how you name all your sewing - reminds me of paint colours! You always wonder what the story is behind the name...J

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    1. Yes Judith, names of paint colors always make me wonder.

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  6. I like this, Faye. I can't wait to see what your fabric choice is. Does anyone really think the skirt on the model looks good, that back pic? Yes, I agree. They are hiding something.

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    1. I'm looking for just the right fabric Bunny. I might need to order from an online source.

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  7. A very interesting looking top, Faye. I too am anxious to see it on you. I'm glad you've embraced the high bust choice for sizing. It really does avoid a lot of fitting problems with a minimum of alterations needed in my experience.

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    1. Do you use the high bust measurement Diana?

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  8. Yay! I Made A Purple Test One (Mystery Fabric) Last Year But Haven't Gotten Around To Make It In Nicer Fabric....

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    1. I'm looking for just the right fabric also Far.

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  9. The top looks really lovely, so far.

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  10. I love the shpe of the top. Look forward to a you in it shot!!

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    1. I really like it Rhonda, can't wait until I find just the right fabric.

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  11. Looks good so far. Can't wait to see you wearing it.

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    1. Thank you Shelly, I'm looking for just the right fabric now.

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  12. I have this pattern too. It looks great and I love the color.

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    1. Thank you Necie, now I just need to find the right fabric to make up the real thing.

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  13. Your top is stunning! I love the color & the fabric

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    1. Thank you Myra. I love the color too, the fabric however is another story. Not too sure if it's gonna hold up too well.

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  14. Looking good! We are always learning as we sew... I think that's what makes it fun and interesting! :)

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    1. I'm in agreement with you about learning Angela. I try to learn something new each day!

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  15. I agree, I can't wait to see the top on you, it is such a great color, great review Faye.

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  16. I've also found I get a better fit when I use my upper bust measurement instead of my full bust. I generally measure the pattern pieces to see what the full bust measurement is going to end up being just to be sure things don't turn out too tight for the girls across the full bust area and most times there's still enough ease and there's no need to alter the pattern to get a good fit. Looking forward to seeing how you progress using your new bust measurements :) OH and also seeing you wearing your top too :)

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    1. Yes Chris this is the first top that I used the upper bust measurement for my sizing. I love the fit of this top, but need to hurry up and try that theory on several other tops.

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  17. I like your description of "seriously mysteryfied Walmart fabric" because I have a few of those myself! I hope you will enjoy the top; I've been thinking about obtaining that pattern myself, but had the same reservations you expressed. It's good to know there are solutions out there.

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