Vogue 1127

13 Apr Vogue 1127

I started with this Badgley Mischka Vogue pattern.It didn’t turn out so I turned to these cute tops by Annebelle LaRoque for inspiration,

  
and I ended up with this. It only took an entire week of sewing….

While sewing comes very easily to some, I always seem to have issues. Not that I’m complaining….. maybe I don’t know what I’m doing or maybe I’m a perfectionist, but to me, patterns are rarely what I expect. This Vogue pattern was  e n o r m o u s and then I concurred that my fabric choice was all wrong too. The top added about 30 pounds to my appearance and the whole thing looked matronly on me.  I really admired Annebelle LaRoque’s cute tops (above) using Amy Butler fabrics, and I hoped they weren’t too far out of reach midway through making   the Vogue pattern.

After removing eight inches from the bodice,

cutting in the armholes by two inches, adding a lining, sewing four darts in the back

 

and making three different collars,  (#1 – bulky, gathered and tight around the neck)  (#2 – puny and loose)

I ended up with a top I really like. I even found this pretty Lily button in my stash for the finishing touch.   You may know one of the rules I made for myself during this year of sewing my clothes, was that I had to complete each project I began. This one was challenging because it was so time consuming, but each alteration brought me closer to the vision I had in mind.

Well, I’m glad I hung in there for several reasons. Obviously, I have a cute, new top and my efforts were not wasted, but I am reminded from this small accomplishment that larger ones await if I’m willing to work for them.

Best wishes for a great weekend!!

goodbyevalentino
goodbyevalentino@gmail.com
No Comments
  • ZoSews
    Posted at 23:24h, 13 April Reply

    Well done for sticking with it! It looks beautiful on you 🙂

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:56h, 14 April Reply

      Thank you! What a relief to have this one behind me 🙂

  • RoseOK
    Posted at 23:33h, 13 April Reply

    I am so glad that there is some one else out there that has as many sewing challanges that I have. When I hear that it is a simple top, I know I will have issues. I love your top. Maybe I should put it on my list.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:57h, 14 April Reply

      Hi Rose! Thanks for your comment. What I ended up with is far removed from the pattern. I’d love to find a pattern similar to what I made!

  • Carolyn
    Posted at 00:38h, 14 April Reply

    First – the top is very pretty! I love how you made it your own. Second – you will learn which pattern companies have excessive ease, which have large shoulders, which don’t have enough ease, etc. as you continue to work with them. I think you are doing a marvelous job and really learning a lot of things on your sewing journey!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:02h, 14 April Reply

      Hi Carolyn! Many thanks for the kind comments and your continuing encouragement during my sewing journey. It truly means so much coming from someone with your accomplishments and skills!

  • Doobee
    Posted at 00:44h, 14 April Reply

    Lovely soft colour to this top on you! Well worth all the effort…

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:04h, 14 April Reply

      Many thanks! I love soft pinks too as long they don’t give me that “little girl” look. I guess it depends on the design 🙂

  • Calico Stretch
    Posted at 01:16h, 14 April Reply

    Oh wow 8″! That’s amazing…. but the result is pretty. Nice job.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:05h, 14 April Reply

      Yes…. it was really huge! Thanks for writing and I LOVE that lace you found! 🙂

  • Peggy
    Posted at 01:47h, 14 April Reply

    Wow, the top you ended up with is absolutely gorgeous! Great fabric, too. P.S. I ALWAYS have issues (with my sewing projects, I mean!).

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:12h, 14 April Reply

      Hi Peggy! Thanks for writing. It’s always comforting to hear I’m not the only person with sewing issues. I love many things about sewing but I must learn how to avoid the discouraging pitfalls!
      Your dress post was so enjoyable! I’ve been so pre-occupied with my own sewing and family matters that I missed it. I really look forward to reading it closely!

  • Renata Webster
    Posted at 01:58h, 14 April Reply

    As they say, everything will be all right in the end. I, too, am glad that like some of us, or most of us, your projects don’t always work out first time round (I hope that came out right). With my last project, I gave up almost every night, but in the end if we persevere we get rewarded. I love all your outfits.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:14h, 14 April Reply

      Hi Renata! What you said came out just right – it’s nice to know we are not alone in dealing with the unexpected sewing issues. Thanks for writing 🙂

  • Velosewer
    Posted at 02:43h, 14 April Reply

    I would have stuck with this top because you’ve chosen a wonderful fabric that I would have hated giving up on. Your top is fabulous.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:35h, 14 April Reply

      Thank you! I loved this fabric too. I’ve had it for two or three years, just waiting for the right opportunity…. it was a close call for a while!

  • Phil
    Posted at 02:58h, 14 April Reply

    I really do like this on you! The colours suit your fair colouring, too. As I responded to your last post, I too have sewing trials. . . I am now starting to take serious steps to reduce these. Here is what I am doing: take note of fabric recommendations (sounds simple, but). Comparing the finished pattern measurements to my body measurements esp. In bust area before cutting pattern, then tissue fit pattern on recently acquired (second hand, very cheap) tailors dummy. I don’t know whether you have a tailors dummy but it really seems to have helped me with the shock/surprise element of pattern sizing!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:21h, 14 April Reply

      You are so right Phil! I usually get the fabric choice right, but not this time!..and I should have known that 48″ finished width would be enormous………I have a dressform. Somehow I missed the mark this time! Oh well, time to move on. Many thanks for writing 🙂

      • Phil
        Posted at 09:46h, 14 April Reply

        I had another thought, I really enjoy sewing plum’s blog, she writes lots about ease and different fits. You might enjoy having a quick look when you have time.

  • Sew-4-Fun
    Posted at 03:00h, 14 April Reply

    Gorgeous top!! I love it. And don’t be fooled. No one finds sewing garments easy. We all have frustrating projects, and almost every project is a challenge in some way. It’s rarely straight forward and easy.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:37h, 14 April Reply

      Many thanks for writing! Sometimes I am just at a loss of what to do when frustrations occur and end up improvising until I get it right. Ugh!!! Thank goodness in this case it all worked out 🙂

  • Ruth
    Posted at 03:08h, 14 April Reply

    The colour and style really suit you – well done for persevering and making a super top. It is a challenge to partner fabric and pattern but then that’s the price of uniqueness.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:41h, 14 April Reply

      Hi Ruth! I knew shortly into the project that I had missed the mark on fabric selection for this pattern. I thought I’d try the pattern out on a cheap cotton before using nice silk without thinking about how different the result would be! I emphasize the words without thinking 🙂 Thank goodness I can move on now. Many thanks for writing!

  • Heather
    Posted at 03:15h, 14 April Reply

    Lovely top that really suits you.

    I tried the Vogue pattern too, it made me look about 78! For me the moral is that those slightly
    “straight” blouses (word only used by the over 45s) only look cute on the under 25s – they turn me into my mother. I love the neckline on your blouse I am going to shamefully copy it – once I have completed the new slip cover for a rather tired looking sofa bed. I don’t love home sewing but it is something that does genuinely save money which I can’t say that my clothes shopping does. I seem to be in a phase where buying the fabric is much more fun than actually making something.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:27h, 14 April Reply

      Many thanks for the comment, Heather! Yes, this pattern was all wrong for me. I don’t know why I thought it was “me” to begin with. I used the neckline on the pattern – just changed the collar and the arms. Good luck and I would love to see your version!

  • AllisonC
    Posted at 04:06h, 14 April Reply

    8 inches!?! Even by big 4 standards that is a lot, I can only think it was made for a very drapy thin fabric. Anyway well done for persevering because you have ended up with a gorgeous top.

  • goodbyevalentino
    Posted at 07:31h, 14 April Reply

    Hi Allison. The top was definitely made for very thin fabric. My rationale for using the cotton was to try out the pattern before using my good silk 🙂 I just wasn’t thinking on this one but now I can move on. Many thanks for writing and I love the pretty dresses you have been making! 🙂

  • prttynpnk
    Posted at 08:02h, 14 April Reply

    I’m glad you didn’t settle- this is lovely on you and much better with your upgrades!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:54h, 15 April Reply

      Thank you! I almost did settle for collar #2 because I was so tired of the thing, but I knew I’d never wear it. What a difference a collar can make!

  • chicenvelopements
    Posted at 08:13h, 14 April Reply

    Kudos to you for finishing and not giving up! I love how your version turned out and the color looks beautiful on you. As I looked through your post I was inspired for my next refashion project. Well, I’m off to the drawing board…….
    Beth

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:11h, 15 April Reply

      Ah-hah! I can’t wait to see your next refashion project 🙂 Many thanks for the nice comment!

  • robindenning
    Posted at 09:26h, 14 April Reply

    What a lovely top! I think this quote is worthy of cross-stitching, framed and hung in my sewing room:
    “I am reminded from this small accomplishment that larger ones await if I’m willing to work for them”

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:10h, 15 April Reply

      Ah, thanks! I need to remember my own words next time the going gets rough 🙂 Good luck with the overshirt!

  • Art Attack
    Posted at 12:07h, 14 April Reply

    Your top is way cuter than any of the others. You should really be proud of yourself…I applaude you for being so tenacious!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:13h, 15 April Reply

      Thank you, Dorcas! It’s certainly way cuter than the Vogue pattern but those tops by LaRoque are pretty cute. At any rate it’s inspired me to make more similar………

  • Lori
    Posted at 12:11h, 14 April Reply

    Way to stay with this project, fabulous results.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:15h, 15 April Reply

      Thank you, Lori and many thanks for taking the time to write with a wedding right around the corner! Best wishes to you 🙂

  • Suzi/FlFiFiLarue
    Posted at 12:51h, 14 April Reply

    Kudos to you for not making this a wader! lol The fact that you stuck through it till the end…well good for you, because I think I might have pitched it into a very dark corner! lol
    Once again..you have made a really cute top that is just perfect for you!! I have the same pattern for the top primarily…have not jumped into it yet but your experience will hopefully help me! Goodness knows….I sure don’t have too many sewing patterns that come together without a hitch and a hiccup before the finished project! lolol
    Continued success on your sewing adventure…Suzi

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:18h, 15 April Reply

      Many thanks for writing, Suzi! This one almost made its way to that very dark corner. I was even going to write a post about how I just couldn’t finish it, but then resolve and determination got the best of me. I’d love to see your version of the top when you get around to it!

  • Lakaribane
    Posted at 13:05h, 14 April Reply

    I actually have that pattern and it is shockingly HUGE so congratulations for coming through! Lovely fabric too, goes great with your hair color/complexion (but you’re good at that part). Are you wearing it with SA pants or RTW? I can’t quite tell if your fabric is pink and white or pink and off-white but it looks very light and fresh.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:22h, 15 April Reply

      I’m glad to know it’s not just me griping about this pattern. Shockingly HUGE better describes the pattern than enormous! Oh well, time to move on 🙂
      The fabric is pale pink and cream. It is an Amy Butler fabric from the Midwest Modern collection and I’m wearing it with some off-white RTW. Many thanks for writing!

  • Dixie
    Posted at 21:38h, 14 April Reply

    Nice save! Your top is really nice. I especially like the collar you contrived. Great job!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:24h, 15 April Reply

      Hi Dixie and thanks for writing! I wish I had made a muslin of the collar but by the time I was on collar #3, I was just winging it. 🙂

  • Teri
    Posted at 12:56h, 15 April Reply

    I have just finished up reading all of your post. What a great blog. Thanks for all the inspirations. I love to sew, but my new found love of photography has taken over my sewing time. I have resolved to change that. So this year I joined the American Sewing Guild and have really been enjoying my neighborhood group. A fun group of ladies, with tons of sewing experience. I found your blog after I googled Arc Style patterns. Oh my, I must get some of those! Thanks again for your great blog. I will be back:)

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:37h, 16 April Reply

      Thank you so much for the very nice comments! I never knew not only how much fun blogging is, but what a wonderful source of support it is as well. I need to see if there is a sewing guild in my area 🙂 As far as sewing patterns, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Style Arc patterns and have found them to be cut very nicely. Stay in touch, and many thanks for writing!

  • Linda Buikema
    Posted at 13:21h, 15 April Reply

    It’s darling! I think you are about ready to start designing and opening your own shop, like Annabelle’s.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:42h, 16 April Reply

      Thank you, Linda! I do want to take a pattern design class because it’s often hard to find what I’m looking for. 🙂

      • Linda Buikema
        Posted at 16:23h, 19 April Reply

        I was going to upload pictures of what you have inspired me to sew, but don’t see a way to do so. You’ll just have to take my word for it! I’ve made a tunic with contrasting front facing, a pullover dress, and fitted shirt. Again, thanks for you wonderful blog. I live in an area where no one sews, so it’s nice to see all the other people out there who enjoy it! The really cool thing that happened today is that I found High Fashion Fabrics in downtown Houston by googling “LaRoque fabrics!” Hoorah!

        • goodbyevalentino
          Posted at 06:58h, 20 April Reply

          Hi Linda – Your email made my day! I think online communications is the best thing that ever happened to sewing! Blogging, websites, online shopping for patterns and fabrics, and pattern companies connecting with the reality fashion shows has re-energized the industry in my opinion.
          Though I live in the South where textiles were once the predominant industry, no one I know sews……… or so I thought. Since I started blogging several people in my town have told me they like to sew, or used to sew but gave it up for one reason or another.
          I’m honored I inspired you to sew and would love to see your pics once you figure out how to upload them. My email is goodbyevalentino@gmail.com

  • Teri
    Posted at 13:42h, 15 April Reply

    Just spent the morning reading your blog. You are inspiring me to get back in my sewing room!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:45h, 16 April Reply

      Many thanks for the nice comment, Teri! I love the blogging world primarily for the inspiration and support it provides. I would have never started sewing again without reading blogs. 🙂

  • Margaret Edger
    Posted at 23:19h, 16 April Reply

    I admire your patience. I would have thrown that sucker in a pile of other unfinished projects.
    A. Maggie It looks good on you but then does anything look bad on you????????

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 09:11h, 17 April Reply

      Thanks, Maggie……. and oh yeah……I have some real doozies in the closet that look pretty bad 🙂

  • Anna Lin
    Posted at 23:41h, 16 April Reply

    It looks perfect!I think it worth your effort for it!

  • Pauline Droy
    Posted at 07:53h, 17 April Reply

    what a shame that the Badgley Mischka top didn’t work out for you – I did actually make all 3 pieces up and was very happy with them. The blouse tie does use a lot of fabric and when a friend asked me to make one for her (which was a one off as a leaving present) I did cut the scarf tie a little smaller.

    Your alternative top is lovely (despite the pain of making it).

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:24h, 20 April Reply

      Thanks for writing, Pauline! I’ve read mixed reviews about the top so I guess it works well for some and not for others. Had I started with a thinner fabric I might have felt differently about the fit. I’ve made the skirt which I really liked, so all is not lost on the pattern!

  • Coco
    Posted at 00:59h, 20 April Reply

    The top is lovely, the style, colors, and fabric pattern are so soft and complementary. Commiseration, I have what was 5 yards of Art Gallery fabric that I’ve whittled down to an unhappy tunic and odd scraps. Hoping to get a little something out of it, perhaps a clutch bag or zippered pouch. oh.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:39h, 20 April Reply

      Many thanks for writing, Coco! I’m pleased with the end result but it was a close call through the entire project. In the past, I certainly had my share of great fabric that was combined with a bad pattern and ended up in the trash. Those experiences were so disappointing that I wanted to (and often did) quit sewing. This year I’ve been more conscientious with my sewing projects, and for me, it’s led to better sewing. Not everything has turned out exactly the way I imagined, but so far I have avoided disasters. 🙂

  • tigergirl
    Posted at 05:51h, 02 November Reply

    Don’t you just love the ridiculous amounts of ease some patterns have? Great that you stuck at it and ended up with such a fantastic top.

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