13 May Vogue 8950
Had I planned to be gone for over two weeks I would have announced a short leave of absence. I’ve been sewing like crazy on non-blog related projects, one of which involved sewing red cheerleading skirts for grown men participating in a Cancer Association fundraiser – thankfully it was a great success 😉
I’m happy to be back and am in the midst of some stash busting. This project, inspired by the hundreds of shapeless tops I see online and in the stores was an immediate gratification project, and one I hope to fine tune next time around.
The pattern Vogue 8950 was completed from start to finish yesterday afternoon.
I skipped out on making a muslin, and although my top very much resembles the sketch, I did not achieve the ‘semi-fitted’ fit found in the pattern description.
I combined the remnant of a black mystery knit purchased at Mood Fabrics (sewn many times before), with a flexible black cotton eyelet also purchased from Mood.
I doubt either of these fabrics are still available, but in my opinion a better choice for the top would be one of Mood’s fantastic mesh fabrics offered in several colors and designs, my favorite being the Wonder Mesh – I want some!
Many aspects of the pattern worked well for this project. The neckline is finished with a narrow hem which is a perfect technique for the eyelet, and the high/low hemline provided a visual balance for the loose fit. My only change to the pattern was converting the two-piece long sleeve into a single piece.
This basic pattern is truly a keeper with loads of possibilities – check out one of my inspiration sites here on the Sak’s page! I know I’m going to love the top – not only is it cool, but the sleeves are mosquito proof – reason enough to give that Power Mesh a try!
Back to more Summer Stash Busting!
Be back soon 🙂
Melanie Leigh
Posted at 10:28h, 13 MayI love all you pattern choices. Inspiring me to actually sew for myself again.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:34h, 13 MayThank you so much, Melanie! I hope you’ll give sewing for yourself again a try soon 🙂
Laura Casey
Posted at 10:33h, 13 MayWell Sarah, you’ve doneiit again….I’m off to buy that pattern….it is so sophisticated….love it! Think it will be my next make as soon as I get back from London, leave Friday…..Chelsea Flower Show, Alexander McQueen Exhibit….and naturally fabric shopping! A nice birthday week from my hubby….meeting girlfriends who are coming off of Marci Tilton’s Paris Tour….. LAURA
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:35h, 13 MayW h a t ? ? ? ……… You’re going on one of my fantasy trips, Laura! Have a great time and thanks for the comment 🙂 !!
monika gindner
Posted at 10:39h, 13 MayI enjoy your site very much I checked out the tops on the Saks website. I must say you make a much better model that what was shown. Thank you Uah
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:36h, 13 MayLOL – thank you, Monika! I do like to smile more than the models do……. but they sure are nice and thin 😉
Trudi Gardner
Posted at 10:40h, 13 MayLovely!…..as usual!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:36h, 13 MayMany thanks, Trudi!
Gayle
Posted at 10:59h, 13 MayI love your top! It is so well done, as usual. You have such good ideas for combining fabrics and everything fits so well. You are an inspiration and I wish I could churn things out as fast as you do. I’ve been working on a muslin for about a week and don’t have the fit I want yet!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:37h, 13 MayI’ve been in your shoes, Gayle, but once you get that muslin to fit you’ll forget all about the week of fitting 😉
Good luck and thank you for the nice comment!
GayleMI
Posted at 12:19h, 24 JulyI did make a top similar to your black one and I love it! Thank you for your inspiration!!
Elena
Posted at 11:03h, 13 MayAs always, so chic. I love your vibrant colors, but black and white looks great too. Now, about that b/w striped bag…??? I need it!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:38h, 13 MayThank you, Elena! The bag is a Michael Kors I picked up on sale at Steinmart 😉
Meme
Posted at 11:35h, 13 MayYour top is lovelier than any of the Akris Punto tops on the Saks website. How rewarding to take the inspiration and make it better! You continue to inspire and motivate us all.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:39h, 13 MayWhat a nice comment, Meme! I continue to be inspired by Akris Punto…….love the nice clean lines 🙂
Mary Frances Giattina
Posted at 12:01h, 13 MayLove your new top! How did you finish the seams? Thanks for inspiring so many of us – just wish I had more time to sew 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:45h, 13 MayThank you, Mary Frances! I ran the side seams through the serger before stitching and pressed open. The shoulders and arms were finished on the serger after they were stitched. A narrow hem was used for the lower edges 😉
NaTisha
Posted at 12:43h, 13 MayVery Nice. I’ve never known what to do with mesh. Thanks for the idea
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:46h, 13 MayThank you, Natisha! Check out Erica’s dress on the Mood Sewing Network. She rocked the mesh for sure 🙂
Marla Cooprider
Posted at 13:08h, 13 MayLooks very nice and comfy for summer! I need to locate some fabric that protects from the sun. This looks light and airy. 🙂
Marla
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:00h, 13 MayThank you, Marla! Breezy + sun protection = win in my book 🙂
Marla Cooprider
Posted at 20:00h, 13 MayYes! I am allergic to the sun so sun protection is important! This long sleeved top would be nice on hot days! I need to find some lightweight UVA protected fabrics.
Joen Venitsky
Posted at 13:34h, 13 MayThanks for the inspiration, I have this pattern on my to be sewn list. I also think I have some mesh – lacey fabric in my stash that I believe was to be a beach cover up at some point. Your top looks very comfortable and stylish.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:01h, 13 MayMany thanks, Joen! Sounds like you’ve got what you need to get started – good luck 🙂
Lori
Posted at 14:01h, 13 MayVery pretty fabric for this pattern. I have made it once and it ran larger but I will love it.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:02h, 13 MayThank you, Lori! Even the illustration looks big, but the new photograph on the website looks fitted. I’m going to try it once more 🙂
justine
Posted at 14:16h, 13 MayIt’s cute! I could see making a few in the short sleeved version for summer.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:03h, 13 MayMany thanks, Justine and I agree!
Julie Starr
Posted at 14:45h, 13 MayOoo this is such a great top, Sarah. I especially love the drape of the back and how well you’ve fit it. I’ve only used power mesh for lining knits but I would love to try some of these more decorative ones. Thanks, as always, for the inspiration!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:04h, 13 MayMany thanks, Julie for your comment! The back fits but I’d like the overall garment to be just a smidgen smaller 🙂
Becky Bagwell
Posted at 15:22h, 13 MayLove the different fabrics!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:04h, 13 MayThanks, Becky!
Barbara Anderson
Posted at 16:47h, 13 MayGood morning Sarah, enjoying my morning coffee here in New Zealand while reading your post . You and your top look fab as always! Did you find that the pattern run a little large? I buried my creation but now seeing your top makes me want to try it again!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:05h, 13 MayBarbara,
I did find the pattern to run large. I made my usual adjustments in the length and plan to make it again……. smaller 😉
Jeannie Crockett
Posted at 16:54h, 13 MayGreat top! I love the covered up, but still cool aspect.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:05h, 13 MayThank you, Jeannie!
Vicki Maiorano
Posted at 17:12h, 13 MayWhat a great top. Simple but lovely.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:25h, 13 MayThank you, Vicki! Simple indeed …….. my elusive dream for all sewing; simple but lovely 🙂
McCallPatternCompany
Posted at 17:16h, 13 MayLove this top on you!! Mesh!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:28h, 13 MayThank you, McCall! Can’t wait to sew this one again 🙂 !
Cissie Wellons
Posted at 17:18h, 13 MayLove your new top, Sarah! I’m getting this pattern and make some of that wonder fabric from Mood, too! You’ve been missed lately! But what could be more important or more fun than making cheerleading skirts for a group of men!!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:29h, 13 MayMany thanks, Cissie! It was one of my few ventures in to unselfish sewing, but who can resist sewing for cheerleaders in drag 😉 ?
Can’t wait to see YOUR mesh top!
Diane Delaney
Posted at 17:37h, 13 MayWhat an inspiration you are, I have just ordered this pattern from Amazon, it’s such a great pattern looks wonderful on you.
Thanks for sharing, Diane
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:30h, 13 MayOh good! I hope you’ll send me a photo of your top, Diane. Many thanks for your comment 🙂
Carolyn
Posted at 18:33h, 13 MayI love your fabric choice for this top! Sooooo cute and your accessories really make the outfit shine!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:31h, 13 MayThank you, Carolyn! Is there a more beloved color combo than black and white……. and with good reason 🙂
Deborah Richardson
Posted at 19:25h, 13 MayThis is one of my favorites!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:32h, 13 MayMany thanks, Deborah! Sometimes simple is the way to go 🙂 🙂
Sarah Ioannides
Posted at 20:29h, 13 MayOne could even conduct in this one!! Very nice!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:17h, 13 MayThank you, Sarah! It’s certainly the right color 🙂
Terri Kawucha
Posted at 20:39h, 13 MayI just finished making this top yesterday & it is one off the few I know I will use again! I left the length (shorter) as is & found it a little too long so will shorten the next one. I’m only 5’2. I have a light weight white Ponte & white cotton stretch lace for the contrast – can’t wait to stitch it up. Can’t wait to find some of the power net here in Canada (hopefully in Navy) Love seeing what you make!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:18h, 13 MayThank you, Terri! I too, am 5’2″ and everything is long on me. This will be beautiful in white – good luck 🙂 !!
Angela
Posted at 21:04h, 13 MayA great fabric combo, elevating a comfortable everyday top to something special. Thanks again for the inspiration:)
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:19h, 13 MayMany thanks for your nice comment, Angela 🙂 My idea of a good pattern is one that can serve many purposes!
Linda LaMona
Posted at 05:33h, 14 MayTruly love this tunic top!!! Great combination of fabrics. Though you think the fit is not quite like you want, I think it looks good on you.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:19h, 14 MayThank you, Linda! I think it looks just fine, but know it could look better with a few minor adjustments here and there 😉
Sew, Jean Margaret
Posted at 06:49h, 14 MayBeautiful top. Love how you have combined it with the white pants and striped bag. Very smart outfit.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:50h, 14 MayThank you so much, Jean!
Cindy Aymes
Posted at 07:31h, 14 MayI love everything about this top – the fit, the combination of fabrics, the styling! You’ve done it again! Cindy
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:39h, 14 MayThank you, Cindy! What a nice comment 🙂
Martha Ann Murray
Posted at 08:33h, 14 MayLove it! Did you shorten it as much as you usually do? Headed for Italy and Switzerland – hope I have time to search for a fabric shop or two!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:40h, 14 MayMany thanks, Martha! I did shorten the pattern in all the usual places. Have a great trip!! 🙂
Carol de Villiers
Posted at 10:35h, 14 MayIt may not have had a muslin, but it is perfect! I would make one like that in a heart beat…. may have to look that pattern up. Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:28h, 14 MayThank you, Carol! It’s not purrrrrrrfect, but I do like it Hopefully next time 🙂
Jennifer Miller
Posted at 11:37h, 14 MaySarah, This is another beauty. And……I think it may be the first pattern I make in my official “return to sewing”, which will begin (finally) next week! I had decided upon a peasant blouse because of its simplicity, but I think this will look much more polished. Can’t wait for your next installment. Jen, NY
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:27h, 14 MayThank you, Jennifer! I hope you’ll give this one a try – in my opinion it’s easier than a peasant blouse 😉
Jennifer Miller
Posted at 18:50h, 01 JuneHi Sarah, I have purchased the pattern (my first in forever!) but did not find a fabric that suited me. Will shop again tomorrow. Just so you know, my long-promised blog is live! I’m a little jittery about that, too. Thanks for your always inspiring posts and always encouraging responses. Jen.
Robin
Posted at 12:04h, 14 MayI love that top! And I think you got a really nice fit. I’m just about finished with a couple of craftsypatternmaking classes (Susy Furrer’s moulage and sleeve classes) and my new sloper will be perfect for tops like this.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:26h, 14 MayThank you, Robin! I’m enjoying following your MOB journey.. and am envious of that fitting session you had with Kenneth 😉
Mary Fioretti
Posted at 12:31h, 14 MaySo darling. I’m going to have to pick that pattern up too.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:25h, 14 MayIt’s an easy one, Mary! Many thanks for the comment 🙂
Leslie Bonner
Posted at 08:57h, 15 MayLove your new top and one of those rare patterns I don’t have in my collection. I’ll have to remedy that during the next sale at JoAnn’s. I love mesh fabric for Spring/Summer. While they are not natural fibers, the sheerness gives the fabric the Spring/Summer vibe and allows you to feel the movement of air. In the Apparel section of The Artful Home they have several mesh tops on the pricey side but l think it’s a pretty look.
Leslie
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:28h, 16 MayThank you, Leslie for the comment, and many thanks for introducing me to The Artful Home website! Lots of inspiration to be found there 🙂
Ginger
Posted at 10:39h, 15 MayYou always manage to look both comfortable and chic. How do you do it?!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:29h, 16 MayYou’re so kind, Ginger. Comfortable…. yes. Chic? Well, I try but I dunno 😉
CarolinasCallin
Posted at 11:40h, 15 MayOh, LOVE that, Sarah! I love all the loose tops that are so fun and easy to wear, but am OVER the crazy hemlines and tons of fabric! How did I miss this pattern?! Great idea to use the mesh with the knit, too.
Thanks for the inspiration!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:33h, 16 MayHi Cheryl! I constantly overlook patterns but looking at the line drawing gives me an entirely new perspective on the pattern. This is an easy and worthwhile pattern for sure!
Lisa in Dallas
Posted at 13:36h, 15 MayI always do a mental happy dance when I see your name in my blog feed. You never disappoint. Congrats on another great finish. You always pick really nice color combinations and styles.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:34h, 16 MayThank you for this lovely comment, Lisa! 😉
Myra
Posted at 15:31h, 16 MayThis is beautiful Sarah!! I love the way you styled your top and the fabric selections! You have inpeccable style!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:31h, 17 MayAh…… that’s such a sweet comment, Myra! Thank you 🙂 🙂
Cindy C.
Posted at 20:22h, 16 MayI actually think the drape of the top, with the wider bottom falling in waves, is extremely feminine and quite different from your other tops. The loose fit looks perfect for hot and humid days, where you might want the top to “breathe” rather than hug tightly to the body. Also, the effect is to draw the eye back up to the boobs — the exact effect we all desire to achieve! 🙂 I’d actually vote for leaving it the way it is because it is such a nice counterpoint to your usual fitted look and, instead, try a variation where you even up the hem by eliminating the extra length in the back.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:32h, 17 MayThank you, Cindy – excellent advice! That’s just what I’ll do 😉
Such busy days and the next project | Let the Sewing Begin
Posted at 10:27h, 13 June[…] work” to look forward to, don’t you? So, taking the advice of the talented Sarah at Goodbye Valentino, I have selected Vogue 8950 to make an easy, breezy summer top. I’m planning to use a […]