Here is my test version of Vogue 1247 Rachel Comey top, shown with orange double knit fabric pinned to the dress form. This is a very loose-fitting top that you may not need to make a muslin if you can take a deep neckline. I wanted to test it because I narrowed the neck opening and raised V by 1 1/2" at the center. I also shortened the length by 1".
The fabric is silk charmeuse which I bought from Denver Fabrics so many years ago. I only had little less than 1 1/3 yard in 45" width of fabric so there was not enough to cut bias sleeve facing.
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| Vogue 1247 |
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| Source: voguepatterns.mccall.com |
I had a false impression on the difficulty level of this pattern. After reading many reviews it looked to me that people made this pattern easily and quickly. Turned out it was not so easy for me.
One of the interesting design feature of this top is the lower front where four pieces of fabric joined together. Because of the french seams, the point where all the pieces met became very bulky. Sewing bulky seams on slippery fabric was not so much fun.
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| One more piece to add to this bulk... |
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| All four pieces are joined |
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Lastly, making narrow hem on curved hemline on slippery fabric was not so easy...
Anyway, the top is done.
I recommend using thin fabric for this top pattern. I thought my charmeuse was not thick at all, but it became bulky at some places. It will be helpful if the fabric is easy to press since you are going to press a lot to make french seams. Of course another option is not doing french seams and just serge/zigzag seam allowance.
Conclusion: I think the top is cute and great style for hot summer days. I do not want to sew it again, however, I will probably make a skirt using this pattern in the future.
By the way, Leo was taking a nap in the suitcase the other day. Cuteness!
Until next time, cheers to you all!
Cute top. French seams can be a bit of a nightmare, but I think they are so worth the trouble. I had a Siamese cat who would sleep in the strangest places. He's been gone for quite a while now. Enjoy your baby!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on french seams, Rhonda. After all the trouble going through the bulk, the inside of my top looks so nice. I love it!
DeleteI also had problems with this top, and I used an Amy Butler lawn fabric, being very thin. I could not get the four pieces of the bottom to come together correctly, and finally gave up. It being a large floral print, I'm hoping it will not be noticed. I added a piece to the V neckline, as it was way too deep for my liking. Good to know someone else had similar issues to mine, as, like you, it seemed others were not having problems. Don't think I will try it again...Anna
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your experience, Anna. Now that I know I was not the only one having a problem sewing this top, I feel a bit better. :) My four pieces did not perfectly come together but I told myself it was good enough and moved on.
DeleteThis is fabulous! Great fabric choice, and great job sewing the slippery charmeuse.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dilliander. Hopefully I will have no problem with slippery fabric in the future. BTW I've just checked your blog... your Chanel jacket is amazing!
DeleteGreat looking top. I have this pattern so I was very interested in your write up.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Audrey. Having worn this top I now like it better. While busy print camouflaged my imperfect stitches, solid-color fabric would be great for this pattern to show off its interesting stitching detail. Happy sewing!
DeleteFor some reason Yuki this is one top I just want to love, but I know would look horrible on me. You chose a great print!
ReplyDeleteThanks, bela!
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