My First Ever Vogue Pattern!

Ok so out of all the Big 4 Pattern companies, Vogue was the most intimidating to me. I've been slowly collecting Vogue patterns for awhile now (thanks to those $5.99 sales at JoAnn's lol) but I had yet to cut into one of them...until now! I watched Rosy Peña sew this pattern up on her YouTube channel and thought to myself, what on earth are you waiting for? It's such a simple top, and it doesn't involve any techniques I'm unfamiliar with, so why the hell not? I decided to start with a test run with fabric that isn't too precious to me, just in case of an epic fail and so that I could work out any fit issues.

I really didn't have to make many adjustments aside from my standard waist length adjustment (I took out 2 inches) and grading out at the hips. I cut a size 14 (16 at the hip) and used the C cup bodice.

I am super pleased with the way it turned out. I absolutely love the cut of the armholes. I think it's super flattering. And I actually really love the fabric I chose for this wearable muslin. I chose it because I have a ton of this particular fabric, and it was on my list of #usenine fabrics for this year. It's a navy mid-weight crepe and I just love how it drapes.

This pattern was incredibly easy to put together. It's literally just front, back, and an optional collar. Since I was focusing on fit for my first version, I opted not to do the collar, but I am OBSESSED with how it looks with a Peter Pan collar (view C), which is why as soon as I finished this version, I immediately cut out another version in another #usenine fabric with a contrast collar.

I did make a little mistake with my stay-stitching. I did it at 5/8 of an inch (and quite sloppily I might add 🤦🏾‍♀️) and it ended up being visible on the final garment. Note to self: stay stitch WITHIN the seam allowance! Luckily, the fabric and thread are so dark that you can't really notice with the naked eye, but lesson learned.

The neckline and armholes are finished with bias binding rather than facings, which I know some people find annoying, but on this particular top I don't mind it at all. I also think it would be fun to use a contrast binding and have it showing on the right side.

The back is finished with a hook and eye closure, which makes it easy to get over your head without the need for a zipper. I've also seen alternative closures used, such as ribbon ties or a shank button and a loop.

I've styled it with ready to wear jeans and a cropped cardigan here, but I also think it would look great with a pencil skirt in the same color way for a monochromatic look

I don’t have the exact fiber content details for either fabric, but my second version is also some kind of mid-weight crepe. It has a beautiful drape (similar to the navy fabric) and I felt it would be perfect for this top. For the Peter Pan collar, I used a fabric with a similar weight, but less drape. It's a silky black, and up close you can see that it has a floral print. You can also see my pattern markings because I haven't had a chance to wash it since I finished sewing it lol.

Overall, I love both versions of this top and I definitely think I'll make it again, but I do notice a bit of funkiness going on below the neckline with this Peter Pan collar version. At first I thought maybe the fabric I chose for the collar was too heavy, but now I don't think it's just that. I find that with many commercial patterns I tend to have some neckline gaping and need to adjust. When I made this top in navy, I didn't notice much of an issue. It's not tight at the top, but it's not all loosey goosey either. But with the collar adding a little weight to the front, it's much more visible (almost looks like weird bubble on my chest). I still LOVE the top and am absolutely still gonna rock it, but now I know to do a neckline adjustment before making this pattern again. Of course, I'm just a beginner and I don't know everything there is to know about fitting. If you have a different suggestion for me, please tell me on Insta! (I don't have comments set up on the blog at the moment).

Thanks for reading this far! Below is my official review, which I've also posted on www.patternreview.com

Pattern Description:

Sleeveless, pullover top (fitted through bust) has back keyhole closure with hook & eye closing, French darts and narrow hem. B: Stand-up collar. C: Peter pan collar. Purchased bias tape finishes armholes, and neckline A and C. Includes separate pattern pieces for A, B, C and D cup sizes.

Pattern Sizing:

U.S. 14-22. I cut a size 14 and graded to a 16 at the hip. I used the C cup.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes! I made view A in a navy crepe and view C in a black and gray crepe with a contrasting collar.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes, but I didn't really follow them. I'm a sucker for a good video tutorial and Rosy Peña has one on her Youtube channel, so I followed along with that. She used a knit fabric for hers though, so she omitted the bias tape at the armholes. My fabric was woven, so I used bias tape like it says in the pattern instructions.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I love the overall fit and the way the armholes are cut. I think it's a very flattering look. However, it does mean that unless you're wearing a racerback bra, your bra straps will probably show.

Fabric Used:

View A: Navy polyester crepe (at least I think it's polyester based on the way it discolored when I pressed it - thank goodness for scrap fabric!)

View C: Black and gray crepe (unknown content), and a black satiny fabric (also unknown content) for the contrast collar.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I graded out at the hip and shortened the waist by 2 inches. When I make it again (and I definitely will) I'll do a neckline adjustment. I got just a little bit of gaping which is more pronounced on the version with the collar.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I definitely think I will sew this again. It comes together so quickly and is a great basic to add to my wardrobe! I also think it would be fun to do some embroidery on the collar next time!

Conclusion:

I think this is a great beginner friendly pattern that is stylish, yet simple.