Charcoal Grey Top

Stash busting 2015:  OOP Vogue 8118

This is a perfect addition to my winter work wardrobe and I have Carolyn from Diary of a Sewing Fanatic to thank. Thank you!  

The Pattern:

OOP pattern, Vogue 8118, looks simple but there are some special design features. There is so much that I like adore about this pattern.

• The two piece sleeves are the cat's meow!
• It's petite-able! and I totally took advantage of this feature.  
• Multi-sized pattern which I fully utilized with a size 14 at the shoulders and bust, size 16 at the waist and graded to a 18 towards the hemline.
• The empire waist and bust pleats.  

I made version B with the three-quarter length sleeves which look more like full-length sleeves on me. I'm good with it. I did omit the ribbon ties and that would be the only change that I made. I find that the hem feels a little uneven and the fit feels a bit loose around the bust line but I do realize that it is because I left off the ribbon ties. When I pull the top where the ties would be, the hemline is perfect. So I'm kind of on the fence as to whether or not I'm going to add ties. I'll have to check out the ribbon selection next time I'm at the store since there is no more grey ribbon in my stash. Although, I do like the loose comfortable fit.      

The Fabric:

The fabric is a charcoal grey satin-back crepe has been in the stash for many moons. Okay, I know in recent memory there was a time that I had a strong dislike to sewing this fabric. Oh, those foolish days! 

Before I started on my cut pieces, I tested out how my needle, thread and stitch length choices would work tougher on a scrap piece of fabric. I changed the needle to a sharp needle 70/10, sewed the project with 100% polyester thread, and used small stitches (2.4 on my Janome machine). Once I felt confident to start sewing my fabric, I changed to a walking foot to help with those curved seams on slippery fabric. Seriously, if you do not have a walking foot I really do recommend adding one to your tool kit. Also wonderful for sewing knits but I digress... 

Honestly, this fabric would not be in my fabric stash if it weren't for Mama R. It is her favourite fabric and we picked it up when it made it to the discount section. There is still enough to make Mama R a dress. I made the top in this fabric because it is one of the recommended fabrics and I wanted a top in a heavier weight for cooler weather coming that is here. I have to admit that I do like the way the fabric turned out. Who knew?

I did not pre-treat the fabric before I cut it out. It is polyester and I don't recall much shrinkage after using this fabric in the past. I plan to wash it in the delicate cycle and hang it to dry as I wear it. As far as pressing goes, I steam pressed the seams as I sewed using the synthetic setting and it handled the process well.

The Stats:

Fabric:   2 metres $12.20 ($18.00 / metre - 70% off + taxes)

Pattern:  Free!  Thank you Carolyn!

Thread:  I have calculated $3.00 for the thread used on the serger and sewing machine.

Needle: $0.76 ($5.40 for a package of four - 50% off + taxes)

Additional Tools:   Janome sewing machine, serger with a walking foot and sharp 70/10 needle. I used a tailor's ham and steam iron for pressing.

Happy Sewing!