Is it a Vest or a Top?

My thoughts have been towards autumn sewing since the mosquitos have made hanging outdoors downright miserable and the air conditioning has me wrapped in a sweater. And then there is Sandra Betzina's latest Fall release, Vogue 1515. Swoon, I love that draped collar. 

Even though it is a sleeveless top, I was thinking autumn gear and I had the perfect fabric in mind for the project.  

The timing was perfect when this embroidered boiled wool found its way to the bargain section, I had to snatch it up. I'm so glad that I did, it worked out beautifully with this pattern. And would you believe I picked up the fabric for less than a chai latte from my favourite coffee shop?  

I did things a little differently from the instructions. I didn't do any of the top-stitching, deciding to serge my seam edges instead. I lengthened the top at the hemline and straighten it a bit. Even though I cut out the armhole facings, I decided to use the fusible Knit-N-Stable™ tape, serge, turn over, and stitch. It worked out great, I love that stretchy fusible seam tape! And instead of stitching the collar down by machine, I chose to hand-stitch it in place along the neckline seam.  

I'm absolutely thrilled with how it turned out. I'll being wearing it as a vest though, I have a lovely grey knit that I would like to sew a t-shirt to wear underneath this item. I can barely wait for autumn weather to get here.  

The Stats:

Fabric:  1.5 metres

Pattern:  Vogue 1515

Fusible Tape:  1.3 metres

Additional Supplies and Tools:  Sewing machine, serger, threads, hand sewing needle, cutting table, pins, scissors, thread clippers, iron, ironing board, tunes on the radio, coffee, and a rest break or two.  

Happy Sewing!