This is another pattern repeat: the top from Vogue 8866, a wardrobe pattern now sadly out of print. (Grey top, blue top, sparkly dress from the same pattern). The envelope picture doesn’t do this one justice at all. But the technical drawing reveals interesting seamlines. I’ve lightened my photos slightly in the hope they’ll be visible there too.
It is made from some bargain black scuba knit I got from the Birmingham Rag Market. I constructed this almost entirely on a regular sewing machine with a straight stitch, using a size 90 stretch needle and lowering my thread tension slightly. Most of the seams are top stitched so don’t need to be super stretchy. The scuba doesn’t need any seam finishing either because it doesn’t fray.
I originally cut out the dress version of the pattern and added side seam pockets. But I got them in the wrong place – too low – and they wouldn’t sit flat. I couldn’t face redoing them and I knew I wouldn’t wear a dress with no pockets so I cut the whole thing off at the hip and made it into a top.
A more carefully planned change was to swap the back neck opening and snaps for a short invisible zip. It stops just above the back yoke seam. It’s just enough to get the top over my head but no more.
I haven’t bothered hemming this. I didn’t want to fight with a twin needle. I ran the hem and sleeve edges through the overlocker with a fairly short stitch length to give the impression of some sort of intentional finishing and that’s good enough.
I think this will be a useful basic top. It goes with most of my other clothes and it’s good for layering. It’s not the most exciting thing I’ve made this year but it’s the basics you wear the most.
Photos by my husband, taken on a very windy and sunny day so excuse my hair. I’m wearing the top with my gold Burda jeans here but it should go with most of my jeans and skirts.
Now I come to write this blog post I realise I’ve never made any of the other items from this pattern, and there’s an excellent pair of culottes and a skirt in there too. Maybe some time soon I’ll have a go at those.
Catherine Daze's Blog 
This is lovely Catherine.
Thanks!
Love the seamlines on the top! The skirt is really cool too, and I think it looks like it would be an interesting piece to sew.
Thanks! I am tempted by the skirt but I think I’ll probably do the culottes first. I have the right fabric in stash for those.
I bet you will get a lot of wear out of this – you’re right that those basics often get the most love. This looks great on you and that whole pattern pack looks like a great buy – I will seek it out.
It’s a good one. The spectacular jacket overshadows the rest; ironically that’s the one piece I probably would never make.
Oh, I do like the seam lines on this! Love the idea of the back zip too. The pattern looks great so what a pity it’s OOP…I might try to hunt one down.
I could definitely see you in those.
there are some great pieces hidden in plain sight in those Vogue wardrobe patterns and this is one of them. great shape and nice photos.
It’s a reminder to always look at the line drawings, that’s for sure!
Awesome! Basic black tops get the most wear, and this one has some really cool shoulder seams, which makes it more fun! You look awesome in this outfit and I agree – it’ll look great with so many of your other pieces.
Thanks!
Love the styling on this and I
Looks fab with the gold jeans
Thanks!
Basics are brilliant and this one fits you perfectly. The whole wardrobe pattern looks great actually, shame it is out of print.
Yes, I’m always surprised when things go out of print but now I look back at my other tries at it I realise it’s quite an old one. Time goes so fast.
Basics may seem boring, but they are so useful (and everyone secretly wishes to know how the “basic” items go to). You wear them often and you can perfect techniques.
I certainly need to perfect sewing knits! Just made another top and the hem is all kinds of wonky. Luckily it’s a forgiving fabric…
I agree. Knits are a different beast. I find a walking foot helps the wonky hems. For some reason, the twin needle is only successful half the time. Need to work on that.
What a lovely outfit! 😁👍