Vogue 8392 - Voile Top

My latest summer top is from Vogue 8392, a pattern that it's fair to say has had mixed reviews. I love the ruffled sleeve versions made by others but I bought this fabric as a remnant so I had no hope of making that view. I was concerned the plain sleeves would be a dowdy length but they're okay. I don't love it, but I don't hate it either.



The fabric is, as mentioned, a remnant. It's cotton voile that I bought from Tessuti when I was in Sydney (the same trip I bought my black coat fabric - and another piece that I haven't used yet). It is a very nice quality, not like the cheap stuff you buy that just shrivels up in the wash - after pre-washing in the machine I didn't even need to press it before cutting out the pattern.

I made a 2cm fba which resulted in a small bust dart on the side seam. I wanted that, I thought it would make the top a bit less boxy.

I used french seams throughout except the armhole. Rather than bind the armhole seam as I normally would, I stitched 6mm away from the seamline then trimmed the excess seam allowance. I then ran a row of zigzag over the second stitching line to neaten it. The resulting finish doesn't add any bulk to the armhole seam so it sits smoothly and isn't too stiff.

Like several other reviewers, wasn't happy with the slit, hook and eye solution at the back neck. I toyed with adding a placket and tiny buttons - which would have been cute, but in the end I didn't bother. What I did do was follow the instructions in Roberta Carr's book to add a little bow to conceal the hook. I also made a thread eye (instead of using the metal one) as I find they stay shut better.

Look very closely and you might be able to see the little bow! Of course it will always be hidden under my hair anyway but that's not the point is it?

Here is a detail shot of the front pleats and neck binding, I have to say I wish the pleats were a bit more distinctive. If I make this again it will be in a slightly thicker fabric and a plain colour. It would look great in a silk crepe or similar.

It's forecast to be very hot this week (41C on Thursday) so I'll probably be very grateful for such a lightweight top.