Going Camping in Vogue 9205

Last month, I mentioned that Hubs and I were going on a camping trip soon.  I made a new shirt for both of us.  Then, the vacation got cancelled.  We were so disappointed but I still have the 2 tops for the next trip.

I made mine using Vogue 9205, a pattern I used before in the black wool/lycra.   Last time I made up this pattern I had trouble with the pleats  on front.  I didn't pay attention and sewed them up as darts.  So much work with the seam ripper!  This time things went so smoothly!

I used some active wear fabric by Judy P Apparel from Fabric Mart.  This is such great stuff.  It has a beefier feel than most active wear does and a tremendous recovery.  It would make great yoga pants.  I'm hoping it has wicking properties, although Fabric Mart did not state that for this fabric, they did for another piece in her collection that I got about a year ago.

Adjustments: there were quite a few this time.  The last top was rather more of a tunic than I wanted for this one.  So, for this top, I shortened the waist 1 inch, shortened the hem 2 inches and did a 3/4 inch narrow shoulder adjustment.  I'm 5'3" tall.  I think I got a much better fit this time around.  This is also the short sleeve version as opposed to the long sleeve version last time.

The pleats came out so nicely and are so easy to do.  They really add a lot of interest to a plain t-shirt.

With the side view you can see that it hugs the body without clinging tightly.  I'm also trying to work on my posture.  I've noticed in the past few pictures, that my shoulders are trying to roll forward.  Too much computer time probably. :)  This pattern is a definite winner and I'm sure I'll have more in the future.

You may have noticed a new badge in my side bar for the Tops That Pop Sew-A-Long.  This is hosted by Faye of Faye's Sewing Adventure.  It runs from April 15 to April 30.  The goal is to sew as many tops as you like and post them either on her blog or Instagram.  If you don't follow Faye, she's a fun blogger that makes great clothes; her coats are especially wonderful.  So, if you need a jumpstart to your spring sewing, this is a great place to find it and a warm, fun host to cheer you on!  I hope you'll join in!

Done At Last--Vogue 9205

Vogue 9205 is a cute little top that supposed to be a Very Easy Vogue.  That implies quick to me.  Doesn't it to you?  I had a few hiccups along the way.  First, I stitched those pleats in like darts.  No wonder it looked so flat and lack-luster.  So I had to pick all that out and re-sew it.  They look good now that they're done properly.

Then I got interrupted by need now sewing first for the concert, then for Cancer Awareness Days at work.  

Once I got back to it, this top just flew together. I made a size XL based on the finished measurements and did make a few alterations to it:

     * Shortened the waist at the line indicated by 1 inch.

     * Narrowed the shoulders 3/4 inch.

     * Shortened the sleeve 1/2 inch at the hem.

The fabric is a nice wool/lycra blend from Fabric Mart.  I found that it tolerated gentle machine wash and flat dry very well.  I have some in orange, too;  I thought these might be nice for hiking as a base layer.  This one may have come out too cute to use for that.  😁

The next time I make this,  and there will be a next time,  I'll make it a size smaller and shorten it some more so it will be a more fitted top.  Right now, I'm enjoying the loose, tunic feel of this one.  It's just right for cooler spring days. 

Vogue 9205 and a Hiccup

So after seeing Cenetta (of The Mahogany Stylist)  version of Vogue 9205, I decided to get the pattern.  Once I pulled  some wool/lycra from the stash, it was a go.

As you can see from the picture, the top features those lovely pleats at the neckline.  Therein lies my hiccup.  I sewed darts instead of pleats.  I've just spent the morning unpicking and re-stitching.  Hopefully, the rest goes smoothly.  More coming soon......