Last weekend the Cleveland Orchestra and Chorus (of which I am a member) performed “Porgy & Bess” highlights at Blossom Music Center in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. I loved every minute of rehearsal and performance. Northeast Ohio has been inundated with rain, heat and humidity this summer—this is my fifth year here and the worst summer in my experience. So we were all dripping with perspiration while rehearsing and performing on the outdoor stage. Two weeks of sitting in hot rehearsal rooms, culminating with an extra-hot stage, made me want cool clothes!
When I stopped at Waechter’s Fine Fabrics in Asheville’s Biltmore Village on my way to Hendersonville for my mother’s 100th birthday party, I found a wonderful knit to use for a summertime top. (Smooth segue, huh?!) I decided to make the sleeveless version of Marcy Tilton’s versatile top, Vogue 8582.
This is my fourth take on this pattern, but the first at the sleeveless version.
Previously I made View C, then View C with cowl variation, and View C with neckline band.
Pattern Description: Semi-fitted asymmetrical pullover tops A, B, C. A: contrast neck and armhole bands. B: neck band and unfinished three-quarter length sleeves. Wrong side of fabric will show on all bands. C: cowl “twisted” collar and long sleeves.
Pattern Sizing:Misses 8-22; I believe I cut a 16.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes.
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the unusual collar variations. I don’t love the asymmetrical hem (I refer to it as that thing hanging down), but that’s just my personal preference. Actually, I tried on one version that a friend had made and think I’ll make the extended hem on the next one I make.
Fabric Used: A cotton-Lycra blend, very lightweight, almost tissue weight. Lovely for summer. From Waechter’s Fine Fabrics in Asheville, NC. Out of stock.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: The fabric I chose is printed on one side. On my version #2, when I tried to make the extended hem on a similar fabric, I learned I don’t like the unprinted side showing. This collar treatment on views A and B is designed so that the wrong side of the fabric shows.
I wanted the twisted collar, but didn’t want the wrong side, so I pondered for about five days. What I ended up doing was cutting two bands and layering them wrong sides together. That way, when I twisted the collar band, I still had the printed side showing. It was tough to do, as that collar band ended up being double the weight of the rest of the top. And keeping the two bands together for turning and stitching was tricky. I guess I could have basted them together before sewing, but I didn’t. When I finished the collar band, I was frustrated with the trickiness, so decided to just put a flat band on the armholes. It’s okay, but—after several wearings and many compliments—I really do love the look of that twisted collar. So my next version will be a fabric that’s solid color or somehow printed on the back side. (Oooh, an opportunity for screen printing or stenciling on the wrong side!)
I’m dissatisfied with the way I turn corners on double needle hems. That’s a challenge I’ll be working on for a while until I come up with a better technique.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? This is my fourth!
Conclusion: Lovely, flattering, summery top. One of my favorites to sew. You’ll be seeing more of these on my blog.
The pants pictured are Eileen Fisher pique crops from about ten years ago. The slides are my fave Walking Cradles Women’s Alva Slide in White Leather
Two closeup views of the neck and armhole band treaments — left front, then right front. Click any photo for a close-up.
