Sewing Patterns, Pattern Review, Sewing Classes, Sewing Machines and Sewing Machine Reviews!
Platinum Sponsor: Fashion Fabrics Club
Huge Selection Fashion Fabrics at Discount Prices

[SIGNUP - FREE Membership & 1 FREE Sewing Lesson ]
[Sewing Classes|Shopping Bag Your Shopping Bag|Login|Help]
Sewing Review and Pattern Reviews Sewing Knowledge Base Sewing Patterns Sewing Classes & Sewing Lessons Sewing Machine & Embroidery Machinery Sewing Message Boards Sewing merchants Blog Help/FAQ About Pattern Review
Enter your e-mail address:




Advanced Search
Tags
New to PR?
Sewing Machines
Compare Sewing Machines
Sewing Machine & Serger Reviews
Embroidery Machines
Sewing Reviews
Sewing Patterns
Review Gallery
Sewing Books
Sewing Supplies
Sewing Websites
Sewing Stores
Sewing Class Reviews
Sewing Expo Reviews
Sewing Tips & Techniques
Sewing Podcasts
NEW!Fabric Glossary
Sewing Review RequestsAdd a Review Request
Your Account
Edit Profile
My Page
Favorites
Wish List
Pattern Catalog
Notifications
Friends of PR
Join Friends of PR
Find a member
Deal Corner
Photo Album
Calendar
Chat Room
Chat Schedule
Chat Transcripts
Sewing Classifieds
Add a Classified
Sewing Contests
enter contest
contest report
contest gallery
Favorite Links
reviews with comments
merchant gallery
article archive
newsletter archive
Craft Resources
contact info
shipping rates
returns & refunds
testimonials
Platinum Sponsor - Fashion Fabrics Club
Fashion Fabrics Club
Vogue Patterns: 1247 (Rachel Comey Top) thumbsup - Type:Tops    printable version
Viewed 487 times 81 more reviews
Review rated Very Helpful by 13 people   
Reviewed by:Twinset
photo
Friend of PR
About Twinsetstarstarstarstar
QC CANADA
Member since: 9/15/07
Reviews written: 64
Sewing skills:Intermediate
Favored by: 122 people
patterns reviewed: 59
Bio: more...
Report a problem with this review

Best Patterns of 2011
Posted on:11/18/12 2:02 PM
Last Updated:11/18/12 2:08 PM
Project Photo:photo
Pattern Photo:Vogue Patterns 1247
Vogue Patterns Pattern Info
Pattern Rating:Highly Recommend
See other patterns in this category: Tops    Skirts    
Available for sale on PR: $22.50 (See envelope)
Current Tags What is a Tag: Rachel Comey  Vogue 1247  silk top  
Fabric:Silk Charmeuse  [See other projects in this fabric]
Related Links  
Click on to add a link
Pattern Description: The ever popular very loose fitting top by Rachel Comey, aka the 'Navigator top'.

Pattern Sizing: 6-12; 12-18; I sewed a size 6 (I should be a 10 by Vogue's measurments).

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

1- Close up

2- Back view

Or photo album

Were the instructions easy to follow? Very clear, good order of construction.

The instructions call for french seams everywhere; while I think this is certainly the way to go if your fabric is sheer, you don't necessarily need to do this if your fabric is not, 'cause it can add bulk or interfere with the drape. I only used french seams in 2 places (CB seam and shoulder seams), and found it made the shoulder seam stiff where the pleats meet. For the construction of the front seams I pressed the seams open and serged the edges.

The narrow shirt tail hem is very challenging (well, to me!); to minimize difficulty at side seams I hemmed front and back separately and then closed the sides (as I've seen in the shirtmaking DVD by Margaret Islander). I'd also recommend you let your top hang for 24 hrs before hemming, as the front part is on the bias.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I was first intrigued by this top after seeing some lovely versions by PR members. As it is often the case, I'd have completely skipped this pattern if it wasn't for PR! The design is great and very interesting with all the seaming and the bias treatment in the front (and cuffs). Note that this is an inverted triangle shape that might not suit every silhouette (I think it can make you look like a man with the wide shoulders and the narrow hips!). Some pointed that it looks like a medical scrub: I think it's funny but true in a way, it's just a super sophisticated version of it!

This top is deceiptively simple, and I didn't find it easy to sew - in fact I have the feeling I spent too much time on it. I found the front hem to be very challenging: if a straight bias hem is relatively easy to sew, a curved shirt tail bias hem with intersecting seams in a slippery silk charmeuse is something else. I have very low tolerance for imperfection, and I redid the front hem a couple of times before I could live with the result. Luckily my fabric is of high quality and doesn't show signs of over manipulating. While the back is ok, the front hem is not the most perfect of my sewing career. But I asked myself 'Are there RTW bias hems worst than yours?' and I answered yes so this was my way to comfort myself!

The bias cuffs were a total nightmare and I had to recut them on the straight grain (see below).

Fabric Used: Italian silk charmeuse bought from EOS (feather print)

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

1- Raised the 'V' neck by 1''
2- Sewed the neckline with a 1cm seam allowance instead of the suggested 5/8'', so that made the neckline narrower. I found the shoulder seams to be well balanced and the top doesn't ride in the back like the other Rachel Comey top (Vogue 1170).
3- Cuffs: I never could sew a decent straight line when I topstitched the cuff edge to the sleeve; for one thing my fabric was difficult to handle on the bias (silk charmeuse), and it probably had stretched a bit, so after a couple of failed attempts I was discouraged and decided to recut the cuff on the straight grain and then it was much easier to handle and topstitch. I really admire those of you who were able to sew their cuffs on the bias, but it just didn't work for me. I also slip stitched the cuffs everywhere instead of just tacking them in 2 spots.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? In the end I like this top much more than the other Rachel Comey top (1170) I made previously (which I hate by the way and wore only once). I'm still a bit uncertain about the sagginess of the front caused by the bias sections, and the weird poofing caused by the shoulder pleats, but I've come to accept that it's part of the unique charm of this top. I know I'm going to make more of this one, and I think it would be great in a fine knit like silk jersey (might try it). Make it if you like the design.

Conclusion: To Vogue: more little weird tops by Rachel Comey please!

More pics and other considerations at Jazz Couture!

Buy this pattern for $22.50  List Price: $30.00   Add to Bag Add to Bag
 
thumbsup Pattern with more than 5 reviews!
Merchants on PR
The Cloth Merchants
FINE FABRICS
Deals!
Gwyn Hug
Fabric Shopping Help!
Web site
Lanetzliving Vintage Sewing Patterns
Vintage Sewing Patterns
Deals!
<< Previous      Next >>
13 Comments      Login to Add a Comment
miausiau said...
I had plenty of fiddly moments with that one too...almost as though the design team conspired to make a simple idea as complex as possible. I commend you for your lovely creation and patience.
11/18/12 2:48 PM
olgarosita said...
Despite the difficult time you had with this top, it looks lovely! And you did a great job with the pants too, congratulations! (I read your blog but it wouldn't let me comment as an anonymous :)
11/18/12 4:21 PM
becca a said...
This is a beautiful blouse. It is a simple design, but your execution is flawless, and that is what makes it so lovely.
11/18/12 4:47 PM
carolynw said...
Really beautiful - you wear it so well
11/18/12 4:57 PM
Levone said...
Pretty top!
11/18/12 6:38 PM
SewWil said...
Very pretty top!
11/18/12 7:00 PM
crazygrad said...
Pretty!
11/18/12 7:06 PM
Elke said...
Gorgeous top and great fabric choice...looks very pretty on you! Thanks for the very helpful review!
11/18/12 8:14 PM
jenleeC said...
Your top looks lovely. I think once you accept the loose style you will enjoy wearing it a lot. I was uncertain at first but now love my two versions. I also checked out your V1170. It looks gorgeous and I can't imagine why you are not wearing it!
11/18/12 11:24 PM
cleverkitty said...
you changed your name? cats know each other LOL I hear you on this pattern, making it myself. I like the idea of hemming the shirt tail hem, I will try that on other patterns as well. Your top looks really nice on you despite everything.
11/19/12 7:55 AM
Dagmar O. said...
Great review with lots of information for anyone considering making this top. Both this one and the your V1170 look fabulous on you and really suit you. Congratulations!
11/19/12 9:22 AM
cocosloft said...
Welcome to the 1247 club! great review, good tips. Looks great!
11/19/12 12:04 PM
TJSEWS said...
I have finished fitting a muslin of this pattern but have not yet started sewing it in the fashion fabric. Yours is gorgeous. Thanks for the helpful review.
11/19/12 8:34 PM
Login
Online Sewing Classes
Serging Ahead with your 5 Thread Serger
Fee: $49.00
(Regular $49.00)
Serging Ahead with your 5 Thread Serger

Online Sewing Classes
Blueprints to Blue Jeans
Fee: $49.00
(Regular $49.00)
Blueprints to Blue Jeans

Simplicity 4082 Jacket
photo
Review by Jane S on 6/23/08
Read Review

SewBaby Animal Mittens Pattern
SewBaby Animal Mittens Pattern

Details
Price: $8.95
Add to Bag Add to Bag

SewBaby The Sleeve Saver Bib Pattern
SewBaby The Sleeve Saver Bib Pattern

Details
Price: $8.95
Add to Bag Add to Bag

Simplicity 1878
photo
Review by CJgal on 5/10/13
Read Review

Simplicity 2416 Pattern ( Size 10-12-14-16-18 )
Simplicity 2416 Pattern ( Size 10-12-14-16-18 )

Details
Price: $16.95
Add to Bag Add to Bag

Butterick 5783 Pattern ( Size LRG-XLG-XXL )
Butterick 5783 Pattern ( Size LRG-XLG-XXL )

Details
Price: $18.95
Add to Bag Add to Bag


Copyright © 2013 PatternReview.com® , OSATech, Inc. All rights reserved.
Conditions of Use | Posting Guidelines | Privacy Policy | Contact Us