This top was completed around a week ago.  When I first finished it off, I wasn’t happy with the neckline or hem.  I was almost ready to give it away.  But the next morning I gave it another press, and hey bingo, it’s a keeper!

The pattern is Vogue 8771, and I think that I bought the double sided with different widths stripe fabric from Darn Cheap Fabrics (not on sale – yes, I do also buy their fabric at their full price, not always from the $2 per metre table…).

The good points about this pattern:

• great for stripe play
• dolman/batwing sleeves that incorporate princess seaming for the bodice
• fashionable high-low hemline (also known as a “mullet” hemline)
• perfect with skinny jeans or pants
• only four pattern pieces!

My alterations: shortened through the body at the alteration points about an inch. I made the “Medium” size.  I used Vliesofix Tape to secure the hems (neck, sleeves and body) before stitching them with a zig-zag stitch on the sewing machine.  Other seams were overlocked.

What I’d do differently next time:

• do a google search before cutting out and sewing together, not after
• cut the cuffs double with the hem on the fold
• add a band around the neckline – it’s a very wide and open neckline, and would look better brought in a bit. Far too open for a winter top – very chilly!

So, will I make it again? Absolutely!