It looks like Vogue 9161 is now out of print, although you should be able to find it on eBay or Etsy. It’s a Marcy Tilton pattern that includes a top and a skirt. I’ve made both before, blogged here.

Both the skirt and top that I sewed back in early 2018 are still in my wardrobe, and still fit with my aesthetic.  It was definitely time to give the pattern another whirl!

This time around I just sewed the top. It seems that I chose a fabric that is very similar in colour to the one I sewed it in last time! That top was in a linen knit, and it’s got a bit shorter with sucessive washes. The fabric is a knit remnant from Rathdowne Fabrics – it feels like a viscose/cotton/spandex blend.

I did a superb job of attaching the neckband – then realised that I’d attached it with the neckband seam right at the centre front of the top instead of the centre back! Out with the trusty unpicker (and yes, it had already been overlocked). Fortunately the reattachment worked fine.

This top has interesting seaming and shaping, with godets inserted into the side seams to really add to the amount of swing. I sewed size Medium (I measure a size or two larger than that) as it only really needed to fit well across the shoulders and upper chest. The style ease would take care of the bust and waist measurements!

I will sew this top again, but in a different colour! It’s very easy to wear and the comparatively short length works well proportionately with some of the higher waisted and fuller pants and skirts that are in my wardrobe.  I’ll also make the skirt again at some stage.

As with most Marcy Tilton designs, it is definitely along the lines of ‘art teacher chic’ with that looseness through the body. As you know, that’s something that I usually like in my clothes! It’s also very forgiving to my size fluctations.