Vogue 9057 – definitely a TNT
I first sewed Vogue 9057 in 2016, after doing a Tilton sisters’ knit top class on Craftsy, and I still enjoy wearing tops sewn from this pattern. My sewing during this pandemic has all been ‘easy’ things so far – patterns that I have used before and are straightforward to cut and construct. Very calming.
I bought the last of the bolt of this textured knit at Darn Cheap Fabrics a few months ago. I really do like texture in fabrics! After spending some time trying to decide which side would be the right side and which side would be the wrong side, I spent a couple of hours cutting and sewing view D with the longer sleeves from views A/B.
I sewed the Medium (even though I measure the Large). Remember to check the finished garment measurements and select size according to your own measurements while taking your ease preferences into account. I have also shortened this pattern through the body about an inch and a half. The neckband length was determined via Gillian’s fool-proof neckband method.
I don’t own a coverstitch machine, and decided to finish all the hems with a simple zig-zag. I find that works well on trickier knits, such as ones that are super stretchy or that have texture. I tend to use a twin needle on more stable knits, such as cotton/spandex blends. With a zig-zag I can sew a hem from the wrong side and make sure that the left stitch of the zig-zag is just off the raw folded edge. It gives a super neat finish on the inside, without added bulk. I actually hemmed this fabric before pressing it – less chance for the textured bits to stretch out. This worked well.
I’m likely to wear this with a scarf, as in this photo. This outfit is very much me! If this pattern has been languishing in your stash, I strongly suggest that you pull it out and give it a go.
In stay-at-home news, we’re all working and schooling from home. The kids really miss their friends, and it tears at my heart. There is enough academic content for them to get through, but so much else of school is missing. I’m finding it all pretty tough at the moment, but don’t question the necessity. We’ve done really well in Australia at keeping the infection rates low, especially through the distancing measures that were introduced over a month ago now. And there are upsides of the stay-at-home measures – no travel time whatsoever, and opportunity for family to connect. We’ve now watched all three ‘Lord Of the Rings’ movies! Although with school holidays over I feel almost as busy as before. I’m missing the cleaner too. Such first world issues.
I have noticed in several of your posts, even pre-corona, that your attitude is one of privilege and ingratitude, with a total lack of perspective. It is not good enough to make insensitive comments and then qualify them as first world problems. Perhaps stop and reflect before openly complaining, when you and your family are actually incredibly lucky. So many people are suffering hardship and don’t have the freedoms and choices that you have. Whinging about missing “the cleaner” is the final straw, not just because it is so tone-deaf in the current climate (or actually in any situation) but because you completely dehumanise this person as “the cleaner” instead of referring to them by their name, or at the very least, “I miss our cleaner” or even better, not complaining at all. This speaks volumes of your character. Maybe stick to sewing.
Col, your comment is really unkind. You can think what you like of me, from the limited amount you know of me, but why post a comment when you’ve never done it before unless you’re just trying to cause pain. And why can I not feel sad about my own situation while simultaneously understanding how terrible things are elsewhere? Can’t these things co-exist? Am I not allowed to express any of my own feelings because others have it worse? Have you never noticed when I do express my feelings of gratitude and thanks for the life that I have? I have made it clear many times that I know how lucky I am. And we’re actually between cleaning companies at the moment, so I can’t name a cleaner, but you have judged me anyway. Choosing to leave a comment like yours speaks volumes of your character. Just unfollow and don’t read my blog.
Have you sewn the Monty shirt/dress by style arc? Do you have a post on this if sewn. Thank you
Col I am quite shocked at your post . We are all going through strange and difficult times .yours maybe particularly trying .Its the only explanation for your aggressive post on this blog post to a person you just don’t know .it costs nothing to be kind because in my experience we very rarely know the whole story
Lovely top Lara. I hear you on the easy sewing at this time!
Yes, many of us are having trouble with headspace!
I love this design Lara, and that scarf is the perfect accessory to compliment it.
I’m taken aback at Cols snarky comment….I think its completely off the mark. As a long time reader of your blog I’ve always been impressed by how balanced, compassionate and caring your world view is. I think your response to Col was very accurate and measured. Many of us through the random lottery of birth have been fortunate to enough to live lives of comparable “privilege” in advanced societies. It doesn’t automatically follow that we are unconscious of these circumstances, let alone arrogant to express being aware of it. Simultaneously it doesn’t require that we have to flagellate ourselves with guilt at not having experienced the privations of other citizens in our communities or the world beyond.
Thanks so much for your support Pearl.
I second what Pearlredmoom has said and also your calm response. In sewing comments, i do like this pattern and the fabric you have used. I have that pattern at home…… two days drive away from where I am/will probably be living for a little while to come, caught by the virus. Just out of quarantine and into “normal” lockdown. I also have a fabric ready for this pattern, maybe winter 2021? I have unearthed my daughter’s sewing machine and set it up. I am waiting for a chair ordered online since her unit did not have suitable seating. I have made do with a sofa cushion on top of a bean bag but my sewing has not been prolific. I have made a cover for her machine, a tray cloth for her table and a pillow/cushion cover from some op shop material. Her fabric stash is not large😉 these crazy times have allowed me time to catch up with your blog which has been a good thing. Take care, stay safe💐
Thanks Annie! It must be a challenge to be out of your normal environment for an extended period. Great that you’ve still found the opportunity to sew!
This is such a great pattern. Need to pull it out from my stash and make again. Lovely make and like how you styled it with the scarf.
Thanks AC – I have quite a scarf collection nowadays!
Love those colours! I was about to comment how I can’t keep our cleaner away (I think she feels sorry for our chaos) – we huddle in another room – then I saw Grumpy Col! Is being grateful for your cleaner morally better or worse than expressing regret for the absence of your cleaner, during a global pandemic. Discuss 😉
Oh LQ, your response really made me laugh!
Great looking top and love how you styled it. A bit gobsmacked with Col comments totally uncalled for.
As a longtime reader of your blog love the balance and positivity of your posts.
Thanks Jan, I really appreciate that there are people who do enjoy reading what I write.
Well I love the top and how you styled it with the scarf! And I miss my cleaner too! So ignore the top comment and carry on because with the state of the world we’re living in now there are more important things to worry about!
Thanks Carolyn – there most certainly are! You’ve been doing some terrific sewing lately – but then again, you always do! Thanks also for the recent link to Charlie’s blog post. Everyone has a different experience of this situation, and I really like to read how they are finding it affecting them.
That is really very very nice, well done, how are you coping being shut in, I am actually enjoying it, take care and ‘wash your hands’ haha.
warm regards
Marianne
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Hi Marianne, yes, there are definitely lots of people who have discovered that ‘stay-at-home’ really suits them! Thanks for the kind words on my top.
Col got up on the grumpy side of bed!
I’ve made that pattern up several times too. Your fabric is lovely and I love how it drapes.
It’s such a great pattern – I reckon that I’ll be making that one forever!
How rude! Just for the record I don’t share that perception of you.
Thanks Annie!
Hello , I love this pattern too , the sisters create particularly good T shirt patterns . I wear this pattern at least a few times per week . I like your example and with a scarf . Very stylish
I always look out for Tilton patterns, especially for tops. It is no surprise that they have a significant fan base!
This is also my TNT pattern for long-sleeve t-shirts, although I did widen the neckband as my personal preference. Funny because I’m sitting here wearing one now! I find making basics during these times is helpful for my mental health, since due to health issues I’ll be isolating a lot longer than most people and sewing makes me happy.
Hi Valerie! Have you done the Craftsy class? They showed some interesting variations of the pattern with different neckband treatments and really encourage people to use the pattern as a base then just go for it. I love that you’re wear it now! Isn’t it great when sewing is your happy place? So good that you know what helps you in these trying times.
I don’t usually comment either – but I suddenly feel compelled to say that I like your style, Thornberry!
Thanks Liz!
I’ve made this pattern several times – I guess that makes it a TNT for me also. The only changes I made was a cheater FBA (add a bit to front side seam) and to make the neckline a bit narrower as it seemed a bit drafty to me. Your scarf and the fabric for the top look like they were made for each other.
that comment… I always thought “first world problems” phrase, when made in response to your own words, was simply acknowledging that you know others have much worse going on in their lives. Now, had *I* commented back “first world problems” at your saying you miss cleaning service – that’s a whole ‘nother meaning… I think?
Hi Gail – it’s an easily adaptable pattern, isn’t it! I have a feeling that there are many 9057s around. And yes, I agree re ‘first world problems’ in my own words – it’s an acknowledgement of my privilege.
Hiring a maid, means one more person has a job…. I fail to see how this is a problem.
Clearly we don’t all think the same way.
I saw the first picture and thought -Comfy and then the Top came alive with the scarf…so then I went back and looked at your previous 9057’s
I love your use of accessories with this top
I don’t know if I could do it…(You’ve got some great prints in your past projects too…)
I was thinking of replying as before I read Col’s comment…so to that first
I have been working on poverty and inequity for almost a decade…I spent hours on a video conference last week on how to get meals etc. to cleaners who were not working and have no financial cushion … I had to go back and reread your post (twice) to figure out where the fuss was…The I reread Col’s post twice-which was absolutely off base and unhelpful to any reader…Your cleaner is probably far more comforted to know that you miss her (odds are it’s a she) and so she will have a job after this is over than to have her name spread around on screens around the world.
Thanks Pal! I do like a bit of colour, and texture, and print! Although I have found that I’ve been choosing my prints differently over the past couple of years. Thanks also for your insights based on your work. What you do is really vital.
It’s great to see so many supportive comments. I find your blog interesting and informative and your style helpful and fun. You’ve definitely introduced me to some great patterns.
Most of us in the first world that sew our own clothes are of the privileged class but that makes us neither insensitive nor arrogant by definition. You certainly are neither.
I miss my cleaner, Julie, as well but I am glad she felt fine to tell me she could no longer come. I’ve paid her and urge anyone who can to do the same. If I can buy fabric, that seems only fair.
So thank you for a lovely interlude. Looking forward to many more.
Hi Lara, I’m wearing one of my vogue 9052 tops today too. It’s a great pattern. Yours looks lovely in pink and goes so well with your scarf and navy pants. I felt quite outraged by the rude comments you received. I have followed your blog for years and I love your sewing, travelogue and insightful views. Don’t stop sharing your makes and points of view.
I have to echo all the positive sentiments here – I have been reading your blog for nearly 10 years because you make wonderful garments and include insightful details about why you choose what you choose and how you changed it to fit you or your family members, but also because I really enjoy hearing about your family and what life is like on the opposite side of the world (I’m in Alaska). I’ve always thought you go to great lengths to uplift and celebrate other cultures – your traveling posts are some of my favorites. I’m sorry that Col tainted an otherwise great post (and was first commenter, too!).