Thursday, January 22, 2015

Vogue 8840 - Stripe knit

I really like to sew knits and sometimes use them when the pattern calls for a woven.  Vogue 8840 is such a pattern but I loved the look of the top.  The fabric recommendations are synthetic suede, charmeuse and men's
suiting.  I went with a lighter weight, lycra/cotton knit.











This pattern has a center front and center back seam.  For this fabric, I eliminated these seams, drawing a fold line on my pattern 5/8" from the cut line.


I did taper the waistline and went with the longer length for more of a tunic length. Looking at the above picture, I might taper the waist a bit more but will wear it a couple more times before I do this change.

 I used self-fabric to finish the neckline, cutting the stripe on the bias.  This pattern has a dart, a good feature since it is for a woven.  I did leave the dart but did not sew it, just eased this fabric into the side seams from the underarms seam to the first notch.


I have a second one cut out and ready to sew, using a ponte knit.  I am anxious to compare the thicker more stable ponte to this knit.  On the ponte I am going back to the original pattern and have the center front and center back seams.



The changes for the ponte knit is mainly a change in construction. The pattern has you do the side seams and then add the sleeves, which I did for the stripe knit.  On the ponte knit, I will add the sleeves, topstitch the seam and then do the side seams.  I thought this way I would be to adjust the waist and add that nice topstitching  at the sleeve.

Now is a comedy pic of the photo shoot, there were several funny ones mainly due to a smashed big toe and cracked toenail.  Thank goodness it isn't sandal season here for awhile as I will be missing a toenail soon!  In these booties I had to walk a certain way so no pain.  Oh, the things we do for good blog photos!


I really like this new top and the Vogue pattern worked well.  I need more casual tops in my closet and on Sunday I wore this stripe top with this ponte jacket which worked together and was just right for our unseasonable warm temperatures.

What is your favorite pattern that is for a woven but you sued a knit?







21 comments:

  1. This is really cute Lori!

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    1. Thanks, Amanda, I can already tell this top will get lots of wear.

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  2. Very cute! Sorry about the toe...I broke my baby toe once, so I can relate to you're pain :-(

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    1. thanks, Patty, it is getting better but tennis shoes are my friend.

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  3. I really like this top! Thank you for sharing the changes you made to switch from a woven to a knit. I would have passed on this pattern but now I am going to add it to my list to buy!

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    1. Thanks, Dharma, you know me I love a good knit.

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  4. Such a nice little top Lori! I'm sorry about the toe, I hope it mends soon :)

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    1. Thanks, Carolyn, it is feeling better each day but I am ready to wear my cute shoes and boots again.

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  5. Great top! I love striped tops like these too.

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    1. Thanks, Ann, stripes are such a good classic.

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  6. Great top ! Great job ! I love your tips on using a woven pattern . Did you make this as a woven first ? Looking forward to the ponte version . I have 3 yards I've been terrified to cut & sew , but need to jump in .
    Thx

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    1. Thanks, Mary Ellen, cut up that ponte you won't regret it at all.

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  7. Love this top! I need more casual "grab and go tops" in my wardrobe put on a scarf or statement necklace and off to work. Knits are so comfortable to wear, I love sewing with them too. Can't wait to see the ponte knit when its completed.

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    1. I know about the casual, my girls give me a hard time about being too dressy too often.

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  8. Anonymous10:11 AM

    This looks awesome on you! I can't really even envision it in a woven! Let me see, I've used a thick knit for my favorite vintage pencil skirt pattern and that turned out great... nice to have the extra wiggle room!

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    1. thanks, Sonja, I don't think it would drape very nicely with a woven.

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  9. Oh, I love this outfit Lori! You look fresh and cheery, and dare I say, ready for spring! Sorry to read about the injured toe! I do hope it gets better soon! Are you wearing Ginger jeans? I see you've made three pairs...I'm just finishing up my first pair myself.

    I recently made the Sewaholic Belcarra in a piece of knit from my stash. Haven't blogged about it...I think I used too heavy a fabrication for the pattern.

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    1. Thanks, Sue, it is a fun outfit, I posted the ponte one on a blog post today and I like them both.

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  10. I love your top and how you styled it! I have this pattern, never sewn it, so I am loving your idea of using knit fabrics.

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    1. Thanks, Levone, hope you sew this pattern up - it sure is quick.

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  11. I love your top Lori! It looks great on you!
    I'm a sucker for navy and stripes.

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