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CROP TOP | VOGUE 1939
Let me start this post by saying, “I’ve never been a fan of crop tops.” I just don’t feel comfortable with my mid-section exposed, unless I’m wearing a swimsuit. Ask me what’s the difference and my only answer is, “Hmmm… I don’t know.” Hahaha! Seriously, I wear 1-piece swimsuits for the most part, but when I have worn 2-piece suits at the pool or beach, I didn’t feel too uncomfortable about showing my mid-section. Now that we have that out of the way, let me tell you why I chose to sew a crop top.
The details in the design of this garment took my breath away. There are so many beautiful elements that made the top desirable for me. When I first saw the pattern, I knew I could wear it in a manner that upholds my standards for attire. So, the idea of wearing it with high-waisted skirts and pants made it an immediate yes. I also have some other ideas of how I plan to style it in the future, coming later in this post under the “Styling Options” section.
Pattern Information
Vogue 1939 is a loose-fitting top with gathered sleeves, bib feature, stand-up collar, and button with bias loop front closure. View A is cropped with an elastic waist, front ties at the waist and collar, three-quarter, voluminous sleeves with elastic hems. View B has long sleeves, cuffs with button and bias loop closure, continuous lap opening, and lace trim. The pattern is available in Sizes 8 – 26 (Bust sizes 31.5″ – 44″).
The company rates the pattern as ADVANCED, and I will agree because there are pin tucks involved with View B. However, I do believe an INTERMIDIATE sewing skill is adequate to sew View A. The details that are designed into the pattern come together to create a beautiful garment. I always suggest reading your pattern instructions completely before starting a project, to prepare yourself for what’s ahead.
As an ADVANCED Sewist (Aaaahhh, did you hear me call myself advanced? I sure DID!), I found the pattern instructions to be quite straight forward with no hiccups along the way. There are 14 pattern pieces required for View A, and 16 for View B. Careful attention is crucial when transferring markings from the pattern tissue to your fabric.
The instruction guide suggests using a needle and strong thread to turn the fabric tube right side out after sewing the ties for View A. That technique works well for turning small tubes of fabric. However, I have a Loop Turner Set and I always use it for turning tubes when they aren’t too small. The smallest tube in this set was just the right size for turning the fabric right side out to create the button loops.
Check the Details
As I mentioned above, the details are what drew my attention to the pattern. So let’s take an closer look at what makes this top such a beautiful garment.
Inside the Garment
I used my Baby Lock Soprano to sew all the seams, and Baby Lock Vibrant Serger to finish seam allowances. The inside of the garment looks great. I especially like the bib lining detail that provides a clean finish, encasing the seams, with the right side of the fabric showing. Here are some close-up photos of the garment inside.
Fabric Options
The pattern suggests the following types of fabric: Poplin, Lightweight Broadcloth, Lawn, and Challis. I used a beautiful Crinkle Rayon that I purchased from my local JoAnn Fabrics. I love the print, colors, and specks of metallic gold. Here’s a quick tip for beginners: When working with a lightweight, textured fabric, like crinkle rayon, be careful that you don’t press out the texture. Press the seams only, using the tip of your iron as much as possible. The texture is what gives the fabric its character and you don’t want to lose that at the ironing station.
Notions Information
In addition to your regular notions, the pattern calls for the following. View A: 2 1/8 yards of 1/2″ ELASTIC, and ten 1/2″ buttons. View B: 2 yards of 1″ scallop lace trim, 2 7/8 yards of 5/8″ scallop lace trim, and twenty-nine 1/2″ buttons. I used these beautiful PEARL BUTTONS from my local JoAnn Fabrics. I knew that the pearl buttons would look amazing against the fabric. They’re perfect for dressing the top up or down.
Alterations Information
I was able to sew the top straight from the envelope without any pattern adjustments. My bust measurement is 34″ and I cut a size 10 (39.5″ finished garment bust), which gave me 5.5″ of ease. The top is a perfect fit for me. If you want to lengthen the crop top to accommodate your comfort, please keep in mind that there are no lenghthen/shorten lines included on the pattern pieces. However, you could draw in your own lengthen lines. You would need to lengthen the front, side front, back, front band, and underlap pieces
Styling Option1
I styled the top with a basic pencil skirt that I made with Simplicity 8982. I raised the waist by 3″ to give me the coverage that I desired at my mid-section. This textured rib knit has been in my fabric collection for years and it was a great match for the top. I tried three different pairs shoes and my favorite is the metallic gold high-heel sandal that picks up the gold specks in the fabric. I also like this shoe because it doesn’t draw attention away from the top. The pearl handbag that I purchased from a local fashion show this year looks great with the outfit. The gold, beaded clutch also looks nice. I finished off the look with pearl stud earrings and bracelets.
Styling Option 2
The orange shoes pick up the hints of orange sprinkled throughout the fabric. While I think it looks nice, something is off and I think it’s the purse. This shoes need a more vibrant colored purse. One minute they look cute, then the next I’m squinting my eyes to see if I really like them with this purse. Haahahaa! What do you think?
Styling Option 3
Next, I styled it with my mustard gold strappy heels. I don’t know if I like these shoes with the look. I think they draw attention away from the top. The blouse needs to be the star, but I think it’s competing with the shoes. What do you think?
Styling Option 4
Let me preface this next look with, “I will NOT be wearing these particular jeans with the top. I just wanted to show you how it looks with jeans. I kept trying to pull the top down as far as it would go for these pictures, to hide my mid-section. Haahahahha! Then, I was very careful in how I posed so nothing would rise up. And the top still rose up in the front. Oh well, that’s what a crop top is supposed to do. I like the way this looks with the clogs — great for a casual lunch date or visiting with a friend. I’ll get some high-waisted jeans though.
Other Styling Options
I also think the top would look amazing with a pair of high-waisted trousers, a pair of shorts or cropped pants/jeans. I’m envisioning it with an orange body con dress with spaghetti straps underneath. Ooohhh, I like that idea. Or, what about skinny jeans and a pair of boots? Needless to say, I plan to get lots of wear from this top.
What do you think?
Which shoe do you like best? I would love to hear your feedback. Scroll to the very bottom of this page to leave a comment.
Thank you for stopping by today! 💕
Don't Forget your Sewing Project Checklist
Did you know that I created a Sewing Project Checklist to help you stay organized while sewing your garments? If you missed the video where I shared 3 Steps to Time Saving Sewing for Beginners, check it out to learn how you can streamline your sewing process. Tap the link below to get a Free PDF copy of the Checklist.
Links to Products, Posts & Tutorials
Here are links to products, blog posts, and tutorials mentioned in this post.
- Pattern
- Fabric Option
- Sewing Project Checklist
- Learn to SEW Course
- Baby Lock Soprano
- Baby Lock Vibrant
- Baby Lock Euphoria
(DISCLAIMER: This blog post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission on qualifying purchases. All opinions in this post are my own.).)
This Post Has 63 Comments
Your outfit is stylish.
Yes I would wear this blouse. Anita your details are impeccable. Love it.
The top looks amazing on you. Absolutely stunning (like everything else you wear)
So versatile, easy to dress up or down.
I love the look with the denim.
I absolutely love the top. I actually went and picked up the pattern at Joann’s earlier today because of this post. Vogue patterns are on sale for $4.99 though tomorrow, I believe. Your style is definitely in line with my style, me being a woman of a more mature age. (Me, not you by any means!) I love looking beautiful, graceful, elegant, and well put together. (That’s definitely you by all means) I always love your choice of fabrics as well. I generally struggle in that area as to which fabric to pair with which pattern. My favorite shoes are the metallic gold ones. And I agree, because of the intricacies of the straps of the mustard yellow sandals, they compete with the top. But job well done as always Anita. Absolutely beautiful!
Hi Janet! Thank you so much for commenting. I love that you enjoy looking beautiful, graceful, elegant, and well put together. You are my kind of woman. I’m happy to have you here, Janet. 💕
I would wear this in a heartbeat!! Nice!
And I’m sure it would look great on you, Gwendolyn.
Oh my goodness….how to choose? I’m not going to since they all look fabulous and would fit many occasions. I love the fabric for the top, rayon is always a great choice for tops and dresses. Great job Anita, thanks for sharing.
Thank you Danette!
Hi there Anita. Your posts are always so uplifting. I am not in a sewing spurt right now. I’m working on cards for the holidays but after the holidays I’ll probably return back to sewing. You inspire me. As far as this crop top goes? I’m not a crop top fan either. I have a long torso. But I have to say it looks stunning on you. Well done sister. I cannot wear a two piece bathing suit. It’s not that I don’t have a pretty good figure for my age. I just break out in rashes. My stomach cannot take the sun lol. I like elegant one piece bathing suits that are modest and go onlong with my faith which calls for modesty. I think I like this crop top with the jeans the best. The jeans just gives such a nice contrast to the yellow material. But it looks nice with the skirt too. Very feminine also. With my long torso I’d be pulling it down all the time. God bless you Anita and have wonderful holidays.
Thank you Vickie. I look forward to wearing it with high waisted jeans. Have fun making your cards. God bless you too.
Hi Anita
I like metallic gold and the orange shoe with the outfit. The gold gives it a more dressed up look. Dinner, date etc. With the orange, still very classy, however you could were this outfit to work, church etc. I also love the look with the jeans. Very versatile top.
Beautifully finished inside and out.
Love your posts and videos. Please keep them coming
Thank you so much, Kim! Yes, I love the versatility of this top. I’m glad you’re enjoying the posts.
Hi!Anita let me tell you , is look great whit the metallic gold shoes
This is a beautiful blouse Would like to make this. Thank you
My favorite style of the blouse is with a pit of. Jeans. Blouse just elevates a pair of jeans.
Hi Anita,
Outstanding make! You are an incredible sewist with such a great eye for matching fabrics with patterns, it’s really a gift. I love each styling option believe it or not the blue jean is my favorite. Please keep the blogs coming I simply love them and look forward to viewing each and everyone.
Hi Charisse! Thank you so much! I can’t wait to get some high waisted jeans to wear with this top. I’m glad to hear that you’re enjoying the blogs. I will keep them coming. Thank you for reading.
Anita, you are such a lovely lady. I love your blogs. Watching you make garments in your tutorials is wonderful. I sew and it’s my therapy and have started quilting. I love your outfits. I really love the yellow shoes but you look great in all photos. It’s a gorgeous outfit.
I”m so glad you love the blogs. That motivates me. I really enjoy writing the blogs, an to know that my sisters are appreciating the content is encouraging. Thank you for reading.
Hi Anita. That is such a beautiful top! I definitely will be adding this pattern to my list. Thank you for sharing.
It looks amazing on you. If you would feel more comfortable, you could wear a tank underneath to prevent skin from showing.
Oh my gosh, Trudy! I never through of that! What a great idea. I can definitely add a tank underneath. Thank you for the tip.
You are very welcome. That is what I am going to do with the recent crop top that I made.
I love the blouse, it’s totally gorgeous on you! I am going to have to go find that pattern and see if that fabric comes in a blue or purple; unfortunately yellow does not go well with my pale skin unless it is a bright, true lemon. I love the different ways you styled it, it shows the versatility of the fabric. The picture with the jeans brings me back to 1979, right down to the clogs! I think my favorite is the sparkly shoes though. Très elegant.
Thank you Bridgit! It’s a great pattern. And YES to the 1979 throwback!
You certainly know how to pick ’em!! The crinkle rayon fabric is ideal for this look and the color combination is great for fall, spring and summer. The pearl buttons definitely work for this pattern. All of the details for this top set it apart; you won’t bump into anybody else wearing this top. Isn’t it great looking so unique?
I had to scroll back a couple of times while looking at the inside because the sewing is so precise and neat that I thought I was looking at the outside. This is truly the mark of an advanced sewist with high standards. I’m striving to emulate you; what an inspiration you are!
All of the fashion looks are stunning but I think my favorite is view C with the yellow shoes. The styling, colors, your smile and spirit round out this posh look. Thanks, Anita; you did it again.
My beautiful De! Thank you so much for your kinds words. You always leave such warm comments. I really appreciate you, sister.
I love this! My favorite is option 3. It’s the shoes for me.
Thank you Ramona!
As always you did an amazing job picking out a beautiful pattern. Love the design of the blouse. I’m not to crazy about elastic around my lower tummy or around my tummy at all, but that’s just me. I still love the style and look of the blouse and it paired best with the skirt. Amazing job!!! And it looks good on.
Thank you Sandra. 💕
ILove this blouse You have done a fabulous job Anita
Hello! I’ve not commented for ages but today is the day for acomment! Lol. You are such a gorgeous woman. Inside and out and know those last few months with your dear husband were so very difficult. But I know you now do speaking engagements and also I read your book. Wow! Your garments are always so beautiful. I’d have to say I like the pose of you in the sparkly shoes the best. The jeans are cute too. But in no way saying,,, they are all outstanding!. You can really model!!!. The idea of an orange slim dress with straps would be fantastic looking. The orange shoes are cute. Not as crazy about the brighter yellow. But that’s just me. Hoping all of your family is well. I love to sew but sometimes my bad old arthritic bones ache too much to actually sew!But I’m always looking or thinking of sewing! Take care! Nancy from Fort Wayne, Indiana. Ps I still remember that gorgeous pink dress yrs ago and the hat for a tea! First time I’d read your blog and I was hooked! Just as Gorgeous today as then!!!
Oh my goodness, Nancy! Wow! You’ve been with me for a long time. Thank you for your comment here today. You really made my heart smile. I’m so glad you read the book. I appreciate you, Nancy. I’m really glad to have you here. Thank you.
I love this blouse. It looks great on you, but I don’t have the figure for it and would prefer a longer length than cropped. I’ve been quilting for many years, but am interested in sewing clothes. So far, I’ve only seen clothes for my grandkids. Thanks for all your clear instructions.
You’re very welcome.
I like the orange shoes with the outfit. I think the purse needs to be more “relevant”. You look gorgeous, as always. Wonderful job.
Thank you Bernice
The top and pencil skirt look terrific on you, and if I had your figure, I’d wear both. Unfortunately I don’t so I wouldn’t make this top or wear a slim pencil skirt. I think the full gathered sleeves would also enlarge my upper body which is big enough as it is. Your sewing is perfection, both on the right side and inside of the garment.
Thank you Eileen
The crop top on you is absolutely stunning . I am over seventy and I would wear it. Your detail is so clear I love to watch you sew. I love when you wear your hair on the side away from your forehead it looks much better. Thank you
Thank you Jennifer
Looks amazing
I’m still a beginner
But I’d definitely make in the future
Hi Sue! Have fun learning how to sew your own garments.
I like the top on you. I would wear the top but with shorter sleeves. I would like more of a rolled neckline instead of collar. I wouldn’t make mid section a little longer in length. Color is beautiful.
Thank you Irene.
I love the pattern on you it’s beautiful. But I would not wear it. As I age I no longer like to expose my midriff. Your fabric selection is makes the top really pop.
Thank you Charlotte.
Wow! Another gorgeous make!!! The inside is almost as beautiful as the outside as well and the fabric is perfect. I feel that both the orange shoes and the mustard gold sandals draw the eye away from the top and would stick with something that doesn’t compete with it, as the print of the fabric and the design details are so lovely. Your hair looks adorable in the back photo, BTW!
Thank you so much.
Loved all views. I am so far behind. I just cut out the A line dress. I am still in the air about poplin or Rayon. I have enough fabric to fill 2 joanns stores. I really appreciate how you go to the stores and physically show us what the different types fabric would work. Thank u 💓
Hey Shelley! I’m so glad you appreciate the details I share. Have fun with that A-line dress.
This top looks very beautiful on you. I love your fabric choice. It looks like you have lost some weight . You look beautiful and wonderful !
Thank you so much, France.
l love the buttons with your pearl earrings. It is not a blouse I would wear due to the really full sleeves. Who knows, I may try it one day. It does seem quite spring like. You always do a wonderful job. I noticed your nice finishing on the garment. I have been using my Vibrant serger and finally have the hang of it. Therefore, I am noticing all your finishing. Thanks for helping me move to another level. The selection of a rayon crinkle is nice. Make sure you hand wash. Keep sharing your wonderful skills!
Thank you Laura! I love the fabric too and I’ll be wearing it a lot.
My Goodness, you look Beautiful ! I have narrow shoulders and it would not look that well on me. But you Are rocking it! Keep Sewing, you are an Inspiration to the sewing community!
Thank you so much, Dara!
The top looks beautiful on you and you also have the figure to wear it !
This pattern is not one that I would make as I don’t look good in crop tops and I don’t care for the neckline. I like to make V neck style tops/blouses.
Thank you, Ann.
I love this look and fortunately I already have the pattern. Your fabric choice is gorgeous as well
I can’t wait for the sew along 🥰
Thank you Bronzetta. I’m glad you have the pattern, but there will not be a sew along for this top. If you have an Intermediate skill level, you should be able to complete the project by following the pattern instructions.