VERY EASY VOGUE 9204 | PATTERN REVIEW
Have you ever sewn something so cute but made the biggest mistake and struggled with whether or not to wear it anyway? Oh my goodness! If you’re new to sewing and have been following my sewing advice, I’m about to show you what NOT to do. If you have learned to sew by using my sewing course on YouTube, let me just say this. Do as I say, not as I do! Hahaha!!! Let’s get into this Very Easy Vogue | Pattern Review.
I’ve had this pattern for years and it is currently Out-of-Print. You may be able to find a copy on Amazon, Ebay, Pattern Review, Pinterest, or any site that sells older patterns. Do a Google search. It’s a very easy project, beginner friendly, and can be sewn in a single day. I almost gave it away when I did my purge in 2018. I’m glad I kept it because I really like the style. I was drawn to the v-neck with ties. The length of the shaped hem on Views A & B are nice too, but I would love the longer length of View C to wear with leggings. Hmmm… I may have to consider that for the next one.
After checking Pattern Review to see what others were saying about the pattern, I learned that there was an issue with gaping at the neckline. I decided to make it anyway and sure enough, the gaping is a thing. I think it may require a full bust adjustment to prevent that from happening because it gaps when I move my arms and I can feel the tightness across the bust. Whenever my arms are at rest, the neckline is fine. I wonder if anyone here has other suggestions for a fix.
My bust is 36″ and waist is 31″. I cut a size 12 based on the finished measurements on the front (2). This gave me 4″ of ease at bust and 9″ at waist. I usually go with a size 10 and make an FBA in order to prevent gaping at the neckline. This was definitely a time to stick with my practice, but despite the warnings, I tried to go with the size that would require less alterations. Well, there you go! I paid a greater price because gaping at the neckline is not a good look.
Fortunately, you don’t see the gaping as easily with a printed fabric as you would with a solid. When I make Version C, I’ll likely use another print—an appropriate one.
You know I love to dress my pieces up and down. In this first look, I paired it with the pink, pinstripe skirt I made last year with McCall’s 8004. You can see the details for the skirt HERE. There’s also a Sew-Along Video on my YouTube channel.
FABRIC & DESIGN FEATURES
The fabric suggestions on the pattern are lightweight options like; Crepe de Shine, Charmeuse, Silk Jersey, and Challis. I used this beautiful, bold, printed, stripe crepe. This piece has been sitting in my fabric collection for a very long time. Therefore, I don’t remember where it was purchased. Here are some close-ups of the fabric and design features.
The ties are quite versatile. Besides the pussy bow at center front near bottom of v-neck, you can position it to the side. I also saw someone on Pattern Review tie it center front, close to the neck. It also looks cute just knotted without a bow.
The pattern suggests finishing the sleeves with a simple narrow hem, but I added 3/8″ elastic. I wanted to do something a little different for my hem and I like the way it looks.
WHAT NOT TO DO
Okay, brace yourself! If you’re familiar with pattern matching, you already know why I shouldn’t have used this fabric for the design features on the back of the top. So this is for my beginners and those who don’t have experience matching prints. It’s not a good idea to use bold prints when working with design details where matching the prints will be impossible. Take a look at the back of my top.
Do you see the problem? If there were no pleats at top of the back piece that attaches to the yoke, this would have been a perfect match vertically. But folding in the pleats shifted the prints out of alignment. I almost trashed the top when I realized there was no way I could match the prints. But I decided to finish it and show my beginners what happens when you ignore the basics. I didn’t expect it to be so cute in the front though. So I said, “Forget it!”, and did a full photo shoot. Make-up, hair–everything! Hahaha!
You also want to make sure you’re matching the prints on the horizontal seams. I could have worn the top without being as bothered if the horizontal mathching were the only mistake. But with both the vertical and horizontal prints off, it’s a bit much for my eyes. Hahaha! If I wore this out in public I would feel like folks were staring at my back. And don’t let me run into a sew sister while wearing this top. Oh gosh! Treason!
Let’s recover from the shock. I’ll show you how I styled this cutie with another skirt and a pair of jeans. I love it with this self drafted pencil skirt I made a couple of years ago. Paired with the belt and black heels, this look is so sexy. I think this is my favorite of the three.
Next, I paired it with my favorite jeans. Actually, this is my only pair of jeans. Yep, I have refused to buy more jeans until I make a pair. Anyway, I love the casual vibe with the booties and belt. I experimented with placement of the pussy bow and also going without. I like them all.
Well, I’ll just chalk this one up to impatience and move on. It’s a great muslin though. Maybe I could wear it with a jacket on top or blazer–as long as I don’t have to take it off. Hahaha!
So what do you think? Do you like this top? Do you have the pattern? Would you wear this out in public with the mistakes? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment below.
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Remember: When you live in your DESIGN, it is from there that God SHINES!
Anita
This Post Has 98 Comments
Dear Anita, I love your blouse. May I suggest you pop diamond shaped underarm gussets into this beautiful top. It should increase your arm mobility and settle the neck line gape. The back pleat adds a fascinating touch to this top. If it bothers you, have you tried wearing this blouse untucked? It will give it a more casual relaxed vibe which will work with the pleat. Many hugs Sally Adams
Hi Sally! Thank you for the recommendations. I’ve never tried a gusset in the underarm area. Sounds like a great idea though. Makes good sense.
The colors are exactly what I would wear! I love the blouse, and the bow makes it. I have just started to follow you ; and I identify with your classy style! Looking forward to your book.
Hi Anne! Thank you so much! I’m very happy to have you here.
Exquisite❣️ The print of the material is awesome, especially with the pink pencil skirt. Very stylish.
Thank you so much, Ms. Hunt.
Would it be possible to elongate a regular collar and get the same effect?
My favorite is the pink skirt…that is rockin it and I feel it’s the scarf that makes the blouse. it’s more like an accessory.
A fun and informative read Anita! I have the same suggestion as the other stylish sewists! LOL Still a great make!
Lovely blouse. I do agree with others that I’d wear ir with a blazer or sweater or vest….
All the ways you styled it were nice but I really liked it with the pink skirt. Very sharp.
Thank you Nancy
Thank you so much, Darlene! Yes, I still like it.
I think it looks great! Knowing me the back would probably bother me but I would still wear it with a jacket/blazer.
Thank you Michelle.
Mistake or no mistake. Beautiful as always. Yes wearing the blouse with a blazer would be perfect. Awesome again.
Thank you Sheriell. Yes, I’m planning to wear it with layers.
It looks amazing!!! I love it! I was trying to figure out how in the world the pattern didn’t match up. Lol. I think you did an amazing job with matching it up. I would definitely wear it.
Thank you Angela! Hahaha! I’m gonna wear it.
I would definitely wear it out most people would never even notice the mistake..I love it with all the bottoms you showed but I like the jeans best ❤️ Every thing you sew looks beautiful on you ❤️
Thank you so much Ellen! Yeah, I’ll get lots of wear from the is top with the jeans.
I like that with the pink skirt the best but it looks great all three ways. The back would not bither me a bot!
Jane, I love it with the pink skirt too. Thank you for stopping by.
Anita, I love your post, and appreciate knowing that even the experts make errors! The top is lovely, and the purple/blue skirt is my fave b/c you rock that color!! There are a lot of considerations to take into account when choosing fabric, and you remind me to take my time when choosing. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, Alicia, so many things to consider when choosing fabrics for our makes. I love that we are always learning along the way. I always say that mistakes are our best teachers.
Oh no, not treason! LOL. It still looks great. I love each look you’ve created. You’re a classy lady Anita. You can make anything look good. Take care.
Hahahahaaa!!! No treason? I had fun writing this post and being playful. Thank you so much for your kindness, Ramona.
I would wear a vest over it with the jeans
Yes, I like that idea Winnie. Several others have made the same suggestion. Time to make some vests now. LOL!
I would LOVE. a vest series! LOL I keep collecting vest patterns and yet I haven’t made a single one. I think maybe my imagination is a bit stunted in how to actually wear them and how to put my own flair to it, so they’ve just sat there! I’d love to see how you would style yours!
I love this blouse and you look SO beautiful in it! The colors and zany pattern really set off your looks. The mistake in the back is downplayed by the pattern. I think you should wear it and enjoy it . Only an experienced sewer would notice it and her or she would totally understand and feel validated by your authenticity. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much, Martha! I’m gonna wear it.
It’s still cute Anita! We Sew and we Learn! Great Job!
That’s right, Dara. Learning everyday. Thank you.
It’s beautiful. Maybe wear it with a shrug or shawl.
Thank you so much, Karen.
Heeeeeyyyy, Sandra! You better GET YOUR GROOVE BACK sister! I love it! Know your personal style and stick with it, no matter your age. That’s my philosophy. I try to keep it classy in whatever I wear, whether it be jeans and a t-shirt, or full glam gown. Go SHINE, Sandra!
I’d like to add, I just finished a pencil skirt with panels and pockets in the front. The fabric is very special to me, a vintage wool suiting that i got from my aunt’s huge stash. I worked REALLY hard on the skirt with all the finishing details, lining, closures, and a hand sewn hem. I put it on and saw that the pockets are uneven. And it can’t be fixed at this point. I’ll be rocking it proudly, mistakes and all, and should anyone point it out, I’ll compliment them on their keen eye for detail and say “yup, learned a thing or two making this one!”
Every thing I sew includes a mistake or two, some visible, some not. And they have all taught me something. I feel like each one is kind of a sewing merit badge in perseverance ?, and each one almost always comes with a new skill or technique ingrained in our memory for next time. Thanks again for sharing such detailed info on everything you sew. It really is such a helpful thing to other sewists.
YES, Adrienne! I love this and agree 100%. That’s why I shared my mistake. I always say that mistakes are the best teachers. And that’s also why I don’t ever call my makes “FAILS”. I call them learning opportunities. Thank you for sharing your philosophy.
Hi Anita, I love the blouse as you modeled with a skirt and also with pants. I love the blouse for it’s bold geometric designs and it looked good with any outfit. Sorry, could not easily spot any mistakes and I have been sewing a long time! Anyway, you looked great, mistakes or no mistakes. Be Blessed!
Thank you so much, Ruby!
Anita, that is a beautiful top. First, I think the FBA is the way to go, maybe even scoop the bottom of the arm scye half an inch to add a little wiggle room? Now about that pattern matching… it’s not that big a deal! This top is so cute, and such a perfect match with that pink skirt, you have to wear it. So many RTW things don’t match at that spot, and you’re likely the only person who would see it and be annoyed. You could also wear a cute cropped cardigan or jacket on top, and poof, the issue does not exist. For future makes, I like the idea of gathering instead of the pleats to kind of soften that mismatch (i have a RTW top like that), or a contrast yoke or yoke cut on the bias or cross grain in the back? I’ve been dying to make a pussy bow blouse, the fabric is in a bag with the pattern, and you’ve inspired me to get to work on that tonight! And now that I’ve seen this post, I’ll be praying special attention to the back! Thank you so much for all your tips and posts!