Reviewed: Vogue 8151 – Today’s Fit by Sandra Betzina Faux Wrap Top

Quick Review Post Today

I finished this top a couple weeks ago, and thought I would share my experience with the pattern today: Vogue 8151 (Today’s Fit by Sandra Betzina) – View A (Faux Wrap Top)

Pattern Description:

Pattern Sizing:

A-B-C — Though according to the size chart, I am between a B and a C (for bust) and I could have easily sewn a straight A and still taken the garment in…

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Sure did!

Were the instructions easy to follow?

For the most part – the directions are fairly simple.  If you have ever sewn a t-shirt before, than the concepts all make intuitive sense.  Where I got tripped up was in adding the elastic for the side ruching.  I couldn’t understand where they were asking me to place it at all.  I added it to the inside of the shirt and the elastic ended up feeling too itchy against my skin.  I ended up just sandwiching it in between the seam allowance and the back bodice, and then stitching it down so I wouldn’t feel it (who knows if that is right or wrong?)

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

What I LOVE about the pattern are the bust darts and the fact that the shoulders fit AMAZING!  Like seriously, I was beginning to develop a complex about having wide shoulders (which is more funny if you have ever seen me in person – I’m pretty petite).  I think I need to look more critically at some of my Indie sewing patterns to see if the shoulder seams are as wide as I would need them to be going forward.

What I didn’t love was that I had to guess at how much to take in the neck band when I shortened the bodice (see my standard pattern adjustments here). I know I needed to accommodate for my stretchy fabric, but wasn’t sure of the implication for this shirt (and I had serged it on so no adjusting thereafter – DOH!).  I also didn’t love that you have to guesstimate how much to take in the garment around your midsection after making it to get it tight enough that your side ruching actually translates into nice holds across your body.  I did not tighten mine enough, and I think that section is a little more droopy than intended.

Given these challenges – I’m not sure if the neckline is ACTUALLY low, or if my fabric caused challenges.  I ended up having to stitch down the front opening so that it wouldn’t expose more than I’m comfortable with.

Fabric Used:

Rayon Spandex Fabric from Sly Fox Fabrics

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I mentioned the challenges with placing the ruching and adjusting the bodice above.  I also took a half inch out of the sleeve length and it fits perfectly!

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I think so, but I would make the smallest size, and walk in anticipating the need to put in work to get the fit right…

Conclusion:

I really like it – but certainly recommend it with caution – this is not a top that I would recommend without a muslin in a fabric similar to the one you intend to sew in your fashion fabric.