Copy That: Trendy Top Using Sandra Betzina's Vogue 8151- Part II

Last week I finished my trendy color blocked turtleneck. This was a really fun and easy project. It all started when I saw this sweater on Pinterest. Initially I did not know what fabrics I would use for it. Then Rhonda made a top out of stretch velvet. So I decided to make this top using the same fabric. It worked out well. I need to tweak it a little more. There are a few wrinkles around the bust area and I need to do a sway back adjustment.

I used Sandra Betzina's Vogue 8151 View B to draft the color block top. I wondered if the bust darts would take away from the design. They didn't. So I will use it again. One big advantage of the design is you can increase your fit options along the newly drafted princess seams. My first post gives details on how I drafted the pattern.

The original pattern is described as MISSES’ TOPS: Pullover tops with set in sleeves. A: wrapped front, band, shirred sides and long sleeves. B: top with three-quarter length sleeves and optional tie front. Sizing A through J.

I selected this pattern because it had the basic design lines needed to create my inspiration top. Of course when I finished, my version did not look like the pattern photo or drawing. But it did look very much like the inspiration sweater.

As for the instructions, I didn't read them. I basically followed typical construction techniques for a princess seam top with a turtleneck. Now, in sewing, I needed to carefully assemble it as not to lose the curves in the design. I added notches and circles where needed to join the pieces.

The original design used the 3/4 length sleeves. I just used the long sleeve provided for view A instead. For the turtle neck. I cut the velvet crosswise the length of the neckband, adding about ten inches to the width to form the turtle neck. The seam allowance was added to the princess seams during the cutting process. I also added to the side seam allowances just in case. Still, I ended up trimming it away later. About two inches were added to the length of the top. I really like how this project turned out. And I will certainly make at least one more.

Since I purchased quite a bit of velvet, I decided to make a second top. This one followed more of the basic design of the original pattern. I added the sleeves from Simplicity 2054. Again, I wanted to do a little color blocking. The Simplicity sleeve is slightly smaller than the Vogue sleeve. So before you try this top, please make sure you make adjustments to the pattern before cutting into your fabric.

On the Fabric: The first top is cut to showcase the matte color of the velvet and the second top showcases the frosty pile of the velvet.

The original pattern is a great basic t-shirt faux wrap top pattern that can be used to beef up your wardrobe. Or you can use it as a basis to create an inspiration top like the one I just made. Following this practice can greatly reduce the number of pattern you purchase, and you will increase the usability of the patterns you already own.

Side note: My skirt was made using Vogue 8727 the slim skirt of View A, shortened and a band added to the bottom. My skirt was fully lined and a band attached to the bottom so no seaming is exposed.

 Happy Sewing!
Cennetta