An Elegant T-shirt

I didn't expect to like the HotPatterns La Strada top as much as I do. After tinkering with the fit a little-- doing a SBA and shortening the length and sleeves a bit, I ended up with a perfect little pattern that I can whip up an elegant top from in about 2 hours. The creation of this garment was greatly speeded up by watching the very convenient tutorial video provided by Trudy, the pattern designer!

Here is the first version. I just love this color--reminds me of café creme, warm and comfy. But unfortunately it doesn't do much for my skin tone. I will probably just wear it around the house.

 

The muslin which got cut down a few times in attempting to get a closer fit.

Version in printed cotton interlock, light and summery

Version in solid cotton interlock, attention-getting hot color!

Version in purple rayon knit, extremely sexy drapey

Daughter's version in canteloupe-colored rayon knit

 With just a minor adjustment in narrowing the hips, I used the same pattern to make my daughter one for her birthday. In the back view photo, you can see the ruching on the back neck, which is a nice detail you don't see often in sewing patterns.

Dress for Success--Vogue Men's Suit Pattern

Well, here finally are the finished photos for the suit. I didn’t realize that I had left this project hanging (blog-wise) for so long—sorry about that! 

I was very happy with the pants pattern and instructions. I think this is the best-fitting pair of pants my son has ever owned.

My conclusion about Vogue 8890 is that this may be a good place to start for someone who has never done tailoring before.  It would be best to study a tailoring book such as Roberto Cabrera’s Classic Tailoring Techniques , or Tailoring, the Classic Guide to Sewing the Perfect Jacket. That being said, I would add that it is a great thing that Vogue Patterns offers this gem of a modern, European-cut suit. Hopefully they will keep it in print for a long time.