Minerva Network: Vogue 1247

Vogue 1247

For this month’s Minerva make I decided to push myself out of my comfort zone a bit, both in terms of construction and style. I went for a Vogue 1247 blouse in an unusual polyester fabric.

Vogue 1247

The fabric has the look to me of sandwashed silk: it’s dull and slightly rough, but catches the light in a very pretty way. It also reminds me a bit of a soft chambray denim. As well as being interesting to look at, it was easy to sew and feels light and comfy to wear. It’s tricky to iron (and needs a press cloth as it marks) but I think it works with a slightly rumpled finish. It was a devil trying to press out all the origami-style French seams in this top, though! Looking at these photos, it definitely needed one more good press along the front.

Vogue 1247

Otherwise I think it was a good match for this Vogue pattern, which has been on my to-sew list for a while. It’s not what I would consider my usual style (in that it isn’t a knit t-shirt, ha ha), but I love the unusual style lines: the kimono sleeves ending in a rolled-back cuff, the curved hem, front and back shoulder pleats, the centre-front darts and panelled bottom half giving a star-shaped seam effect to the front.

Vogue 1247

It was pretty fun to put together: it all slots together like a jigsaw and the directions include useful extras like where to French seam and how to finish the curved hems. Despite looking complex, I finished it in one afternoon sewing session. I’m generally not a big fan of sewing a bunch of darts and pleats, but I really like the effect they give this blouse so I think it’s worth it from time to time. As you can see, my front seams could be sharper and better lined-up, but I found it tricky to counter the bulk of the French seams with getting crisp points. I think a lighter fabric would make it easier.

Vogue 1247

I didn’t toile, just went a size down as it’s marked as ‘very oversized’. Luckily the fit turned out pretty good: I just opted to add little side vents as it was a bit snug over my hips. Next time I would probably go down a size at the shoulders/bust and up one at the hips. I’d quite like to try this top again in something lighter too; perhaps a floral lawn or viscose for spring. The pattern also includes a cute basic skirt, which I’m looking forward to whipping up soon in some leftover denim. As ever, you can buy the kit for this make on Minerva here.

14 thoughts on “Minerva Network: Vogue 1247

  1. Helena

    I love it in that fabric, it is so unique and really accentuates the pleats! I was just thinking I should make that pattern up again. It is cute and so easy to wear.

  2. Mary Danielson

    Wow! This is such a gorgeous, interesting top. Those seams work beautifully with this fabric. I never would have picked up this pattern, but will definitely be giving it a shot now. Lovely!

  3. Fabric Tragic

    It’s lovely. Like you I’ve loved this pattern for ages too. I’m not sure I knew it had pleats in the shoulders – your textured fabric shows them beautifully. And I love the colour. Navy is so underrated!

  4. Angie

    I have been wanting to make that top for awhile now, yours looks great, so adorable on you! I know the frustration of pressing poly, that is why I tend to shy away from it.

  5. Caroline Joynson

    I really like the complex-looking construction in this top and the fact you whipped it up in an afternnon is splendid.
    This fits into the whole ‘over-size’ origami trends that are sweeping the A/W 2014 fashion houses sp you are peaking with this style early and really pulling it off! (Not that as home-sewers we aim to bend to the often fickleness of high fashion!)
    The fabric is beautiful and I can see this working with the Grainline Scout T really well too.

  6. sallie

    Great job!! I love this pattern – it has such interesting style lines! And your pairing with this fun, sueded looking fabric is a great choice!

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