Gertie + Vogue 8815

It’s almost like it was meant to be — a Gertie fabric paired with a Vogue pattern. If you’re familiar with Gretchen Hirsch (AKA Gertie) then you’ll see what I mean. I’ve been following her for a while, even though her vintage style isn’t really my bag. But she has loads of knowledge and now has her own pattern line through Butterick and her own fabric line at Joann’s. I’m a lot more excited about the latter. 🙂

I’ve made a retro dress from her chambray bow fabric and loved the quality and comfort of the fabric. So of course I had to buy more from Gertie!

I ended up with 4 yards of this beautiful rose patterned rayon and it sat in my stash until I decided it needed to see the light of day. So here, I introduce you to my Gertie-Vogue peplum top:

Granted, this isn’t exactly 1950’s vintage style, but I think Gertie would forgive me.

I wanted to revisit Vogue 8815 after I made a cute top years ago, but it just wasn’t quite where I wanted it to be. The waist was drafted too high for my taste and I used a stiffer fabric, thus making the peplum jut out.

But not here! The drape of the rayon really helps tone down the peplum and streamlines the silhouette.

Other than wanting to stash-bust, I also make this out of necessity for Me-Made-May. I have a serious lack of good handmade work tops and I knew I would be scraping the bottom of the barrel (closet?) toward the end of the month with trying to find pieces to wear. I remembered how quickly Vogue 8815 came together, so it was decided!

You may remember this photo from the last day of MMM ’16… made just in time!

I initially lengthened the torso by 2 inches but after basting the peplum to the top, it looked wonky. I took off an inch and that turned out to be the sweet spot. Instead of the waistline hitting at my lower ribs, it now hits just around my natural waist. I’m also enjoying the extra bit of length added for bending-over purposes.

This was my first time working with rayon and now I don’t want to stop! It’s fairly easy to sew with, although I do recommend cutting the pattern pieces out flat with a rotary cutter since it’s a little shifty.

Rayon is also very breathable, which is AWESOME for the blistering hot summer days we have here in Tucson. Hooray for not festering in my own sweat! The real test will be when I wear it during my visit New Orleans in August for work when the humidity is high and the hurricanes are a’comin’. Yes, perfect timing and place for a work conference, right??? *slaps forehead*

I’m also stoked at how the neckline fits. It’s high but I never feel like I’m choking. It also lays nicely all around my neck, so no gaping at the back! Lovely drafting, Vogue.

I’ve been wearing this to work about once a week since it made its debut and I basically wear it as is… but minus those insane 5 inch heels. Ugh, I LOVE them but now that I have some back issues and care more about foot comfort than I used to, these shoes just come out for blog photos for now. BUT I WILL ALWAYS LOVE THEM. #girlproblems

I’m so stoked about this top that I’m already thinking of more that I can bust out. I do want to get through some patterns that have been piling up, so another rendition might have to wait. Maybe until next MMM. 🙂

Have you sewn with rayon yet? Are you just as in love with it as I am??

-RED

Save