Almost Very Easy Vogue

Okay, I admit that easy-breezy sewing is not my thing. If I'm going to spend my time making something, I want it to be in my wardrobe for more than one season. That doesn't mean I turn up my nose at Very Easy; I just want it to also be Very Well Made. I want it to keep looking good (especially if it turns out to be a fave that I reach for over and over).

So, on Very Easy Vogue 8534, I was not satisfied with the raw edge neckline that's only finished with top stitching. I know raw edges and the deconstructed look are trendy, but I also know that a neckline needs stabilization or it will stretch out of shape. No problem, I'd just give the neck edge a different, better finish, like a self-binding. But no...that wouldn't really work on the front because the neckline drapes and then goes on to become the two bow ends that need to be fluid. I tried a rolled edge on the serger which I liked for the front but not for the back which should lay smoothly against the neck.

After too much trial and error, I ended up binding the back neck edge while turning under about a 1/8 inch on the front neck edge and bow ends and zig-zagging over them. In retrospect, I see that what I should have done was finish the front and back neck edges separately before sewing the garment together. Which I'll do when I make it again, because I like it well enough to want an autumnal version with the longer sleeves. The bow neckline is flattering and the front darts and center back seam give it some subtle shaping. I also appreciate the cut-on sleeves, which, like raglan sleeves, are a blessing for those of us who normally have to narrow the shoulders for set-in sleeves. 

This is an OOP pattern from 2008, but you can still find it on Etsy or eBay. It's for moderate stretch knits; mine is made from my seemingly endless stash of old cotton interlock. You can read a bit more detail about it on Pattern Review.