This is the top from the Vogue 1247 Rachel Comey pattern that includes the skirt pattern that I made the burnt orange linen skirt from and thought that some navy chiffon with off white spots that was in the stash would work well with.
My very good friend Sandra (Dilliander on Pattern Review) had already made up this top twice and had taken a lot of excess fabric out of the pattern, and seeing we are similar in size (definitely not height) I borrowed her adjustments and made them to my pattern as follows:
- Square shoulder adjustment
- Shortened front horizontal dart by 1.5cm
- Reduced the circumference by 3cm
- Added some gentle shaping to the side seams.
- Raised the front neckline by 1cm taking it back to the original neckline by the shoulder seam.
- and then my standard 1cm gaposis in the front neckline.
I then proceeded to suffer paralysis on cutting the fabric and remembered that Lena Merrin from The Sewing Space had posted on Pattern Review and also on her blog a tip about using Gelatin to tame the chiffon and luckily there was some in the pantry.
Once the fabric air dried it was like silk organza and was much nicer to handle.
I also remembered seeing a very detailed review by JenleeC on Pattern Review and followed her tips on stay stitching the various pieces to stop them from stretching out.
French seams are used throughout and one of my sewing buddies also suggested that I topstitch them down as she knew that they would annoy me otherwise.
Now for the finished top
I’ve still got 3.5 metres of this chiffon fabric left and last Saturday at The Remnant Warehouse I saw a very cute peplum top in very similar fabric, now that could be interesting!
Petite & Sewing 
I love the top in a flowy fabric like chiffon. And in polka dots! Very nice!
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I've got this pattern and every time I see a newly sewn version of this top I'm so inspired to make it. Love this in the little polka dot as they drawn your eyes in and really complement your silhouette. I keep reading about the gelatin tip for working with shifty fabrics like this – it obviously works well. Looking lovely!
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Sharon, you've done a great job on the top. I think the style suits you. I'd like to see it worn over trousers.
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Nicer top and not overwhelming on your petite frame either. Interesting about the gelatine.
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What a great top – that pattern has been on my 'to sew' list forever but I'm not sure I'd be game to try it in chiffon!
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Good job Sharon – I really want to make another of these and seeing your top is getting me all inspired! The dotty fabric looks great in this top!
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That's a gorgeous outfits Sharon! I love the new top and how it goes with the orange skirt. Super chic! I'm going to have to get this pattern out again for this summer!
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Well done – your top is really lovely, and looks beautifully made! So many adjustments – but having made the top myself (with disappointing results) I am sure they made all the difference between having a 'sack' top and something that fits you really nicely.
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I bought this pattern this weekend because I loved your skirts so much and thought the top too big for my small frame but you have won me over on this too. You have created a really beautiful outfit that looks fabulous on youronnie
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Lovely Sharon, it fits you beautifully and looks great with the orange skirt.
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Gorgeous. And it goes so well with the skirt.
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I would totally let you make me one of these! Will you?
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Perfect. Hope you enjoy wearing the whole outfit.
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Great going. Is this a TNT now?
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Nice job with the top and the skirt!
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I love this whole outfit Sharon. The top looks great and as the previous person said,this is the best version I've ever seen.Interesting about the gelatin.I've used water soluble stabilizer that I've \”melted\”in water and sprayed onto chiffon.That worked well but this would be easier.Thanks for the tip!
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I think that is the prettiest version of that top I've seen. You have made a wonderful outfit and look beautiful wearing it!
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Beautifully sewn, and it looks great on you, too. Love the pattern
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Very smart and impeccably sewn as always. Looks lovely with the skirt.
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Very nice top, Sharon. That gelatin tip was also in a recent issue of Threads in an article by Susan Khalje, as I recall. It sure looks like it did the trick, because all of your French seaming looks lovely. Enjoy wearing your outfit!
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