Femme Petale

There is a lot of cool stuff in the February 2010 issue of Burda magazine!

I like the classic glamour of this skirt from the "Fifties Flair" section.

Also from the same section, a stylish cropped jacket. I'm not sure about having the patience to sew all those hooks and eyes!



From the "Cruise Collection, a shirt that looks lovely almost anywhere.


A sleek and simple skirt that can be sewn short or long.





Also from the "Cruise Collection", this raglan-style top, caught my attention, not only because it seemed easy to sew, but for a change of scenery, to sew a top with non-set-in sleeves.


Are you noticing that styles from previous issues are reincarnated with slight variations? I wonder if it is necessary to trace for instance, a shirt pattern that looks so similar to one that I traced months earlier. It makes me wonder....Hmmmmm....

Pattern Description:
Knit top with raglan sleeves

Pattern Sizing:
36-44. I sewed a 38 at the shoulders and a "40". This pattern has less ease than what I am accustomed to.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?Yes





Fabric Used:
Stretch matte knit jersey from fabric.com. I did not expect the "large" flowers as mentioned in the fabric description to mean LARGE enough to occupy one side of a top!

What a coincidence, this is what I discovered from the new patterns section of the Butterick website!

A Maggy London dress using "biggie" flowers and stems, pattern #5456.

Same pattern, but in a solid.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
They seem adequate for a 3 pieced pattern. I ignored the directions for adding the vilene bias tape and topstitched facing strip at the neckline. The "fold-and-stitch" method mentioned by Lisa Laree in her review definitely would simplify the construction process, hence changing the Burda's 2 dot rating of sewing difficulty to a one dot rating.

I prefer to sew the sleeves to the front and back armscye edges before sewing the sleeve and side seams. The directions have the two steps in the reverse order.


What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
* I like that the top comes together easily once you sew the sleeves to the front and back and the side seams.

*I thought it was just me, but I started tracing lines from another pattern! I experienced some confusion from the convolution of lines and curves.

*The simple style allowed to showcase the ostentatious print of the fabric.

* Top came out longer than my preferred length

*Sleeves are drafted 4 cm longer.

I prefer Burda's popular bateau neckline top from the Feb 2009 issue with the set-in sleeves. I like the look and fit of this top better.



*I am still am not sure about raglan sleeve style coupled with the bateau neckline. I need something that emphasizes shoulder width to balance my frame. The corners of the neckline feel as if they are slipping past my shoulders.


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
*I staystitched the neckline 3/8" from the edge to stabilize it. Then I used the fold and topstitch method. The depth of the neckline came a about a pinky width lower than originally intended. I had a "skipped-stitch" issue in the neckline and decided to forgo any further fiddling with the fabric in that area.

*Shortened the sleeves 3/4"

*Took in the sleeve seams an additional 3/8" due to their "baggy" look on my arms. I prefer the sleeves from last year's bateau neckline top.

*Shortened the top another 1". I could have shortened it a little more.


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I probably would make one in a plain or striped cotton knit which seems to be more suited for this particular style. If I want to sew a top with a similar neckline, I prefer last year's version with the set-in sleeves. Since this top is very easy to construct, it is ideal as a first-time Burda magazine project.


Conclusion:
Simple, stylish, and comfortable.

I'm hesitant about wearing this out of the house. But at least I have something ready for the next 60's retro themed day or event. "Peace and tranquility" will be replaced with "chaos and commotion"!