4th Burda Style Top for The 4th of July

Last night, I just completed my 4th version of pattern #108 from this month's issue of Burda. I used a silky polyester from my stash.

My "Julie Defourth" top.  I feel very patriotic today. 

I threaded several red beads and  a "La Mode" flag/heart button through each existing earring hoop.

My earlier three versions:

 

Fourth version:
*I cut the fabric on the bias per Burda Style's directions. (My first three were cut on the lengthwise grain).

*I went down one size at the shoulders. I should have also adjusted the location of the bust darts accordingly, or for one being asymmetric.

*I doubled the width of the rectangular bow tie piece to create a "tubular tie"  (fold it in half lengthwise right sides together, sew the ends and edge, leaving a 2" opening at the center at which to turn it inside out).  Instead of cutting the bow as one rectangle, I cut it as two rectangular pieces to be joined at a center seam.

*I  omitted the binding and top-stitching at the armscye.  Folded a hem, pressed, and topstitched a narrow 3/8" hem at the  armscye below the cap sleeves.  I used a finishing stitch for armscye's inner seam.

*I sewed French seams for the side seams.  For the lower hem, I pressed under 1/4" from the raw edge, stitched the hem, and pressed under an additional 3/8" and stitched the new hem.

Here's a photo of a portion of the lower hem and a French side seam on my new ironing board cover.

Here's a link to my earlier review of Burda Style #108 that will open in another window.  If you plan to make this, I hope my experience with this pattern is helpful. 
 First three versions blog entry

We plan to visit my parents this evening.

Have a wonderful 4th of July!