Stripe Up the Bands and Welcoming 2013

Here is a Burda Style pattern I made a few months ago. My construction details are somewhat "cloudy".  I would describe it as a cowl top with long sleeves and side-ruching.  

I made this top three months ago and was not too thrilled about it that I left it literally and technically "unfinished" (at the sleeve and lower hems).  The type of fabric, fit, and my job with the neckline made me hide it in my "not certain" section of my wardrobe.  I found a "scrap" of this top's fabric in my sewing area which prompted me to "rediscover" this top and wear it today.


The pattern came in a ,isses' 34-36-38-40-42.  I traced and sewed a 38 at the shoulders and a 40 elsewhere.

The fabric I used seems like a sheer cotton/poly blend knit, purchased from EOS.

If I recall correctly, I did not experience too much difficulty with the directions and the overall construction.  The back of the neckline was questionably clear, and I used what I felt was the most convenient method at the time.

I sewed a strip of store-bought bias binding to the back edge of the neckline and turned it to the inside with the front facing.  For the side ruching, I stretched and stitched and  a 7" long of 1/4" wide elastic along the lower right side.

Likes/Dislikes
I like the modest depth of the cowl neckline and that there were only three main pattern pieces to work with, the front, back, and sleeve.

But less relevant to the pattern was I was not satisfied with my questionable results.  I was not impressed with my quality of sewing with this top.  But I will give myself an excuse that this was my first attempt with the pattern.


Alterations/Modifiations
I performed my typical 1" petite adjustment above the waist and narrowing of the upper center back (3/8" taken out from the upper center back, tapering to 0" just past the lower armscye.).

I did not "ruch" the sleeves and instead stitched a tiny hem at their ends. I might have shortened their lengths before stitching (my memory is hazy).

I did not hem the lower edge (which I usually do as a force of habit), which had a tendency to "curl" anyway (just like one the Burda Style model wore), and accept it as a "style feature".

Other Thoughts
I am not sure if I will sew another top from this pattern, however,  I still would recommend this pattern for Burda Style magazine "newbies" or as a simple gratification project.  It would be helpful to make a muslin or first-time version with "cheaper" fabric to get an idea how the top fits.   It also is an ideal pattern to showcase a distinctive print of a knit.

Thank you for visiting, have a happy new year and happy sewing!

 "Test driving" a 2013 Mazda convertible

Heather on a BMW scooter and her father nearby

Peace from the KIA Hamster and Heather at the San Diego Auto Car Show for 2013