Easy as 1-2-3

I agree that this top is "everything easy" as in its description in the January 2013 issue of Burda Style magazine.  I have already sewn two tops from this very simple pattern. 

 

From Burda Style magazine, "From sewing machine to night life. The casual shirt with draped neckline is a real last-minute piece, perfect for beginners..."

I like the overall simplicity sewing construction (only 2 pieces if you omit the binding strip for the back neckline) and the amount of drape of the cowl, being neither too low nor too high, just "right".  I have no dislikes.

Burda Style schematic sketch of top (123 A) and dress (123 B)

Sizes:  Misses' 34-36-38-40-42.  I sewed a "38" at the shoulders and a "40" elsewhere.  I discovered that the top is somewhat baggy and from the magazine is meant to be belted.

I plan to reduce my stash of fabric remnants from previous projects, Two-piece "easy" patterns such as this pattern #123A is ideal for 1 to 1 1/8 yards of those remnants.

It was silly to create second versions that look "similar" to the original in the same fabric. But I thought it would be wise to "practice" with familiar fabric and make adjustments before delving into new fabric.

For the first version, I used a rayon woven which was a remnant of Butterick 5645. The braided belt I wore here was purchased at Kohl's.

Butterick 5645, June 2012 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds

Due to fabric constraints, I cut the front into an upper piece and a lower piece (the seam that joins the pieces landed between my waistline and bust.  Also, I cut the back into pieces, joined at a center seam.

For the first version, I used a rayon jersey knit which was a remnant of a 1970's Butterick See & Sew 5782 turtleneck

1970's Butterick See & Sew 5782 turtleneck

Since I was not able to cut the back as one complete piece on the fold, I cut the back into an upper and lower piece. Working with certain prints such as zig-zags and stripes are tricky, especially while trying to achieve continuity and/or symmetry of design. So, I tried the best what I can with what I had. The upper piece is a 180 degree rotation of the lower piece. 

 Alterations/Modifications

* I omitted the bias finding for the back of the neckline.  I folded a 3/8" hem to the inside, tucking under the raw edge and top-stitched.  Before pinning and stitching the shoulder seams,  I made sure while turning the front facing to the back, I "catch" the end of the back neckline. 

*My typical 1" petite adjustment at the waist

* Narrowed the upper center back by making taking in the center seam at the upper back by 3/8", reducing the width of the upper back by 3/4".

*Raised the lower edge of the armscyes 3/4" for modesty.

*Shortened the cap sleeves by 1/2".

*I took in the side seams 1/4" to reduce "sack" look.

More Thoughts

A nice pattern that is easy to personalize for fit and has the potential to be a reliable base pattern to create a variety of looks.

At times, the neckline in this fabric can somewhat "slide" to one side.  

It was time for Heather and me to get some warm treats at Starbucks.