True-ly Wrapped Up in the Moment

 Two months ago on a Saturday, January 25, 2015, I was so excited to see and hear 1980's pop sensation Spandau Ballet (of 1983's "True" hit single) live at The Wiltern in Los Angeles  (after waiting for nearly 30 years ago).  I wanted to wear something comfortable, fun and yet stylish. I wanted to figure out what to sew from the remaining striped fabric from a sleeveless top I made recently with a McCall's pattern. Then after sifting through my "to be sewn next" pattern stash, I found this Burda mock wrap top.

Pattern Description (Burda Style simply used "shirt") 

Cross-over wrap top with "folded-in" self-facing, front "inner" hem, back section's seam folded-in to align with the front, and long sleeves.  

 

I sewed a view "B", the longer version well past the hips.

Directions
The directions with the diagrams are satisfactory.  It is easy to "mix-up" the cross-over part, especially when I nearly forgot to turn the fronts so that the basted/stitched raw edge is turned in, so the seam is seen at the bottom for a smooth finish and the wearer's visible right front is over the left front.  Pressing the lower edge will reduce the wrong side of the fabric from showing, especially when the front section rides up the torso, for instance, while raising the arms.    
The second one I plan to make will hopefully go smoother.  Overall it is simple to make.

The wrap is 6 1/2" above the seam

Nearly 2 1/2 months later, second version: Due to the lapse of time from my first to the second top, I had to revisit the directions, especially for how to sew the side seams, being careful not to catch the right front's "turned-in" facing (at a marked line for a particular size), above the start of the angled slit in order to avoid "bunching" from a triple layer of fabric.





Sizes:  Eur 36-46, US 10-20
I sewed a 38 at the shoulders and a 40 elsewhere. The top is "fitted" on me.

Fabric: ITY jersey

Maybe I was going for this look in stripes, but with my wider stripes, I feel like a "referee".

 

"Honey, are you now their referee?

I also found the opportunity to wear this "referee" look of a top to the Spandau Ballet concert.   I also seized the opportunity to hug lead vocalist Tony Hadley (after telling woe me drove nearly 3 hours to Los Angeles to see them!) and drummer John Keeble, shake hands with Martin Kemp and take a group photo with the band during the sound-check/mini-rehearsal/meet and greet session prior to the fantastic concert.

 

Pattern Alterations/Modifications
I sewed the sleeves in "flat" instead of "setting them in" per the directions.

My 1" adjustment at the petite adjustment line above the waist mark.

Second version which I wore April 7,  a day after returning from our Spring hiatus:

Four ladies who had fun at the concert!

Recommendations/Conclusion:
It is a fairly simple top to sew once you sew the first version.  I like the overall fit, although the sleeves are a tad snug (first version due to fabric).  The neckline is undeniably conservative, but is balanced by a flattering and sleek silhouette.  I have another one to sew that I cut out (2 months ago, right after sewing the striped top)....already done ;-)