Mad for Galactic Plaid

Happy New Year to You All!

A quick glimpse of our 2015 year in review.  


Heather is now on her second semester of 7th grade.  I will be "50" this year.  My husband and I will be married 17 years.  Thank you to those who have known and supported me in PR and the blogging world for nearly a decade. Where did all the time go?

After a nearly 2-month sewing "dry spell" (occurred after sewing my daughter's "Starbucks" apron for Halloween), my "sewing mojo" returned that enabled me to sew two twist tops from Burda 6911. I wore this second version today on a lunch date with my husband and it was comfortable. 

Pattern Description:
"Sophisticated, entwined front parts give both the shirt and the dress a special look. The bi-elastic jersey provides shape retention and a perfect fit. The dress has got a flared skirt with nicely draped panels."

Pattern Sizing: 
Misses' 8-20 I sewed a "12" at the shoulders tapering to a "14" at the hips.  

 

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? 
Yes. Since I did not use a softer knit, the twist portion for my top had more bulk and hence, the fabric below the twist did not drape freely. You can achieve the fit you want by a change in the stretch of the fabric. Mine was form fitted due to the stability of the knit.  

Fabric Used: A poly/lycra knit from EOS. 

  
Following Directions
I thought they were fine especially with the accompanying diagrams.  I have read about how tricky the "twist" step can be and resolved myself to take my time and study the diagrams thoroughly.

The diagrams clearly show the appearance of the front facing after folding the fabric edge towards the inside along the fold lines, and where to stitch the lower bust seam after folding the front until it matches the "curved" lower edge. Each front seems like one enormous "blob".  But once I studied carefully the diagrams that show "which goes where", it was easy to figure out where the side seams will be after matching the markings (they pinpoint where the "gap" or opening through which the wearer's left front fabric piece passes through forming the "twist".

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Not much the pattern, but more of the fabric's characteristics.  A knit with more drape would lessen the "bulk" of the twist at the center front and some odd type of puffy protrusion below my bust.


Alterations/Modifications
* Petite alteration of 3/4" at the waistline; 

* Used a large safety pin to "thread" left (wearer's) piece through the gap formed by the lower bust seam of the front right piece. 

*Sewed the sleeves "flat" (before sewing the side seams) instead of setting them in per the directions.

 Conclusion: 
I would sew another one or two, but not in the immediate future.  I am still going through my pattern and fabric stash!

Once I studied carefully the layout of the front pieces and figured how it correlates to the diagrams (they became clear after looking at them for some time), this top is really easy to sew.   

Ever since we saw the new STAR WARS movie, the print of this fabric reminds of "light sabers galore". Go figure what two words are inscribed in my hoop earrings. Happy Sewing!


Have a wonderful holiday season.  Best wishes for 2016.