Burda: 7866 (Pullover)  - Type:Tops  | | Viewed 449 times
| 8 more reviews | Review rated Very Helpful by 20 people | | Reviewed by: | nicegirl | 
 | About nicegirl | | DC USA | | Member since: 5/10/06 | | Reviews written: 157 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | Favored by: 168 people | | patterns reviewed: 157 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 11/10/09 10:18 AM | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Photo: | 
Burda Pattern InfoMore Info provided by nicegirl | | Pattern Rating: | Easy & Great for Beginners | | See other patterns in this category: Tops | Available for sale on PR: $8.95 (See envelope)  | | | | Fabric: | Polyester Knit [See other projects in this fabric] | | Related Links | Click on  to add a link |
| Pattern Description:
Kimono sleeve top has boatneck and lower hip band.
Pattern Sizing:
36-48. I sized down to a 34, having just made a magazine pattern that ended up too large and knowing this was an oversized style.
Fabric Used:
A poly knit from stash, purchased from G Street Fabrics' $2.97/yd table in April 2008. I was psyched to use up somewhat aged stash (a year and a half old).
I had only a yard of fabric and the pattern calls for 1.5 yards, but I didn't really have any trouble cutting it out.
Total cost: Under $5.
Time to Make:
This is super easy. It took me about 3 hours from start to finish, and I got in done in plenty of time to get dressed, do hair and makeup, *and* take photos before heading out the door to meet up with friends at a trendy wine bar.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
When reviews for this top started showing up on Pattern Review I totally loved it (although my interest in the style was first piqued by Deb Thompson's review of New Look 6648 back at the end of 2006!). It is very on-trend and easy to wear.
This was my first time sewing from a Burda envelope pattern, oddly. I found the directions more clear than in the magazine, and they were accompanied by helpful illustrations. The seam allowances are included, and are a standard American 5/8" (I wonder if they print different patterns in Europe with a different seam allowance?).
My dislike is that important information is printed on the pattern tissue--the cutting layout and the directory of symbols. I don't actually normally use either of those items, as I am familiar with symbols and jigger the cutting layout to fit my fabric, but in this case the upper bodice pattern piece is a little weird (it's hard to tell what are the sleeves and what is the lower edge) and I needed the cutting layout. I cut it off the tissue paper, but I hate that it is a fiddly little piece waiting to float off at the first deep sigh.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, totally.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, they were. This is a really, really, really easy top.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
-The neckline is bound in an interesting way to preserve the boat shape. Inexplicably, one of the neck binding pieces is about 1/8 inch longer than the other. They are treated fungibly in the instructions, so it's very unclear what the purpose of that small difference in length might be. I also found the bindings skimpy for the 5/8" seam the pattern is drafted for. They are only 1 1/8" (or 9/8 of an inch) wide, and if you sew them to the neck with a 5/8 seam that leaves you only half an inch to turn to the inside and stitch down. The illustrations seem to show a more substantial turned under binding, but nowhere does it say to use a narrower stitch at the neck. If I made this again I would definitely widen those bindings, and also cut both from the slightly longer piece (piece #5).
-I shortened the lower pieces at the lengthen/shorten line to suit my frame. And having just made a BWOF that turned out way too large somehow, I decided to cut a 36 at the hip instead of my usual 38. However, the lower band still turned out way too large. My fabric isn't *that* substantial (not like a double knit) so to get the lower band to stay in place rather than just melting under the weight of the upper bodice (I think it looks best if it blouses over a little) it needs to be quite fitted with negative ease. I ended up taking a total of four inches of width off the lower band. Now it's snug but definitely not tight, and the band stays in place. Perhaps this is a design choice rather than a drafting error--the model's pose on the envelope makes it hard to tell how they envisioned this fitting.
-I cut the lower band on the bias to take advantage of the plaid-ish print, but in the end, I'm not sure that was the right choice, because I feel like it shows the bulge of my tummy more than a straight plaid line would. I happened to place one of the lower band pieces (there are two lower band pattern pieces but they are identical) so that the pattern is centered, and this one is the worst, so I wear it at the back.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I don't have anything in mind, but I would not hesitate to sew this pattern again, at least while it's still in style. This is fast fashion!
I highly recommend this if you are interested in the style. It's a very easy, very stylish top.
Conclusion
I totally LOVE this top now that I've finally gotten around to making it. It is very "now," trendy, and chic. And by "chic" I mean it will be a "what was I thinking?" piece in about three years. Heh. However, I am of the opinion that if you wear a garment knowing that it is a little silly and will eventually be horrifyingly dated, you probably won't look back on it with shame, but with a little bit of chuckling nostalgia at how much fun we had looking silly.
All photos are here and the blog post is here.
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Pattern with more than 5 reviews!
<< Previous Review Next Review >> | Reader Comments | | li'l miss muffett | 11/10/09 | This looks adorable on you and I love those awesome tights! | | * * * | | Opals Passions | 11/10/09 | I love the top and the outfit.... | | * * * | | racehorse | 11/10/09 | I love this top on you! I tried this pattern too, but I was not happy with how it looks on me, but on you--adorable! | | * * * | | Gecko | 11/10/09 | This whole outfit looks great! Love the top! | | * * * | | Leslie in Austin | 11/10/09 | Never would have looked twice at this pattern until seeing your version. Yours is rockin', particularly the way you've styled your whole outfit. Wonder if this pattern has been in any issue of BWOF... | | * * * | | michou68 | 11/10/09 | There are no seam allowances in Germany. Burda persists on saying that it would be better for fitting purposes to no add them in the pattern but to leave to the seamstress herself.
On the other hand they say that because it is usual to do this in America: what the heck, let them have it ... The only exception is the "Maßschnitt", the pattern made for your measurements.
Very nice top, btw :-) | | * * * | | DorothyK | 11/10/09 | This top is fabulous. You couldn't have picked a more perfect fabric for it. Your entire outfit is RIGHT ON! I've had this pattern on my wish list and forgot about it. Thanks for reminding me. Your review will be helpful when I start working on the pattern. | | * * * | | AnneMarie60 | 11/10/09 | Love your fabric and the bias-cut bottom panel! You've put together a stylish ensemble that looks fantastic on you! | | * * * | | Deepika | 11/10/09 | Trina, I love that look. And your review is so helpful. I might just make this top now. | | * * * | | Lori V | 11/10/09 | that is a great top and a outfit. How did I miss this pattern and all the reviews? | | * * * | | gatorgirl4325 | 11/10/09 | Love this look on you! The black & white plaid is perfect for this type of top. LOVE the tights!!!!! (I'd also like to know if this appeared in a BWOF.) | | * * * | | Tiner W | 11/10/09 | This is so flattering on you. Great top! | | * * * | | Mufffet | 11/10/09 | WOW. Awesome as usual....I always end up saying that! BUT, your sense of what to put together is great and rarely is there something not just perfect! | | * * * | | cabinbaby | 11/10/09 | Fun! I love this top and your bright contrast-y tights. | | * * * | | Kristine Kay | 11/10/09 | Great top, looks easy to make and easy to wear! | | * * * | | swede | 11/10/09 | Really cute top, it looks great on you. I think I'll pick this one up myself now! | | * * * | | Tailypo | 11/11/09 | Great top! The fabric really makes it -- not only because of the lovely drape, but also the lines of the oversize check. Sometimes these kimono sleeve tops can be, for lack of a better word, stumpifying, but the long lines keep you looking lithe and lovely. Nice job! | | * * * | | FreyaStark | 11/11/09 | Very smart and distinctive. | | * * * | | SpinningJenny | 11/11/09 | Great styling and super gorgeous on you! The fabric is perfect for this top, and I really like the bias cut lower band. | | * * * | | Woolygal | 11/11/09 | That is one hot outfit. Must find the pattern. | | * * * | | marec | 11/12/09 | Great outfit and you definitely hit it "out of the park" with your choice of this fabric and pattern. | | * * * | | CrescentaLuna | 11/13/09 | Oh, Nicegirl - you used the word "fungibly." Correctly. I'm swooning ... *sigh* ...
Oh, and the top's nice too! | | * * * |
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