Original version
Second version in a viscose knit from EOS (recently sold out).
Packaged fun and funky fabric before sewing
T-Neck Trend (RTW)
More T-Time (blogged)
Original Review
The September 2012 issue really impressed me. I wish I had the time to trace and sew the styles I like. With many non-Burda patterns in my stash waiting to be sewn, I selected what seemed to be 2 of the simplest patterns, very suitable for beginners and the first-time Burda user.
One of the patterns is #104 B (longer version), knit turtleneck top with long sleeves.
Link to French Burda Style showing pattern schematics
The other is #130, top with draped front and ruching
Trend: turtleneck dress
ABS Turtleneck dress from Saks Fifth Avenue
Another trend: horse print dress
ASOS shirt dress with bow
Sizes
Burda misses' 36, 38, 40, 42, 44. I sewed a 38 at the shoulders and a 40 elsewhere.
Fabric used
Rayon jersey with horse print from EOS
Favorite Features
I cannot complain but rave about this pattern for being very easy to sew and having a timeless style paired with a skirt and/or slacks, and being an ideal under layer piece. The depth of the neckline is fine and the collar is not constrictive.
Like what I predicted while tracing the side contours of the front and back pieces, the dress is form-fitting and curvature revealing in contrast to the sack-like Burda Style dress I sewed earlier.
With just a few more inches to the lower edge, the longer top can easily be transformed into a turtleneck dress, which would look wonderful with boots for the autumn and winter season. I traced and cut the "longer" version, so that I can later cut and hem to my desired length. But that plan changed after I figured out what to do with the remnants, instead of leaving them in a some bag that I call "future projects with scraps of fabric in a bag" for an indeterminate amount of time.
Directions
They are typical Burda Style: brief, right to the point, with possibly a few sentences that can be rewritten for a better understanding (maybe due to translation to English) such as "stitch narrow collar edges together (centre back seam)" changed to "stitch, right sides together, the center back seam (of the rectangular piece for the collar) along the lengthwise grain". If you have sewn basic tops with a front, back, and sleeves, and especially turtleneck tops, you can rely on your experience and skill to sew the top. One module I heed is the "cutting out" module specifying the pattern pieces and the amount of each to be cut. The collar is cut from a rectangular piece with lengths and widths that correspond to the sizes 36-44.
Modifications
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.).
Back
To look and feel less constricted, I lowered the neckline of my original pattern tracing 1/2" from the center, tapering to 0" at the shoulders.
I shortened the sleeves 1" from the bottom so that they land above my wrists.
The remnant of fabric in the form of a nearly perfect rectangle with width a little over one foot appeared "tempted" to be transformed into something other than a tie belt. Maybe I was having a fashion flashback from 1980's: I decided to transform the longer version of the top into a dress with a banded bottom, while envisioning its horse print running perpendicular to the horizontal horse print of the top/dress, for a special geometric effect. What "creative" way to evade top-stitching the lower hem by substituting it with some "spur-of-the-moment design feature". To create the banded "tube", I stitched the center back seam, right sides together, of a rectangular piece whose circumference ended up being 1 1/4" shorter than that of the lower edge of the top. After turning the tube inside out (correct side of fabric now visible), I folded the band in half, and sewed the raw edge (while stretching a little) to the lower edge of the top.
Recommendation/Conclusion
I was pleasantly surprised to discover how flattering and fuss-free this turtleneck top is! I plan to sew more with variations in sleeve and neckline types. If you have this issue, give this pattern a try. It can easily be one of those "sew-in-the-morning-wear-it-in-the-afternoon" projects.
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Pattern with more than 5 reviews!
This is a GREAT look for you. I was browsing the Sept. and Oct. Burdas last night and noticed this one as well as #114 (the sewing lesson) and #119 (a wrap) in the Oct. issue. What do you think about #130 in the Sept. issue? Thanks for your review and I love your creative changes.
10/1/12 4:01 PM
Great looking dress! Very smart to lengthen this top to a dress. I think I will try this one as well.
10/1/12 4:08 PM
Nice dress! Looks good on you. In fact this is exceptional. I love it. :)
10/1/12 4:13 PM
I was wondering about this pattern. Great idea to make a dress. Very pretty dress.
10/1/12 7:35 PM
Great dress! Love the look on you and a very clever idea!
10/2/12 4:20 AM
...by the way, I have one of those notorious "fabric scrap" bags too!
10/2/12 4:25 AM
This is so perfect on you!! I love the contrast of the print being turned 90 degrees. and, "mare-all streep" oh brother.
10/2/12 7:58 AM
Very flattering! ... I need an easy pattern and love how yours turned out!
10/2/12 8:07 AM
Adding the tube bottom was genius! Totally cute dress that is wearable for work or for fun!
10/3/12 0:07 AM
Lovely dress and it looks great on you!
10/3/12 7:29 AM
Very chic dress!
10/3/12 6:00 PM
LOVE IT, Mare-all!
10/12/12 2:58 PM
Love it!The fabric is gorgeous!
11/22/12 9:32 AM