BurdaStyle Magazine: 02-2013-113 (Draped Shirt) - Type:Tops  | | Viewed 415 times
| 2 more reviews | Review rated Helpful by 1 people Very Helpful by 16 people | | Reviewed by: | grays08 | 
 | About grays08 | | IL USA | | Member since: 9/13/11 | | Reviews written: 53 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | Favored by: 10 people | | patterns reviewed: 53 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 3/13/13 6:14 PM | | Last Updated: | 3/13/13 6:50 PM | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Photo: | More Info provided by grays08 | | Pattern Rating: | Highly Recommend | | NEW! See reviews of patterns from this issue | | | | Fabric: | Rayon-Lycra Knit [See other projects in this fabric] | | Related Links | Click on  to add a link |
| Pattern Description:
Women's draped top sewing pattern available for download. This is a fitted shirt with a draped, low-cut neckline and fitted, gathered bodice. Top uses front/back combination facing pieces on the inside. There is an alternate version of this pattern for a sleeveless dress (114). This is a tunic length, long-sleeved top.
Pattern Sizing:
36, 38, 40, 42, 44. I made a size 40 for a 36" bust, and this was perfect. This is a form-fitting top in the bodice area so Burda bust sizing is accurate for this.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes.
Picture of front extended out to show fullness and front view from center
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes assuming you know the following:
- that the "darts" are the area at the top middle of piece 21 (front) where it V's - since it's cut on a fold, you have a dart for each side - it's very helpful to mark these darts on your fabric as you have to sew them after the one side is gathered, and after you have clipped into the dart which makes it harder to know where it is as it approaches the intersection
- that you wait to stitch the inside facing edge of the center front middle to the seam allowance until after you have sewn the middle gathered section to the facing after turning it down on the fold line (so you can machine sew it). I would also recommend you sew two rows of stitching spaced an inch or so apart to help secure the "waterfall" (gathered section) to the inside facing.
- that you mark the actual seam line convergence of the top middle V on the front piece on the fabric. Burda asks you immediately to clip no further than 1 5/8" from this point, and I had to go back and find/mark this since it isn't special, just an intersection spot
- that you do a traditional set-in of the sleeves complete with easestitching even though it's a knit due to the interfacing. I never do this with knits but had to in this case, and it was easy to do.
- that you mark the foldline on both sides of the fabric all the way across as you will use this to determine where to fold the gathered section down later and if this is off, it throws off your hemline below (causing a dip of the "waterfall")
- that you initially fold the "waterfall" back out of the way of the facing until after the facing is sewn to the neckline. It is meant to go over top of the neckline seam, not in it. Burda wasn't clear about this at all and just says to pin it down.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
LIKES -
- I love the design and fit of this top. It's form-fitting but yet flowy, and a dressed up version of Jalie 2806 which I love.
- It is so figure flattering as it hides the tummy but shows off the bust.
- This is fairly fast and easy to sew up.
DISLIKES -
- I recently made the dress version of this and found the back center neckline to "bow" outward a tad. The same thing occurred with this, and I didn't expect anything different since I didn't alter the pattern. It's slight, however I believe Burda intended this as they are trying to incorporate ease since this area is interfaced and thus not stretchy. I won't adjust this for that reason if I make again. It looks a tad odd but the second you lean forward, it pulls back against you, works like a charm. My husband swears he didn't notice it at all but forgive me if I discount his testimony! = )
- I'm not keen on facings, especially for knits, but it's really needed for this since the "waterfall" is quite heavy. I would not advise their removal, even the back portion provides quite a bit of support. I would stress how important it is to sew the facings down to the seam allowances and understitch. Burda luckily is good about reminding you (yeah Burda!) in the instructions.
Fabric Used:
A blue/white fuzzy, polka dot rayon knit from Fabric.com that I bought a couple years ago (yeah use stash!). It took 2 yards (60" wide) for the top in a size 40. I used a fusible, flex interfacing designed for knits for the facings.
I would highly recommend the use of a lightweight, drapey fabric for this pattern as there is a lot of fabric gathered on the front of this design. I'm not even sure if a poly ITY knit would be too much weight for this, so far I've made it only out of rayon jersey knits.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
None. I did do some additional hand tacking of the "waterfall" at the top just to help keep the facings pointing inward. No need to stabilize shoulders here because they attach to the fully interfaced facing.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I love this and have sewn it twice now if you count the dress version of this (114). I would love to have a sleeveless top version of this in the summer so who knows, it may show up again! This is a great pattern and easy to sew up so I would highly recommend either version of this.
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14 Comments
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I like this top - funny I just looked beyond it in the magazine but now that I have seen yours - Looks great!
3/13/13 7:08 PM
It's a very flattering style on you. Great construction info regarding the facings.
3/13/13 7:24 PM
That is a lovely top with the waterfall gathers. I can see how a lightweight drapey knit would be preferred for this due to all the gathering--especially apparent when you show how far out the hemline can extend. Love the fabric. Sounds like you have this pattern tamed to serve you well.
3/13/13 7:28 PM
Thanks for the lovely comments. Renren - you make an excellent point that I failed to mention in my review, lightweight, drapey knits are key. I'll update the review with this info. Thanks so much for your input!
3/13/13 8:38 PM
Adorable top, the dots are great for this top!
3/13/13 9:57 PM
A very lovely top and a wonderful, useful review. Thanks.
3/14/13 0:50 AM
I love this top on you and really want to make on too! Thanks for the great review!
3/14/13 5:06 AM
Great top! I love the polka dots!! I am making this right now. I just got the facing on and will go back and add your hints. (THANKS). You are so right about how flattering this top is.
3/14/13 8:33 AM
Your top is so cute! Thanks for the detailed review. I missed this pattern in the magazine and now must make it.
3/14/13 10:05 AM
Thank you for such a good review of this top. I was on the fence about it, but you have convinced me to try it! Yours looks super!
3/14/13 10:09 AM
Thanks for your review. I loved this when I saw it in the mag, and I've got it traced off already. I feel more confident about sewing it up when I see your results. Your review is very helpful.
3/14/13 10:57 AM
Very pretty and flattering on you.
3/14/13 11:17 PM
awesome!!!
3/15/13 1:26 AM
Pretty top and very informative review!
3/19/13 11:22 PM