Seeing Double, Burda 7509

I don't usually sew duplicates of a pattern but this was good enough to repeat right off the bat.  I first became aware of this pattern by several great looking reviews of it on Pattern Review so I purchased the pattern.  It's a sleeveless tank cut on the bias meant for lightweight wovens. There are darts above the bust which is unusual but makes for a great fit.

This first top is sewn in a rayon challis from fabric.com in a size 20 to get a finished garment measurement of 45¼ inches.  Although not a recommended fabric, I love the drape and feel of this top.  I used French seams on the shoulders and side seams and self-fabric bias strips are used to finish the neck and armholes.  

This second version was sewn in a cotton voile from Fabric Mart.  I always forget what a joy it is to sew with cotton.  I love the finished product of challis and knits, but there's all that slippy-slidey business going on while you sew it.  That bias binding went in lickety split.  Again I used French

seams.  You'll notice that the voile top looks smaller than the challis top even though they're both the same size.  What a difference fabric makes!

Next up is the topper I made to go with the brown voile top!  Happy sewing all! 

Yet Another Button-Down Shirt--Butterick 5526

I'm acquiring quite a few a these button-down shirts the last few months, but I'm loving them.  They're pretty versatile; alone or with a top underneath or like this one, in a lighter fabric with the sleeves rolled up for summer. 

I started this top in June but it got side-lined by the shirts for the boys and the Jane Austen Project.  I was so happy to get back to it.  This fabric, a cotton shirting from Fabric Mart, was a dream to sew with.  It did everything asked without a hiccup or pucker, even the set-in sleeves and the collar.

The pattern is reviewed 65 times on Pattern Review and I can see why it's so loved!  The instructions just make sense and the pieces fit together so nicely.  The fit is good, too.  I cut a size 18 neck, shoulder, cuff and sleeve and used the size 20 for the bust, waist and hips.  The shoulders run a little wide, according to reviews, and I found that I had to do a slightly larger narrow shoulder adjustment than usual. 

The pockets have this cute little pleat in them that makes for a nice detail.  I even managed to match the stripes of the pocket to the shirt. 

The collar and band went together like a charm.  And it lays so neatly in this fabric. 

The tab was a cinch to make and install.  I really like the feature, too, however the rolled up sleeves hit me just below the elbow and always inch their way up during the day.  I also made it with the traditional cuff and placket so I can wear my sleeves down this fall.

The fit on the front, I think, is pretty good.  It could use some shaping in the back waist area, though. It looks pretty boxy in the photo.   Maybe fisheye darts.  Or try the view D with the princess seams next time, which I'd really like to do as so many have raved about that view. 

I had a remnant left over, so I made hubs a pocket square for one of his suits that he wears with a lavender shirt.  They look so nice together. 

Well, back to sewing.  I have a new McCall's in the works.  

I've Been a Busy Girl--Burda 6969

Here it is the middle of February and I've written nary a thing but I have been a very busy girl.  I signed up for the Pattern Review Wardrobe Contest.  For this contest, the participant must make 10 items of clothing:  2 bottoms, 2 tops, 1 topper and 5 sewer's choice.  All things must co-ordinate with each other.  I know I have nil chance of winning, but I'm participating for 2 reasons.  1) To try to participate more in the sewing community and 2) to get a better rounded-out wardrobe that works with itself. There are a lot of orphans in the closet.  Most of these pieces will be for Spring/Summer as Winter is fast waning.

First up on the agenda was a top, Burda 6969.  This a loose flowing scoop-neck top with a key-hole in the front neckline.  I've made it once before as a dress and found it very comfortable for summer wear. 

I cut the front and the back on the fold and omitted the keyhole as the top is low enough the keyhole would just be flashing the girls.  Who needs that at this age? 

 

I cut a size 16 neck and a size 18 hip.  The shoulder straps were also shortened by 1/2 inch as they constantly fall down on the dress--the only thing I hate about it.

 

The back looks just like the front only slightly higher at the neckline.  The fabric was a poly-charmuese from Joann's.  I fell in love with the colors and the feel of the fabric.  I figure this top can be dressed up or down--worn tucked in with skirt/dress slacks or loose with blue jeans.

I'm really pleased with how smoothly the bias binding turned out.  Usually I have to really work with it to keep twists from forming.  The sewing machine just really liked this fabric. 

So Piece #1 is done.  Now to review it on Pattern Review.  I actually have Pieces #2, 3, and 4 done as well.  Those will be shared with you in the coming days.  I'm working with shades of tan/gold and blue with bits of brown.  It sounds disjointed, but actually works well together.  Most of it is coming from stash too so that's an extra plus. 

Next up, Butterick 5429.  Happy sewing.