Sunday, March 29, 2009

Burda 04-2009 #110 Gathered Knit Top

Usually I don't go for low cut tops. But, I find that I always gravitate to higher-necked boat tops. I like to step out of my comfort zone every once and a while so that I don't have the same thing in my closet every day. This is not the best top for me. It's cute but it probably won't get much wear. I will always wear this with a cami underneath but I wanted to show you the depth with out a cami on. It's plunging, that's for sure. Where I'm standing, I can see glimpses of my bra peeking over the edge of the top. You can't see it in this photo. I'll link to the full review once I get it done.
This isn't the right cami for it. I have a plain white one that would look better. You can also see that it's pretty loose in the bodice. That is probably half my micro-boob-ed fault but the pattern is also loose. Below, I'll show you what I should have done.
I get a bit of the pregnant look from the side. I may try handstitched the SA up. That seems to take care of most of the puffiness. There are darts in the back of this pattern. I did not do any swayback adjustment and it's okay in the back.

Here's the inside as I was putting it together. They have you bind the back and then attach the front. When you sew the shoulder seams, you also fold in the front facings so they stay put. As you can see in this picture, I did not include the front facings in the seam. That's because I plum forgot.


Later, I went back and hand sewed the facings back.


Here's the front with the tab. You can see that I didn't gather the front bodice enough because when I folded over the tab, it didn't fit. I would need to gather the front a bit more and have a smaller "knot" on the front.



Here it is on my double.



Here's a close-up of the knot.



I won't be making this again but if I was going to make it, here's what I would do instead:
  1. Cut off the damn front facings and just add seam allowances to the front bodice pieces.
  2. Gather the shoulder sections.
  3. Attach the front to the back at the shoulder seams.
  4. Bind the front and back in one swoop. I would make sure that you stretch the binding as you attach it. You can see mine needs a little tightening up. I would do this by cutting a stretchy strip of self-fabric binding. I would sew it RST to the shirt front and back. I would flip it to the inside and topstitch from the front side to secure it to the inside. This would do two things: ensure a snugger fit across the bust and get rid of the sloppy facings.
  5. Gather the bodice fronts the recommended amount and carry on with your top.

19 comments:

Unknown said...

Really cute top, I'm wondering if a thinner knit would produce less "poof" in that front gather... I'm shocked to see you outside with all the volcano business going on!

Mardel said...

The top is really cute, although yes, rather low cut. I like your recommendations for what you would do differently. Need to keep those in mind.

gwensews said...

It's a cute top. Something you might consider is--taking a piece of pretty lace--whatever color you prefer--and make a "modesty" panel in the front. I have made them by using snaps on the lace and the insie of the garment, and simply snapping the panel in.

Rachel said...

That is gorgeous!!! I love the fabric and the color on you. You couldn't look pregnant if you tried.

Sewingadicta said...

That is really cute, the colour´s fantastic and I like the detail of lace !!

Ann Made Studio said...

The color is awesome! It is a very cute style, I like it :)

Carol said...

I really like this top on you. The colour is gorgeous

Marsha said...

I think the top looks amazing in that fabric!

judy said...

Very cute top! I love it! Lose the camisole!!! REALLY!!! Nothing to hide, the top looks best without anything underneath!

Lory said...

I don't think it's that low cut. You look pretty in it, the color is nice on you.

Hugs,
Lory

marysews said...

It's not too low for a "date night" top. I think it looks smashing!

Paulette said...

Perfect color for you!! I like Gwensews idea of a lace modesty panel so you don't have to wear a cami. As always...another great top!!

Vicki said...

Very cute. The fabric is very pretty.

KellysSewing said...

I think that it looks great on you. Great color for you skin tone. Might be too low cut for school, but not for a dinner out with hubby.

Alviana said...

I love the top. so cute. with or w/out the cami, both look beautiful. I love the color and fabric. It so... wow! :)

i cant wait to received my april BWOF after seeing urs!

Digs said...

I think it's a beautiful result, and is beautiful on you. I much prefer the look without the lace top underneath. Add a short string of pearls and you'll rock at any do.

Martha said...

I think the first shot,without the cami, looks fantastic on you. Take a few days off and look at it again. Maybe not for the grocery store, but definitely when you want to feel beautiful. You certainly are in this top!

Cennetta said...

The top is really beautiful; and from where I sit, it looks great on you. The richness of the fabric gives it the luster of a very expensive top.

patsijean said...

Well, I have to get in the "Ilove that beautiful top" line. The color is extraordinary on you. You are beautiful without the cami, and very cute with it, and I like the purple cami.