One of my sewing pals was recently de-stashing her patterns and this one called to me. It's an OOP Burda envelope pattern — my suspicion is that it's long out of print, but I'm not sure. I love how the stripe chevrons all over the place — CF, CB, above the sleeve, below the sleeve. I made a shortened version of view B.
Based on the desired finished size I wanted (4" negative ease at the bust), I made the size 16. The original pattern is designed for woven fabrics, but of course I wanted to use this knit fabric from Marcy Tilton. I added 1" length to the front to accommodate needing a longer length for the bust.
Before making the stripe version, I tested it out in another knit from Fabrix. This is another print that I wasn't that crazy about, but I really loved the quality and price of the fabric at $2.39 a yard. I did not cut this version out on the bias, and I did cut it at full length. It was too long, so I chopped off about 8". Then it was too short, so I added a little flange to increase the length.
I also shortened the sleeves 1-1/4" and shaved off the shoulder "bump" which was too far out from my natural shoulder.
Despite making the test version, the stripe version, cut on the bias, is a bit snug. Before cutting, I tested the stretch of the bias and it seemed ok, but I guess it was a bit less stretchy than the test fabric. I cut the stripe version 2" longer than the test version (before adding the flange).
For the test version, I cut a 1-1/4" strip for the neck binding and sewed it with a 1/4" seam. For the stripe version, I cut a 1-1/2" strip on the cross grain and sewed it with a 1/4" seam.
For both tops, I hemmed the bottoms and the sleeves with 1/2" Steam-a-Seam 2 Lite.
More Pictures
oh, I really like this...what a great study in stripe creativity!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a great top from a pattern that looks like such a dog!
ReplyDeleteGreat tops! They make your uber girls look much smaller!!
ReplyDeleteBetween the excellent fit and the stripes that top really does magical things to your shape!
ReplyDeleteThat stripe top is amazing, looks great on you and SOOOO much better than the weirdo image on the pattern envelope. Good for you that you saw possibilities.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a flattering top! I don't think it looks too snug. How does it feel? Did you spend a lot of time matching the stripes?
ReplyDeleteThanks, badmomgoodmom! Yeah, matching the stripes took a bit of effort.
DeleteThis top looks really good on you. Nice job lining up all the stripes! You say all the chevrons were your favourite part, I would have been pulling my hair out, lol!
ReplyDeletethis top is a grew addition to your fabulous wardrobe.
ReplyDeleteyou have really perfected the art of making interesting knit tops that are flattering.
ReplyDeleteShams, the stripe looks beautiful. You did such an awesome job with the stripes and it makes such a statement! And, I love the added flange on the print. Sometimes mistakes end up being good!!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely LOVE the striped top. And I love the necklace you're wearing with it.
ReplyDeleteThat striped top is soooooo flattering on you, shams! You should make a dozen of them :). You did a marvelous job matching all those chevron stripes.
ReplyDeleteWow, this top if off the charts! The most flattering I have seen on you and cute as heck. MORE!
ReplyDeleteA very flattering top. I do like the stripes on you. Looks wonderful!
ReplyDeletelove, love, love it
ReplyDeleteEva
I love how you used the stripes! And I think the fit is quite flattering on you!
ReplyDeleteI agree with all the posters here -- the cut is extremely flattering and proportion-building on you, and the striped in particular are a home run. Thanks for sharing all your sewing adventures with us, your work is inspiring!
ReplyDeleteIt's a really great look on you. It makes your body read more in proportion somehow. Less bust than the test print did. I love how perfectly you managed to match the stripes and the chevron is a beautiful detail. All in all a very flattering look on you.
ReplyDeleteI have been sewing for many years and I still have issues with matching stripes, etc. Can you do one of your wonderful tutorials on how you managed to match your stripes so perfectly?
ReplyDeleteShams, great top! Love the use of stripes! You should submit to Threads as the new issue has a great article on stripes. I got distracted and started reading about your Koos scarves. I have a remnant of that black and white ikat in my stash and am off to make one now!
ReplyDeleteI love these tops, the striped one is amazing, such a slimming effect. What skill you showed in matching the stripes! Of course. It goes to show what a good eye you have, I would have passed by that pattern.
ReplyDeleteThat is very becoming! The stripes are very well placed and slenderizing. I REALLY LIKE IT!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, I like the striped one!
ReplyDeleteLooks really nice! Do you use the bias on knit fabric? I do love those stripes; I like the abstract also.
ReplyDeleteShams! You look amazing! These stripes are magical! So flattering! Well done on the chevroning.
ReplyDeleteThat top might be a bit snug for you, but it looks FANTASTIC on you! I love how you manipulated the stripes...it's really awesome!
ReplyDeleteWOW,WOW,WOW! That stripe top is to die for. Love it!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteSmashing! The strip top is my favorite top on you yet. It really balances your figure. I need something like that for me! You're da Bomb!
ReplyDeleteSharon, I think you have a winner with this pattern. The style is quite flattering and I love both choices of fabrics. Of course the striped one is my favorite for it shows stripes in all directions. Now I'm on the lookout for this pattern. I always try to get the patterns for what you make. LOL.
ReplyDeleteKarendee
Neat pattern. The stripped version looks really great on you. I think the horizonal stripes in the shoulder area help balance the the width of your bust.
ReplyDeleteLove, love the stripe!
ReplyDeleteshams, this is so cool looking. I love the chevrons.
ReplyDeleteLove the stripes on you, Shams! And you did a great job of matching them up. The print is nice, too. Lots of movement in it. This is a good style for your bod!
ReplyDeleteCool tops. I like the flange on the test one. I can't tell how it is attached - is it top-stitched on?
ReplyDeleteYes, Martha. I cut a strip off the tube I chopped off. I folded it in half and top-stitched it on.
Deletestriped top looks so good on you.
ReplyDeleteBoth the strips and the print look perfect on you! It's too bad the pattern is oop...it sure is in style and has endless possibilities.
ReplyDeleteYou look terrific in the striped top! Such an interesting design--love the effect of all those chevrons--and so well executed. Beautiful! Elle
ReplyDeleteWhat I wanted to say has been said many times now... i do still want to add my WOW to it too. You have done an incredible job with both tops. I am imagining a considerable amount of time and fiddle going into lining up the stripes. So flattering and so current.
ReplyDeleteThe flange on the practice top makes a feature. I thought it was intended and I am sure that unless you say so others will also think it was intentional instead of a rescue.
i don't comment often, but I love reading your posts via email.
Fantastic top! Very cool use of the striped fabric and the result is very flattering on you.
ReplyDeleteYou always create high quality and flattering outfits! Kudos to you!
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job matching the stripes. It looks great on you.
ReplyDeleteI love a stripe, especially when done with such pizzaaz!
ReplyDeleteOh, I love this. You did a great job, and it looks wonderful on you.
ReplyDeleteFirstly,I've been reading all your posts (newbie) and they are FABulous, and have improved my sewing skills already. So thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteSecondly, re Burda 3254, I found one in Italy via net. With cost plus shipping, it was $12, and worth it because I *needed* it. So perhaps others should search it out - if wanting (or needing!) it.
Thanks again, Anne
I'm glad you found it, Anne! Thanks for the compliment. :)
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