I meant to make more long sleeve tops this winter but it just didn't happen. I did get one done, though. I know I confessed to not being much of a pink lover, but when I saw this pink zebra print at Denverfabrics.com last fall I had to have it. It's pretty thin so will make a great winter to spring transition piece.
I totally removed the back seams from the upper bodice, bodice band and bottom bodice. What was the point of having them? I simply cut the upper and lower backs on a fold and altered the band piece by cutting it into a front and a back band. The back of this has darts, something I rarely see on knits. But it fits really well and I'm thinking I may need to make this again in a sleeveless version or dress even.
I'm not sure what Burda instructs you to do for the front. I'm sure it's a facing of some sort. My motto is don't read the instructions unless you totally can't figure it out on your own. This top was very simple so I just did my own thing. Here at the neckline I used bias tape to finish it. I like using bias tape in knits because it has a little stretch but really helps knits not stretch out. And there's no facing to flip up and annoy.
I used french seams for the shoulders and side seams and more bias tape to enclose the sleeve to bodice seam.
Here you can see the side seams and the inside band. It is not interfaced and simply slipstitched down.
TOTAL COSTS:Burda pattern - $80/12/6 (6 is the amount of patterns I plan to make from this issue): $1.11
1 3/8 yards zebra knit: $6.88
thread: $1.00
bias tape: $0.80
grand total $9.79 give or take
I'm currently working on a simple dress in more purple but the fabric is kicking my butt. It has a huge repeating print that I didn't notice when I bought it but that I now feel compelled to try to match up. The front sleeves and bodice are bias cut so in order to match up the pattern perfectly I starched the fabric. It then bleed onto the muslin fabric I starched it on top of. And I need more fabric for the front skirt portion but am waiting to buy it until I see how the bodice turns out. SO, I am not sure it's even going to be completed. Keep your fingers crossed!
Your items are always beautifully finished. Something to aspire to!
ReplyDeleteSo you use purchased bias tape then? Do you wash it first, or just use it straight out of the envelope? What brand? I bought some that was definitely *not* suited any kind of knit fabric, is there a special kind for knits? Sorry for all the questions, your shirt is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteCute top! The bias tape tip is useful. Now I have all the same questions as "countrygirlcourture!"
ReplyDeleteHey, girls, this is regular 'ol Wrights bias tape, 50% polyester/50% cotton. I don't pre-wash it and have never had a problem with shrinkage. I don't put it in areas that need to stretch a lot, but around the arms and on tops with big enough necklines it doesn't give me any problems.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Amanda :)
ReplyDeleteI would love to hear more about your starching method. Could you do a post about that please? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi, Amanda - I like your analysis of the cost... I was also wondering what type of bias tape you use for knits - thanks for the info!
ReplyDeleteNice top! It fts you very well.
ReplyDeleteVery nice! I still want to make this top. I wouldn't have thought of bias tape on a knit but may give it a go.
ReplyDeleteI love the knit top. I really enjoying seeing your work and what you are going to do next. I have been working more with knit but I hate the whole interface and facing when it comes to knit. Do you have like your 3 tops rules that you follow when working with knit.
ReplyDeletecountrygirlcouture question was a very good.
Thanks
Whew! I'm glad I'm not the only one who was curious about the bias tape thing. So the Wright's really does work for knits? I thought mine seemed too....I'm not sure...stiff? I'll definitely be giving it a try next time, thanks for the response! :-)
ReplyDeleteNice looking top.
ReplyDeleteAmanda, as always your sewing skills are superb and i am inspired to take my time and do a good job with finishing sans serger
ReplyDeleteAnother perfect top! Dying to see you make the 103B dress from the same issue. And thank you for the info on the bias tape. I imagine a lot of us were scratching our heads about that. Good to know!
ReplyDeleteNice top and thanks for the sewing tips.. I am going try the bias tape on the next knit top that I sew.....
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried bias tape on a knit but it's a great idea to finish the neckline of a knit surplice/wrap. Thanks for the tip!
ReplyDeleteMust try the tip too! As usual the top is perfect. Great work.
ReplyDeleteNice job!
ReplyDeleteYour sewing is THE BEST. I'm always amazed that even with a knit top, you take the time to do french seams and bound seams. You are among a very few that take such time and pride in your sewing. As always, beautiful job.
ReplyDeleteGreat fit - did you need to raise the neckline at all as is usual with these kind of Burda tops? I just finished a blouse with French seams and I may be converted, the finish is so nice.
ReplyDeleteThat fabric must have come from Gymboree because my daughter has a t-shirt from the same fabric! They have quality stuff!
ReplyDeleteGreat tip on the bias tape; not to mention cute top too.
ReplyDeleteNice how you finished this top indeed. The biaisband is so much neater then a facing. I should use it a lot more too.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful top, Amanda! I am planning to make one for Spring (well, I had planned it for last Fall but haven't made it yet) and I'll probably copy your neckline finish with the bias tape and the back without a center seam (such a copycat I am!). I had made a muslin of this top with the back seam - thinking it would be great to fit my sway back - but it came out wavy and rather bad looking. Yours looks gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteHi Amanda! I've been playing around with sewing for a year or so now and stumbled on some of your reviews on patternreview!!! :) We are both in San Antonio, so maybe someday you will know someone in person who sews :) I LOVE what you create- I am so inspired!!! :)
ReplyDeleteYour blog facinates me! You have skills :)
ReplyDeleteQuestion - I was wondering of you have any extra fabric that you would part with from this yellow & gray jacket?
http://amandasadventuresinsewing.blogspot.com/2009/12/burda-3-2009-111-yellow-gray-floral.html
Although I want a million yards of it, I would be happy with 1/2-1 yard. And of course, I would buy it from you.Thanks:) fenwick.katie@gmail.com
What a great fabric choice for this top! It's a perfect little top, Amanda!
ReplyDeleteWow! Great job with the zebra knit. I love the neat seams. Nice pattern. Where do can I get this Burda pattern?
ReplyDeleteLove your top! Pink looks so *good* on you. Still in love with everything you make, Amanda!!
ReplyDeleteI really like this top - the colour suits you - beautifully finished as always.
ReplyDeleteReally cute. You know I'm loving the pink print. :)
ReplyDeleteIf I could make a garment that was finished that beautifully on the inside--I would wear it inside out so everyone would know! I confess to total envy and adoration of your sewing skills. But I am blogging my attempts at sewing at summersetsewing.blogspot.com/ You should come over and laugh with me!
ReplyDeleteThat's so cute and girly. I hope you don't mind me saying this but the band reminds me of a nursing top I had a few years back, but I wish they had it in this fabric. Too cute.
ReplyDeleteI like how I cut this out today to bring to San Antonio this weekend. And decided I should look for reviews *after* I've cut it out, lol!
ReplyDelete