Pattern Review: Burda 06-2009-109 Knit Top

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Pattern Description:  Burda 06-2009-109 A — Bat shirt

Pattern Sizing:  European sizes 36-38.  I made a straight size 38, but if I had used a woven fabric, I might have needed to go to a 40 or altered the width from the waist down to the hips. 

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  No, I made mine out of a knit, so it had a slightly different, more relaxed look.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Somewhat.  The instructions for the actual construction of this simple top were decipherable, but I had no idea what they wanted me to do for the neck binding.  Not a clue.  In the end, I just winged it (bat pun completely intended).  It turned out all right, but I definitely could do better the next time. 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? 

LIKES:

• LOVED the silhouette of this top and the simple pattern.
• Super quick to make when you’re not battling your son’s flu and your own.
• The sleeve cuffs are cute and simple to attach
• Easy to wear, chic and sexy for such a full cut, totally comfy.

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DISLIKES:

• Bad instructions for the neck binding.

Fabric Used:  A solid teal knit.  It’s been in my stash for a while, so I have no recollection from whence it came.  I had about 2 yards of it.  This pattern is a little bit of a fabric hog because of the cut on sleeves and pattern layout even with 60 inch wide knit fabric.  I have about a .75 yard left over.  I thought a knit would be cute in this silhouette and I was right!  Super quick to sew up on your serger and hem on your coverstitch.  Remind me to write about my fabric buying habits later, will you?  I have discovered something about fabric buying, but want to devote this post to the pattern review.

Pattern changes or design changes made:  Other than using a knit instead of a woven, no changes were made to the design.  Oh wait!  I lied – I added a stabilizer to the shoulders so they wouldn’t stretch out.

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Any new techniques learned during construction of this pattern?  I used my brand new Brother 2340 Coverstitch to hem my top, but was too chickenshit to use it on the binding.  I might be able to man up next time.  We’ll see.

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Any problems encountered while sewing this pattern?  Well, as I mentioned a couple of times already but it bears repeating, I couldn’t decipher the neck binding instructions, so I just made it work.  I started sewing the bias binding at the base of the V and went all the way around and then sewed up the V.  I hand sewed the bias binding ends to the back of the V.  It looks fine from the exterior (even if the top stitching is not completely professional, it’s not too noticeable when worn), but the interior is not that great looking.

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Which sewing machine(s) did you use for construction?  I used my serger, coverstitch machine and my Emerald 183 (don’t tell my Singer Featherweight please).  Most of the construction was on the serger and the neck binding was done on the Emerald 183.  Obviously the coverstitch was used on the hem.

Will you sew it again or recommend it to others?  Since I got the go ahead from all of you that this top is not too distinctive to have a few more in the wardrobe, I will definitely make more.  I have a silver knit and black burnout knit that I think would look great in this pattern.  I might alter the neckline shape or tighten up the sleeve cuffs or even add a hem band similar to the sleeve cuffs.  The ideas to change up this simple pattern are limitless.  Can’t wait!

Conclusion:  I love this top.  I think it looks amazing in a knit fabric.  It’s so comfy and yet still sexy.  I enjoyed wearing it on Super Bowl Sunday.  My sister said that she would totally buy this top if she saw it at Bloomingdales.  How awesome is that?  I think that’s the best compliment ever, if not an unsolicitation.

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Oh I almost forgot!!!  I made that felt ball necklace in about 20 minutes Sunday morning to match my top.  I love it!  Tutorial over here.