Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Burda 05/2007 #109A Racer-back Tank


I forget where I first saw something from Burda 05/2007 but when I looked up the full magazine patterns on the Russian site I knew I had to have the issue.  I thought I'd never, ever be able to find it.  After looking on Ebay, Etsy, and a random Google search of the web, I halfheartedly posted a want ad on patternreview.com - thinking I would be 90 before I received a response.  Imagine my surprise when lovely Fran contacted me after ONE day! Such a beautiful lady for willing to part with her issue and let me buy it from her.  She sent it so fast and left her notes on the front - I love reading other people's ideas.  I received it yesterday from her (FL to WI).  I really wanted to sew up #130 as seen below but I don't have any appropriate material in the yardage it calls for so it will have to wait.

(130 - I will sew this soon!)

Instead, I spotted #109A, a racer-back tank.  I know, I know, it is fall and what is this girl thinking making a tank.  But I originally wanted a long sleeve Jalie Tee out of this purple stripe; however, I didn't have enough yardage so a tank it is.  Plus I have the perfect Burda cardigan for it that I made in September.

(109A - what I sewed)




I traced a size 40 for the top to waist and then sloped out to a 42 from waist to hips.
my measurements: 36 bust - 29 waist - 42 hip.  normally I would do a 38 or 40 on top and 44 on bottom but the pattern ended at 42.

I used this thin jersey knit I picked up on the remnant table at Mill End Textiles for $3.95 - 1 yard of 60" wide. It is very thin.  I'm not sure I will wear it in public it is so thin and I am afraid of it being see-through.  I followed the tracing directions by Burda adding 1.5" to bottom hem and seam allowances of 5/8" all around.  I didn't add SA to neckline because I was doing binding but in some weird way I did add it to the armholes???  Brain lapse.  I did a square shoulder adjustment on the tank.

The racer-back design emphasizes my shoulders and makes them look a bit broad.  It also makes my waist look funny-tiny compared to my shoulders!  Oh well - I still like it.

Instead of doing anything the directions stated, I did my own thing.  I added ribbing for the neck and arm binding - cut up from an old tee.  It is very low-cut; add SA if you sew this up.  I will be adding SA next time and maybe an inch more.  Even with the hem allowance, this tank is a tad too short for me.  I hemmed it very small with 1/2"; I will add 1-1.5 inches more for next time.  I'll also go from a 40 at the waist out to a 44 at the hips because it is a bit snug in the hip area for me.



Likes:
cute design
looks RTW - my husband asked if I went shopping (he should know better!)
versatile - can layer with it
fast and easy sew

Dislikes:
none!

next time:
add neck SA
add another 1/2 to 1" to neck
add 1" - 1.5" to hem

I plan on sewing up a storm from this issue.  Can't wait!! Thanks so much Fran, I am eternally grateful!



~ Happy Sewing! ~ Kristin ~

8 comments:

  1. This looks great! I need a go-to pattern for t-shirts and tanks. I hope one day I find the right one for me. It's so nice just to be able to whip up a shirt. Funny about making a tank this time of year. I finally bought a shorts pattern I have been wanting now that summer is over, but I was contemplating making them anyway! LOL I am forcing myself to hold off till next summer.

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    1. Thanks Shirley Ann. Yes, it is very gratifying to whip up a quick shirt. I'm glad I'm not the only one still sewing summer ;-) Have you tried Jalie 2805? They have such good top patterns.

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  2. I am finishing my last summer item now, there were still a few I didn't get time to make but wanted to, but I am starting to understand sewing your own clothes is like that! Anyway from the photos the tank is a great fit and I think the contrasting bands were a great idea...my large 'upper half' means racer back doesn't work for me, sadly though,

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    1. Thanks Philippa! I am starting to realize that I sew off seasons too. I think I just sew whatever strikes me in the moment - and that I have fabric for!! I think I may hold off on buying more fabric on a whim and start buying it for actual projects... lol.
      I think a racer would look cute on you!

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  3. Super tank, Kristin! Not having "strong" shoulders myself, I love any look that emphasizes shoulders and, yes, in turn, does make your waist look tiny...not a bad thing at all. While enjoying your photos, I came across s few that had strange "blue" tags hanging from your garment and thought "those are unusual lingerie tags until I realized you had used blue painters tape to hold your garment flat..fully stretched out so we could enjoy the shape! How clever! I am delighted that I could help you in your search..your delight is obvious and that makes me happy. I look forward to seeing more of your work.

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    1. Fran! Thanks so much. I'm glad you could pop over and see what I've made.

      Yes, the blue painters tape is my new friend. I get tired of how things hang on the hanger and do not photo well. I have a dress form but "Betty" is rather difficult and won't shape to me correctly. (she is foam)

      Thanks again!

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  4. I think the shape, fit and colors are all very flattering on you! I would love for you to link up in my selfish sewing linky party. Here's the link: http://laurendahl.com/sew-selfish-episode-2-and-nothing-to-show/

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    1. You are too sweet! Thanks. Sorry about your recent stripe/jersey unfairness. I did link up

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