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!)
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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.
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 ~
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.
ReplyDeleteThanks 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.
DeleteI 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,
ReplyDeleteThanks 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.
DeleteI think a racer would look cute on you!
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.
ReplyDeleteFran! Thanks so much. I'm glad you could pop over and see what I've made.
DeleteYes, 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!
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/
ReplyDeleteYou are too sweet! Thanks. Sorry about your recent stripe/jersey unfairness. I did link up
Delete