Type: Tops
Fabric: Sweatshirt Fleece[See other projects in this fabric]
Fit: Boxy or Loose (lots of ease)
See reviews of patterns from this issue
Pattern Description:
Misses knit tops for stretch jerseys. All views have long/er sleeves, shoulder seam zipper and neck band. Views B, C and D have a curvy front yoke seam.
I made the View D pullover with side panels, back buttons and front yoke seam ruffle.
Pattern Sizing:
Eur. 34-44. I traced sizes 40 and 42, unsure of which would work better. (I previously made the 2B t-shirt in size 42 with a stretchier fabric and, while comfortable, a size 40 may have been better, at least above the bust. This size combo has been my usual Burda size.)
I started with size 42 (since I was working with a heavier, much less stretchy knit this time around) and was pleased with the resulting bust and shoulder fit. The upper back looks a bit too wide, but its fine.
Fabric Used:
Sweatshirt fleece (100% cotton) recovered from two of my DHs old pullovers. All seams were merely abutted raw edges coverstitched together, so I cut through those only when necessary for optimal fabric use. Some of those seams were retained due to fabric shortage.
Note: This fabric is consistent with the samples for Views 2C and 2D in the magazine.
Does it look like the photos and illustrations in the magazine?
I made a few minor detail changes, but still similar - yes.
Pattern notes:
- Each side panel adds 1.25 to the width at the lower armscye and 4.75 at the hem, rendering this a swing top once hemmed. Narrowing the lower panel would have introduced drag lines from the bust, so I kept the original shape.
- There is a separate wider sleeve piece for Views C/D because of the side panel.
- For View D the back piece is a half piece cut twice. The two pieces are then stitched together most of the way down and folded at that seam to create the look of separate button/hole bands.
- A 9 invisible zipper is called for to insert into the 4.5-long shoulder seam, so cutting it to length would be necessary.
- Other details: Petersham ribbon (4cm or 1-5/8 wide) ruffled in front yoke seam; yarn with rhinestones criss-crossed down the yoke centre back; 3/4-length sleeves.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes. BurdaEasy is nice because the construction steps are illustrated. I used a different order in a few places out of necessity.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like all the nice options with this pattern to achieve different looks. The buttoned back of View D is especially nice.
While the top is cute and very comfortable, I dont really care for the lower width on me, especially since the stitched hem keeps it away from my body, like a tent. The beefiness of the fabric used no doubt contributes to this effect.
Note: The front view photo in the magazine is deceiving. The drag lines indicate that the hem fullness is pinned out in the back.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
1. Added 4.5 to the sleeves to make them full-length.
2. Cut a single full back piece then added a separate button placket (1.25 wide finished), due to fabric shortage.
3. Cut 2-wide bias strips out of black cotton batiste for faux piping for the front and back.
4. Omitted the shoulder zipper, then used a small black ponte knit scrap (1 longer than the size 42 neckband pattern piece) to make a mock turtleneck collar, in lieu of a neckband. It looks a bit odd but feels lovely.
To have used the sweatshirt fleece a shoulder zipper extending to the top of the collar would have been needed, due to insufficient stretch.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I would recommend the pattern but likely wont use it again, as Ive made two of the views already, and the curvy yoke seam is pretty distinctive. With a more stable knit, this pattern should be fine for adventurous beginners.
Conclusion:
Late fall is the season for cuddly things and this pullover was just what I needed. The loose fit makes it very comfy, albeit drafty. If I were ever to make this view again, I would omit the side panels, go up one size from the bust down and add a bust dart and actual buttonholes to achieve a closer fitting pullover.
Apart from the loose fit, some of the details (like the bust seam ruffle) didnt appeal to me, but those were very easy to omit or change. As well, a shoulder zipper is called for but can be avoided by using a stretchy enough fabric in the neckband (or collar, in my case), especially if using low-stretch sweatshirt fleece.
