I’ve made another little top using Burda 7834. It is such a quick and easy little pattern, I can see myself using it a few more times, in spite of the fact I will have to re-grade it each time I use it, as Cassie cut it out to a smaller size than I use… well, it is her pattern so I suppose that is OK…!
This top is using up some scraps; the silver-grey portion is the last leftovers from this skirt, and the contrasting stripe detail was juuuust squeezed out from the the remaining fabric from this shirt. Oooh, I just feel so undeservedly virtuous and pat-myself-on-the-back-ish when I use up some leftovers…! like I’ve been a really good greenie and I’m doing just a tiny weensie little bit to Do My Bit in the planetary scheme of things. As well as satiating my inner scrooge, by getting a free top from otherwise rubbish-y little scraps!
The funny thing about this top along with its apricot mate, that I made the previous weekend, is that although they are entirely different colours, I used exactly the same topstitching thread, and the same colour zip for both tops; pale grey. How’s that for weird? Assessing the zips available, this colour was the logical choice in each case… which goes to show… something, I don’t know what. Probably nothing. Except that colour matching follows no hard and fast rules and can be a purely subjective exercise.
So, on to the review…
Pattern Description
Loose-fitting, short kimono sleeved, V-neck top with a central back zip, and separate pieces for arm bands, neckline band and under-bust band
Pattern Sizing
6-16, European 32-42; I made a size 10
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you had finished sewing it?
Yes
Were the instructions easy to follow?
yes
What did you particularly like/dislike about the pattern?
I like that it is a very quick and easy pattern, and makes up a cute little top.
I was only a little unhappy that (when the instructions are followed) it is not finished to super high standards on the inside. For example, the side seam allowances end up visible on the underarm sleeve edge, whilst I would prefer for them to be encased within the two layers of the sleeve band. Also, the neckline band at the back has to be folded back over the zip tape and doesn’t enclose it within the two layers, which would be a preferable and neater finish. However if you don’t mind a bit of extra fiddling you can adjust these features to be more well finished off on the inside. If you are just after a quick and easy little top and aren’t really worried much about perfect insides, then the method given is just fine.
Just an extra thought; doing up the central back zip might be awkward for some who are no longer super agile.
Fabric used:
I’ve made this up once in crushed silk and once in a synthetic stuff with contrasting cotton mix bands, but I think any crisp light blouse fabrics would be perfect.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
None.
Would you sew this again? Would you recommend this to others?
Definitely I will sew this again, and I do recommend it to others.
Conclusion:
A nice and simple little top, both in looks and construction. A useful casual wardrobe-builder to have in your collection.
btw, I just have to say something here, my own opinion… occasionally I come across a review in Pattern Review where under “were the instructions easy to follow?” a reviewer writes something like “didn’t even look at the instructions, lol!” or something equally breezy and dismissive. In such cases I have to confess I usually read no further as (imo) this is not a review but a seamstress being a bit of a show-off, like the instructions are beneath his/her notice. If you are not going to even read the pattern instructions, let alone assess them, then your “review” is worth nothing. There are going to be some beginner seamstress’ out there who will want to know if the instructions have any difficult or unusual techniques, or nasty surprises, etc., before they fork out the money to buy the pattern. I always thought this was the purpose of Pattern Review, but I get the feeling a few see it as a forum to showcase their creations, nothing wrong with that per se, but we have BurdaStyle for that purpose. If the instructions are basic and easy to follow, then just say so without the condescending attitude. Just saying…
Details:
Top; Burda 7834, silver grey crepe-y stuff with striped cotton mix contrasting bands
Shorts; Burda 7723, white linen
Thongs; Mountain Design
Sunnies; RayBan
What a great little top – especially from remnants, yay!
I'm not really familiar with PR, but agree it would be more helpful for others if the question was answered!
I do hope you are well away from those terrible fires.
What a pretty little summer top! And made from leftovers, I would feel satisfied by that too!
I have to admit I am guilty of not looking at the instructions but it's not to show off or be condescending. IMO most sewing instructions are crap and are either confusing (hello BWOF) or result in that dreaded 'home made' look. I just do my own thing and use other resources for new/tricky techniques (eg. Threads mag or the web). I can see how that would not be helpful to a new sewer though.
Sorry, I just read that back. Not to suggest your (or anyone's)garments look 'handmade' – I think your stuff looks great! Just that some of the techniques in pattern instructions are a bit outdated.
Carolyn – this top does look like a good wardrobe builder I am amazed at how different it looks from the one in the apricot one. I am also more than a wee bit envious of your sunshine. I have a cousin who lives in Perth & your pictures are making me want to go visit her. BTW, you are absolutely right about the white under my multicolored vest being a better option, I will continue working on it. Carolina
A very nice top, and very pretty with the white shorts! I believe I have had the same pattern – but from a BWOF magazine a few yars back – in the queue for several years. Maybe this is the summer it will get sewn!
Hmm, speaking as a very beginning seamstress, I mostly go to Pattern Review to see what the clothes look like made up on people with a variety of different builds. But that's probably because I won't know if the instructions are confusing or not until I'm a medium-beginning seamstress; right now they're all equally befuddling to me!
That is a lovely top (in both versions!). I'm guilty of just glancing at pattern instructions, doing things my way, unless there is something completely befuddling happening – but then, I don't write pattern reviews for that reason.
Love your summer top and your pic by the water! looks so warm where I am so cold!! That part about the pattern review is so true. Being a new seamstress I read what others are posting about a pattern. This did happen to me last October when the projects I was sewing did not turn out the way they should of. I would read the reviews & they would say it was (so easy did'nt look at instructions) I would try the pattern, thinking I could do it and when my project turned out bad I wonder where I went wrong & almost gave up sewing. (Another seamstress emailed me & said to try & take apart my garments by seams to see where I went wrong). Those projects are on my to do list! Now I will only buy patterns when I have enough details.
Lovely top! and great photos.
Another beautiful top! I want one 🙂
Well said about the instructions comment!
A very pretty top. I really like seeing the different versions you make from the same pattern. You are very skilled at introducing variations to make each garment unique.
I am guilty of saying in reviews that I did not look at the instructions, but hopefully I usually say why – eg" these are crazy Burda instructions that made no sense to me so I sewed up the side seams, used my readers digest sewing book for the zip, then added the waistband". Reviews often have little information in the text, but the photo of the finished garment alone is something I find quite useful – even if it is showing off.
hmmm, it does look easy and comfy to wear. You must be the queen of using up scraps of fabric. You must come and dig through my bins sometime. Oh, maybe not, too long of a jet-ski ride. 🙂
looks like lovely weather!
Thanks for your pattern review – I've got this pattern in my stash, too, and your version is the first one I found in the whole www. It looks great!
Greets,
Liese
The top looks great on you 🙂
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