BurdaStyle May Issue Makes

The May issue of BurdaStyle arrived last week and it had so many patterns for warm weather tops.    Sleeveless or short sleeved tops can be quick to sew.  They can often be made from large remnants of fabric left over from a previous project. (Does using up remnants count as stash reduction?)   And they are great worn on their own or under a  jacket or sweater when the air conditioning is turned up.

 I loved the first top because of its trapeze shape and asymmetrical, contrasting flounce trim.

I made it in a remnant of turquoise sanded silk from this project 70s-style-updated 2007   with a navy silk/lycra crepe flounce.  The flounce is an unhemmed bias cut band.  It takes time to  carefully ease the flounce band at the seam allowance so that it lays flat at its outer edge around the curved bottom hem or when turned back around the armhole. It took me a couple of tries to get it right.  The arm hole and neckline are finished with a combination or “all in one” facing.

 The Burdastyle instructions for this top include sewing an invisible zipper in the center back seam,  in one of the earlier construction steps.  Not having an open front or back seam  requires that the “all in one” facing be completed by sewing the shoulders seams.  This is a fiddly method and there are easier ones you can use if the center back seam is sewn together last. I always need a refresher on dealing with an All in One facing. Here are the YouTube videos that I used this time.

How to sew an all in one armhole and neckline facing  shows how to finish at shoulder seam.

Install an All in One Facing - Threads Magazine   the two easier methods that can be used if there is an open center back or front seam.

I  used the easier method because I did not put in a back zipper. I did not have the correct color or length in my stash and felt it might be a bit heavy for the fabric.  After finishing the facing, I sewed up the center back seam with a small slit at the neckline. And a loop and button so I could pull the top over my head.

Side View - really low armhole, will be adding insert

BurdaStyle 5 2020 120

Top # 2 is style 115 from the same issue. It is sleeveless with a partially gathered  front neckline. The back has a cut on extension that forms the sleeves, attaching with a raglan type seam to the front.  I used a remnant of silk print left over from this project. strong-shoulders 2009   I did make a quick muslin of this pattern because I have all kinds of high back and shoulder anomalies and was not sure what alterations would be needed.  Turned out my normal addition of  5/8" to high back length worked  fine.

This top has a slightly dressy vibe because  of the high neck.  

It is perfect for looking polished in video meetings from the waist up,  worn with comfy  "work at home"  leggings.  And if I ever get to return to the office, it will look nice worn with  more professional looking pants or skirt.

BurdaStyle  5 2020 115

I hope everyone is hanging in there.  I am looking forward to the end of self isolation and getting a haircut. My son made a comment about my hair  looking like  I should be competing in the Westminster Dog show. Woof!

The  #sewyourwardrobebasics  theme for May was Tops.  Check out Stefanie's StyleArc top and other sewists' makes at  Sea of Teal