Pattern Review: BS-07-2009-124A

I think this will be the last top for my summer binge sewing that I have been doing recently.  I had agreed to make my sister a top from the July 2009 Burda, and while I was looking through the issue this top caught my eye:

BS-07-2009-124A

It was a pattern I had ignored initially, but I thought it looked really cute when I was flipping through the magazine.  And I had a very small knit remnant from the Michael Levine Loft that I thought would be perfect for this.  It was a tiny piece of fabric, but I loved the colors and I figured I would find some way to use it.  I had barely enough to make this top, but in the end I am really happy with it.

Another easy summer top.

Back of the top - it is a halter style with a neck tie.

Close up - I kept the front ties from the original pattern.

I changed the back so it wasn't a wrap style.

Here is my official Pattern Review:

Pattern Description:  Tank top with neck tie, and overlapping back with front ties.

Pattern Sizing:  Burda sizes 34-42.  I made a size 40, but I used a size 38 at the neck.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Well, I made some considerable alterations to this pattern, so I really didn't use them.  When I glanced over them they seemed fine though.

Did it look like the photo/drawing when you were done with them?  The front looked like the photo and like drawing, but I changed the back, so that is a bit different.  But the pattern came out great and looks like the pictures.

What did you particularly like/dislike about this pattern?  Likes: The style is cute and surprisingly flattering.  The neck tie makes it easy to adjust so that it fits comfortably.  Dislikes:  I wasn't a fan of how the back was a wrap or how low it went, so I decided to alter the pattern a bit so it was a top with side seams and no wrap.

Fabric used:  Striped ITY knit that I got as a remnant piece from the Michael Levine Loft.  I had less than a yard, so I had barely enough to make this top, but it was another thrifty buy (again, probably less than $1 for the fabric) so I am happy I was able to make something out of it.

Pattern alterations or changes you made:  I made the back a normal back but tracing only half of the back pattern piece then cutting it on a fold.  I caught the front ties in the side seam since they wouldn't be needed to hold the wrap back in place.  I also made the back higher so it was even across the back rather than dipping as low as the line drawing shows.  I added some 1/4" elastic to the top of the back to help it stay in place and not sag down the body.  Otherwise I made the pattern as instructed.

Would you sew this again?  Would you recommend it to others?  I might sew another one of these, since I really like the way it turned out, though I think one halter style top like this is probably good enough for now.  I like the style, and I definitely think the alterations I made make it more wearable as compared to the original version from Burda.  I would recommend this pattern, especially for summer or a trip to the beach, though the style does make it a bit more difficult to wear a bra with it.  Something to consider if you make it, but the pattern itself is great so I highly recommend it.

Conclusion:  Great pattern!  I am really happy with the way this top turned out and I expect it will get a lot of use next summer when it heats up again.  Now I just need to make some shorts to go with it.  Though that might be a project for next year.