BurdaStyle 01/2014 #109 Peplum Skirt Top

Well, I've decided this is just one of those garments that doesn't photograph well - it's so much nicer than it looks in any of my pics. And I took a bunch!

This caught my eye on Kollabora, a pretty version posted by Tea. I love her creations - and she is very good about tips and comments on changes she makes. I also like her version much more than my own, I think because her fabric has a softer hand.

Cute pattern, with tricky sizing: it's sized in misses petites. I sewed petite size 21, which is more or less a regular size 16. And added 4.5" to the bodice and 4" to the skirt.

 Now that it's done and beyond unpicking...I should have sewn one size smaller. Sigh.

The extra length ensures that I can wear the top comfortably over jeans and leggings :-) Here I'm wearing Hudson Pants, my loose leg version, in ITY jersey.

The original pattern has a high rounded neck, a little too high for me given my not-so-young neck. So I lowered it a bit. A plus - I don't need the back opening/button, it slips over my head with no problem. 

I also used bias binding on the neckline, rather than do the 'fold in the seam allowance twice and topstitch' thing. IMHO that simply doesn't work well with a woven fabric. Or look very finished. 

Picky picky :-)

My fabric is cotton chambray from Fabric Mart, and it's absolutely the nicest chambray I've ever had. I loved being able to flat-fell the shoulders and armhole seams, as well as the top seam of the two-piece sleeve. So pretty.

The skirt/bodice seam is finished with serging - not a ravel in sight!

Having a two-piece sleeve on this pattern is really thoughtful. They are so comfortable, not at all constricting.

Ah - the camera caught me with my eyes closed - I miscounted the 10-sec timer and oops...

I'll definitely make another version, a size smaller, in a softer fabric, maybe challis or even a jersey.

Ciao! Coco