Cozy Burda Top and Jalie Éléonores

Here's an easy top that I whipped up recently as shown on my daughter, Mehetabel.  This is Burda 6846 which is now out-of-print.  How did I happen upon this pattern?  Well, I've been cataloguing my embarrassingly vast pattern collection!

I made a spreadsheet on Google Docs with categories for brand, pattern number, type, size, and a photo of the pattern.  I made the categories fairly broad on purpose.  It's been a long process, but I'm finally at the end--until I buy more patterns!  That's the blessing/curse of Joann's pattern sales. At least now I have an easy way to peruse the patterns I have on hand.

When I got to my smallish Burda stash, I set this pattern aside because it looked like a perfect winter top.

I had a little difficulty choosing which pattern size to use.  I wanted a slouchy top with plenty of ease, but I didn't want it to be so large it looked like a hand-me-down.  I measured and compared the pattern pieces, and I think it turned out fine.  It will also work well when I make it up in bulkier sweater knits.

The only changes I made were to lengthen the sleeves and hem by about an inch.

I also changed the order of sewing because I like to sew sleeves in flat.  Why not?!

The fabric I used is--I think--a double brushed poly.  I don't know the content because it wasn't labeled and I'm too lazy to do a burn test.  But it did well when I washed it and that's what matters to me.  I purchased this fabric at the oddly named Out of My MinDesigns in Carson City, Nevada, for $6.95/yard.  It was my first time visiting the store (I'm still new to Nevada); they seem to have mostly quilting stuff, but I found a small area with apparel fabrics.

I dithered (it's what I do--everyone needs a special talent) over which fabric to use for the initial version of this pattern.  I finally chose this DBP because it wouldn't be the end of the world if the top didn't turn out.

Construction was very easy, and this project came together quickly.  I used my sewing machine with a stretch stitch, trimmed all seam allowances with the serger, and hemmed the sleeves and top with the cover stitch.  

Mehetabel is wearing the top with a pair of Jalie Éléonore jeans made out of navy heavy weight stretch twill purchased from Michael Levine.  This fabric is great!  I've used several different colorways of it for Éléonores.  It has heft and a good amount of stretch.  I still have some in my stash, but I wish I'd bought more as they only have a couple colors left.  I've linked it here.

These navy Éléonores have been real workhorses in Mehetabel's wardrobe.  They fit her very well, they're a bit dressier than denim jeans, and the color works with so many of her tops.  Here, she's paired them with her navy suede booties which I think creates a long, elegant line.  I've blogged about the Jalie Éléonores here.  Just like the others I've made, I used my cover stitch machine to do all the topstitching on the pants.

I'm putting this top in the win column along with the Éléonores.  I'm not sure what I'll make next. Possibly the ubiquitous Blackwood cardigan or maybe another one of these Burda tops.  I also want to work on some slacks for Mehetabel and a jacket.  We'll see!

In the meantime, thank you for reading my blog, and I hope you enjoy the holiday season!