Burda 2/11 #106

First One

I've finished the Burda t-shirt and am fairly pleased with it, but not totally in love with it.  There are a few reasons why.  One, I'd like it to be about 1" longer.  I shortened the waist by 1", to put the waist where it belonged on my body, but did not add 1" back to the hem.  With lower rise jeans, the t-shirt is a just on the verge of being too short.  Two, for some reason the sleeves ended up being exactly right.  The length isn't a huge problem, but over time I find that sleeves shrink a little bit; starting out a bit long seems to help that.  I took 1" out of sleeve length, which is standard for me with Burda.  Not sure what happened there! 

The construction was easy, but I did change the neck finish.  Instead of the Burda directions which have you make a bound neckline, I cut a strip, folded it in half, stitched it to the neckline right sides together and then pressed it outward.  This is just like some of the neck finishes that Jalie uses and like the one on the refashioned t-shirt I made earlier this month. 

The fit overall is good - it has a nice fit through the body and sleeves.  I did double check the pattern against the Burda turtle pattern and this one is a closer fit just through the body, but almost exactly the same through the sleeves.

I've got another t-shirt already started, I just need to finish the neckline and hems.  I've been a bit more careful in construction and double checking lengths when cutting.  It is red, too, so I think if this second one is a better fit overall for me, then I'll just happily donate the first one.  I'll finish this one tomorrow and let you know how it looks on Monday!

Parting Shot:  Second Place.  Spring's First Blush won a second place at the Road to California Quilt Show a couple of weeks ago.  I just got the garment and ribbon back today.  The picture of it on display is courtesy of Elisabeth Eastmond, who was able to attend the show.  Not sure why they chose to display the top without tying the waist ties, though!