The Black Cowl

I have completed my first Burda pattern that is reasonably wearable! I do a lot of looking at Burda, but not much sewing. I'm on my 2nd year subscription.

Burda Plus Autumn/Winter 2009/10 - 403

Linda's version:

I bought the black rayon knit from JoAnns. View the skirt's review here. It's a little wrinkly from work all day.

I skimmed the directions which were minimal at best. Thankfully it was a pretty simple pattern.

Changes to instructions:

1. I used clear elastic to stabilize the shoulders.
2. I serged the neck edge.
3. I serged everything except sewing down the back neck fold and twin needle hems.
4. The pattern called for setting in the sleeves which in my opinion is not necessary for knits. I sewed sleeve and side seam allowance in one pass.
5. I cut off 5 inches off the bottom! (I think the top would look like pjs on most women at this length!)
6. I cut 3 inches off sleeve hems.
7. I took in the waist.
   

One complaint about the pattern is the front is a good 2 inches longer than the back. I think this is a plus size feature to accommodate ladies with large tummies. Most of my weight is in my arms, legs and behind, so I don't need this.