Finished: BSM 04-11-138A and BSM 09-10-135

Top: Burda Style Magazine 04-2011-138A

I  hate sewing knits prefer sewing wovens.  Lately, I've been more selective when choosing knits and I've been more successful.  I purchased this knit from Gorgeous Fabrics and sewing it really wasn't that difficult.  The only difficulty was choosing the correct needle.  A jersey needle worked better than a stretch needle on this fabric.  Usually, it's been the other way around.  I don't know why it made a difference, but it did.

Pattern Description:  
This top is actually an amalgam of two tops.  The body is BSM 04-2011-138A and the neckline is Pamela's Patterns #104.  The original Burda neckline showed too much skin.

Pattern Sizing:
The BSM body comes in Plus sizes  44 - 52.  Pamela's Pattern is XS - XL

Were the instructions easy to follow? 
Since I used two patterns, I used two sets of instructions. Both were very easy to follow.  The original BSM top called for a turned under seam allowance at the neckline. I preferred a bound neckline, so I used the instructions from Pamela's Pattern.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
The fabric was slightly busy, so I wanted a simple design. This long sleeved t-shirt had no design details to conflict with or get lost in the fabric.

Fabric Used:
I hastily selected this fabric from Gorgeous Fabrics.  All I wanted was a black and white knit.  It was easy to sew and I'm slowly changing my mind about knits.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I tried making the changes to the neckline without using another pattern but I lost my nerve at the last minute.  Good thing.  When I compared my neckline adjustment with Pamela's Pattern neckline they were vastly different.   My neckline would have looked really strange and I probably wouldn't have worn the top.

Conclusion: 

There will be other times when I want a no-frills long sleeved knit top.  I'm certain to sew this again.

Pants: Burda Style Magazine 09-2010-135

How many pairs of black pants does one woman need?  According to my closet, several.   I've made yet another pair.

Pattern Description: 

These are typical fly front pants.

Pattern Sizing:
This is a Burda plus size pattern, European 44 - 52

Were the instructions easy to follow?


What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
These pants have a partial lining on the front. I didn't know that when I decided on these pants, but I like the idea of a partial lining. The front lining was basted to the pants front and the two pieces were treated as one (technically, an interlining).  Even the fly guard was lined.  It makes a very neat appearance on the inside of the pants.

Fabric Used:
I bought this wool blend last year on a field trip to FabricMart.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I did not make any alterations to these pants, but when I make them again, I will add maybe an inch to the waist.

Conclusion: 
My next pair of pants is likely to be this pattern.