Doctor T Designs

In my original plan, my “accessory” pieces were going to be a blazer remake from the July 2011 Burda and a Little French Jacket from the February 2013 Burda.  I have made the executive decision that I won’t have time to make two tailored pieces (since I was going to have to re-trace and re-fit the blazer in addition to starting the jacket from scratch), so I opted for the jacket and to trade out the blazer for the recent sweatshirt from the January BurdaStyle:

As you can see, I didn’t stray too far from Burda’s version in my fabric choices:

The sequin spangled sweatshirt!  I’m testing out one of my Sudoku looks here.  I wasn’t too sure originally (it felt like a lot of volume when I had it on), but I think I’m keeping it.  The proportions aren’t terrible, and it makes the rest of my board work much better if i keep these together.

The obligatory dressform shot.  I think it might look a bit linebacker boxy from the back, but I think it will look really good with skinny jeans or my new slim trousers (which is going to be my other look with this sweatshirt).

This is a better representation of the color.  I backed the sequin mesh with the teal ponte leftover from my skirt, so it isn’t completely solid black.

Here is my official Pattern Review:

Pattern Description: Women’s sweatshirt with raglan sleeves.

Pattern Sizing: Burda sizes 36-44.  I made a size 40, but graded out to a 42/44 at the upper arm.

Were the instructions easy to follow? So easy.  I didn’t really need them, but this would be a great first Burda pattern for newer sewists.  The raglan sleeves are super easy to sew, and it would be especially easy if you make it from a slightly stretchy ponte or double knit and don’t use sequins.  You could get a similar look using a printed ponte to get the color blocking contrast.  The rest of the pattern draft is great too, everything lines up beautifully, which would also make it a great first pattern.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the envelope once you were done with it?  Yes, very much so.  I even used black sweatshirting and black sequins.

What did you particularly like or dislike about this pattern?  Likes: It is so easy to make and to put together!  Love the style lines, and I’m glad Burda inspired me to sew a sweatshirt with sequins.  Dislikes: The shape of the sweatshirt is a bit wide and boxy.  I mean, I knew that going in, it is clearly visible in the line drawing and on the model, but I’m not sure it is the most flattering shape.  It also is a bit tight through the shoulder even though it is sort of baggy everywhere else.  I think that might be my fabric though – it is a sweatshirting that has absolutely no stretch, so it kind of sticks to underneath clothing and doesn’t move super well.  I think if I’d used all ponte knit it wouldn’t have this issue.

Fabric used: Black sweatshirt material and black sequin material from Jo-Ann, and leftover teal ponte knit to back the sequins from the stash.  I’ve used the teal ponte in my recent sudoku wardrobe skirt make.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None, except I had to underline my sequin material because it was a mesh.

Would you sew it again?  Would you recommend it to others?  I actually really want to make the sportier version, style #103, which has a front pocket and hood.  I’d use a slightly stretchier and more lightweight fabric for that version though, as I find this version is a bit tight and restrictive due to the thickness of the fabric.  I would recommend this pattern if you like the style lines.  The neckline is pretty wide, and the shape is pretty boxy, but the drafting and instructions are fantastic.

Conclusion: I like it.  Not my favorite piece ever, but I like that I could wear this to a party without feeling like I’m overdressing too much.  I also think it will coordinate with a lot of things in my overall wardrobe, if not necessarily my sudoku wardrobe, so I might find myself wearing it a lot when the weather turns cold again.  It was a quick make, which was perfect to get me from a near-month of pants making to the final push to finish my wardrobe sudoku looks.  In terms of bang for the buck it’s a great piece, so I’m pleased.  Not obsessed, but pleased.