Do you remember this monstrosity?
This was BurdaStyle 123 – 11 /2014 before I set to work on it.
That’s better!
To be honest, though, this sweater has been a disaster from start to finish.
First up, I bought the PDF version of this pattern and it was simply awful to tape together. It had been printed in a batch of other patterns that all seem to be ok, so I’m laying the blame for that firmly at Burda’s door. It was all over the place and nigh on impossible to get two pages to line up properly.
Having compared my measurement to Burda’s measurement chart, I did a 4cm FBA. That was fine. But I ended up having to fiddle with the bust darts to make them point remotely in the right direction. They’re still a bit hinky. And I chopped inches off both the sleeves and the hem. They were crazy long!
Most importantly I hand-stitched the scarf to the neckline. It looks so much better this way and resolved the issue I had with the neckline being a bit too wide.
The fabric was bought at the Knitting and Stitching Show last November. When I opened it at home I was really disappointed to find these circular marks all over it. They look like faded grease stains and don’t follow the grain of the fabric. Another disaster! It’s so disappointing because this fabric is so soft and cosy and just the most amazing colour.
In real life they’re less noticeable than in the photos, but it means that this sweater is probably relegated to chill out wear for home.
My adorable photobombers!
I’m confident that I won’t be making this pattern again in a hurry. Not only is it fabric hungry because of the scarf, but the way the front pleats adds bulk where I need it least. I also prefer the scarf as an integral part of the sweater, so all in all this is just too much faff.
However, I’m glad this fabric is out of the stash and in the wardrobe. And whilst the weather is finally warming up here, this will be waiting for me on chilly nights.
You certainly made the best of it – I’d have been tempted to give up at the first hurdle but, you’re right, it’s a fab colour and, to be honest, I get more wear out of some of the stuff I delegate for ‘around the house’ than I do for ‘going out’ clothes. Probably means I should get out more 😉
Thank you! I was awfully tempted just to shove it in the bin, but it’s such a pretty colour. I too need to get out more…to something other than the kids dance lessons!
Lovely colour on you. Glad you stuck it out and made something wearable K xXx
Thank you. I do love this colour! x
It is a beautiful colour, and I really like the shape now. And your children are too adorable!
It took some hacking but I got there in the end. Don’t be fooled…they are wildlings! 😉
Pity about those marks but the colour is perfect on you. I get way more use out all my “house” clothes too but that may be because the closest I get to socialising these days is putting the bins out. 🙂 I am really impressed that you finished this. I would have been tempted to give it a Viking burial. That’s a lovely photo of you with your “photo bombers”. Aren’t they shooting up! Xx
Viking burial…if I’d thought of it…it would probably have happened!
The wee monkeys have put so much height on this year. It’s not funny. They need to slow down on the growing up!
Oh, I would freak out if my fabric had those markings – I get it. But I love how you remolded the original top and the scarf collar is particularly lovely. You can def make it again, once you’ve forgotten this experience :-),and the next version will rock.
I can assure you that my full command of Anglo Saxon was put to good use! 😉
I’ll admit that I haven’t binned the pattern.
Well done! it really does look a thousand times better. Nice save! 🙂
Thank you! Although I suppose it couldn’t have looked much worse 😉
Burda is notoriously famous for misleading images, I feel. Your project reminds me of this http://burdastyle.ru/vikroyki/platya/plate-burda-2009-6-107/ a failed project I made pre-blogging…at least you got to save yours. Looks so much better when shortened. that’s a lovely picture with your kids
They do go for style over the ability to actually see the bones of the garment.
It’s a wearable save and I’m pleased about that.
I like this style a lot, even though it was a faff. I think the deep V neck and pretty scarf are actually very flattering, framing your face and making the most of your bustline.
I would have been so angry about the fabric. Did you try to locate the vendor? When I have complained about faulty fabrics I have always found they have been more than happy to reimburse.