Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Burda 7876 Young Fashion Teen View B - Vest

Hot off the needle!
What a surprise this pattern was -- the details, the fit, the style.
When L selected View B, from the front photo we thought it was just a couple of pieces and bought some skull print fabric (?!) to use for the project. I quickly learned I would be decapitating already decapitated skulls even further and decided to go with a solid instead. Found in my stash was a black snakeskin embossed print from the Wally-World $1 table, back in the day when they still would get treasure pieces thrown down amongst the dreck. It leant itself perfectly to the seaming and pieces. The 5/8" fleur de lis buttons are JHB #1364; the purple buttons rescued from an old jacket, bringing in the purple lining. The pattern calls for 1 1/2" wide elastic to gather the back of the straps. You can find and buy it off the roll at Jo-Ann's...since you just need 8"; save a little money!

Not only is the corset vest lined, it is also interfaced. I used HTC's Form Flex 100% cotton fusible woven. It added just enough weight and body, and the woven aspect kept it from creasing over the curving.

While the pattern is rated "Easy," there are a lot of steps involved - lining, interfacing, topstitching - and the written directions are good, but do not have a drawing of the back strap/back button attachment. Also it is easy to get confused when sewing the seams, as the shaping fools your eye into which way is up or down. I did a little thread basting along the top to help keep me from becoming confused...especially if you walk away from the sewing room and then return later.














The finished length is 7 1/2" and unless you are very shortwaisted, it will flatter most. Next time I will make the straps about 1" longer. My daughter is over 6 feet tall and I was able to "fudge" the front strap buttons with only 1 button instead of 2 sewn on the actual vest. I would still like to make it again in another fabric - perhaps denim and pipe the seams. I'll need to be careful in the color selections so it doesn't look too country bumpkin-ish or ready to rodeo!
Burda 7876 is a good mileage, stylish pattern to keep on hand with lots of options appealing to teens. She's already mentioned she would also like to have the View A vest--maybe with that skull fabric!

(Yes, those are the Burda 7991 pants!)

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