Just about two years ago (is that right?), when I first started getting serious about sewing, I decided to try stitching up a cute Burda World of Fashion design, rated only two dots on the difficulty scale, meaning that it was supposed to be a little more challenging than dead easy, but certainly nothing to work up a sweat over.

BWOF 02-2009-118

I started the project with a whole lot of enthusiasm, which quickly devolved into frustration and then defeatism. I could not wrap my head around the bubble sleeve construction. I read tutorials, like Dawn’s^[1]. I ripped and resewed seams. Finally, I threw in the towel and ended up using that fabric as a dust rag.

The experience almost made me quit sewing forever. Except, you know, I was hopelessly addicted and was determined to persevere despite a period of feeling stupid and incapable.

Fast forward to 2011. Lori sewed a great-looking version of 02-2009-118. Not too much later, Celie refashioned a political t-shirt into another 02-2009-118. I envied their sewing prowess. And could not stop thinking about the top. The experience was not unlike the irritating thoughts that arise every now and then about an old boyfriend who ran me through an emotional wringer so many years ago. Once the idea percolates to the top of your conscious mind, it’s hard to shove it back into the peaceful, murky depths where it should be.

On a whim, I traced the pattern and cut it out of a piece of soft jersey I was using as dust bunny bait. It’s only coincidence that the fabric looks so much like the one in the magazine.

I don’t know what has changed since 2009, but this top went together fairly easily. I’m really, really excited that I was able to beat one of my old demons into the ground.

BWOF 02-2009-118 on Headless Hannah

Sleeve Detail.

Coverstitched Neckline.

Just as soon as I find a chihuaha, I’ll take a photograph of me wearing this top.

1. ^[1] Dawn’s photos are now missing. I relied on Kay’s tutorial this time around. ↩