Burda Magazine 6/2010 #110 caftan top

I make alot of dresses because they are cute, and realized...that I don't have anywhere to wear them!
I realized that I should make more tops that I can wear for everyday.

I wanted to start using the fabrics I got from fellow sewing.patternreview member.
I like a flowy top, especially flowy sleeves.
After looking at few options I decided to give Burda magazines 6/2010/#110 a try.
This is the caftan that's shown on the cover of this issue.
Just by looking at it I never thought I'd make it...
But when I saw the line drawing, it's a pretty interesting design, and thought I can make it into a top without too much sleeve volume.

Here's the result.
I'm not sure if I like it so much now.
It's wearable but it's just kinda weird??

I wrote a long review on patternreview so I'll just post it here.

Pattern Description:

Pattern Sizing: I made size 76 overall. I should've graded it to about 80 around the waist as I always do, but I thought it was a caftan pattern and probably has enough ease... Not really. The flowy sleeves makes it look like a loose top, but the bodice is pretty fitted. Although I can still wear it my waist feels a little snug.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Somewhat. I made alot of modifications

Were the instructions easy to follow? As usual I just glanced at the instructions. Burda instructions normally just confuses me.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like how this pattern actually has a bodice with sleeves attached separately. I've made a batwing shirt and didn't like how the sides are open and you can see through the camisole underneath. Although I still need to wear a cami under this because the fabric is see through, I like how you cannot see it from the side. I didn't like how the bottom edges of the sleeves are open. I stitched together the front and back edge about 3 inches so it doen't just flap open everywhere.

Fabric Used: I think it's a polyester chiffon, got it from a fellow patternreview member.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
-first of all I had to shorten the bodice since this was made for tall sizes. The bust darts were about an inch below my bust, so I shortened above it, and made an armholes wider.
-As I mentioned, I just glanced at the instructions, so I didn't even realize that the back pieces were actually cut two pieces and required an invisible zipper.
I already cut it as one piece, folded at the centerline. Luckily because of the deep v-neck my head went through.
I wouldn't try to install a zipper on a chiffon!
-Then I narrowed and shortened the sleeves. Although it was a caftan pattern I wanted a top.
-I also shortened the hip band. If I made it according to the pattern it would've been below my butt, and I just wanted it to be a hip length.
-Lastly I finished all the seams with french seam. It takes longer but much neater with sheer fabric.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Since it's a pretty unique design I probably won't sew this again. I do recommend it to others if you want to try a unique outfit but it might be better to keep the length a little longer. I think mine looks too square.

Conclusion: This is actually the caftan on the cover of this issue. I liked the design of it but didn't want the caftan... So I made few modifications to make a top I can wear for everyday. I 'm not so sure if I like it...  it's just seems a little weird?