Burda 6969

I really like this pattern. Burda 6969. It was quick and easy and the fit was good for me. I made a size 10. The only alteration I made was to shorten the shoulder straps to fit me.

Like other reviewers before me I omitted the front slit, not for modesty but because I didn't want to cut up my lady! I picked this fabric up in San Francisco 2 years ago, at Britex Fabrics , and payed a kings ransom for it.

I also agree that it is very low cut but I'm okay with that. I think, now that I see a picture of me in it, I may have to shorten it a few inches and taper the lower side seams in. I looked high and low for a style that would allow me to use every thread of this (one panel)fabulous fabric, but the hem line length is not the most flattering on me. This is a short dress (for me) - I don't mind showing some cleavage but my thighs- almost never.

I blinged up the straps with some sequined trim from Fabricana Imports. And bound the strapes with a knit which makes it look like piping. The same knit binds the neck and arms (I hand stitched it)

This rayon fabric is light and translucent so I lined it with a (my tone of nude)knit of unknown origin. I love lined dresses!

Would I make this again? .... I think so. When I look at the examples others have made I think some pretty colored ones could happen. I might eventually cut this one tunic length so I could wear it with my jeans!

I could even see this top made up in a lace. Maybe?

I feel like I'm being watched......

Thanks for stopping by.

Maureen.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Vogue 8950 altered

There's been so many great reviews of this pattern- my first first attempt wasn't good! (V8950) It was not exactly a wadder just a fail for me. I used some expensive knit with Lycra.(From Fabricana Imports) No matter what needle or machine I used it seemed impenetrable or chewable. It was weird. On top of it , the fabric was clingy but it had a nice drape and weight. I really wanted it to work!!!! I have 2 meters left ....that's how nice I thought it was!

The pattern however was good except it was very, very long. I shortened the pattern before I cut and kept cutting more after. I think the fabric had a strange curse on it and kept growing! The first round the fabric won.

I won the second round. Yeah me.

I did have to make a few alterations mind you.

This time I used a knit and a linen in a colour block configuration. I've been seeing this everywhere so I thought why not. Again the fabrics are from Fabricana. A cheapish knit with zero recovery and a really nice and pricey Italian linen.

I learned my lesson the first go and found that 20 1/2 inch length for the linen was perfect for me.

 

For more of a swing look I slashed and spread the pattern by 3" so 6" in total to the front and back. The sleeves and yokes were fine the way they were. I also stitched up the side vents.

In all fairness I will make the original version again in a non bewitching fabric because it's a good design. But my altered pattern is my new favorite TNT, perfect for mixing it up with leftover bits!

Thanks for stopping by.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Vogue 9171 a love hate thing.

 

I will begin by saying I really love my top. It's unique and funky. And it's more like a dress on me!

 

I love this fabric. A billowing, graphic print rayon from Fabricana Imports @19.95 a meter- ouch!

 

Cutting this out was a pain. The main pieces were big and had to be cut out of single layer fabric. I'm lazy.I crossed all my T's and dotted all my I's when it came to the clips and markings, making it a breeze to stitch up.

 

I loved that this top has a separate hem facing. I believe the last time I made a faced hem was in the 80's. (May have to dig out that pattern!) I think I'm going to start adding facings to more of my hems. I love the depth of a good hem and the weight. Garments just look more 'high end'.

Model- 6'2".

Me- 5'2".

I also loved the sleeve construction method at the wrist. Ms.Tilton has you do it while it's flat. So gather it ,add pressed bias band then stitch from underarm through band- then you flip and sew in the round. Much easier then doing it all in the round. It's kinda one of those times when you say.' Now why didn't I think of that!'

 

What I hate about this pattern is the straight line right up the front. Don't get me wrong - from a construction point of view it makes the sewing easy , But - it plays havoc with any larger print fabric you might like to use by slicing it in half. All the lines on this top have beautiful curves or work with your curves except this one. I think my fabric print almost works with that front seam however had I paid more attention I would have laid it out better. If I had more drafting skills I would re work it front to back ,if that make sense.

See when you look at the back it has the lovely inset in the middle, I just wish that was the front. Then I would have more fabric choices. I think I may have thought the back was the front when I purchased the pattern. Usually the line drawings are my first consideration and I completely missed this one.

With all this said I still love this 'dress'. I have some small prints picked out for a couple more and I'm looking forward to making them.

Thanks for stopping by.

Maureen.

 

Posted with Blogsy