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Fun! – The Header Dress – Pattern Review: BurdaStyle 01-2010-130

January 9, 2012 in burda, fabric, fun!, pattern review, retro style, sewing

Thanks for all the great feedback on my new layout, I have made the post text font bolder, and hopefully that´s made it easier for you to read.

Today I present to you the first installment in my new segment Fun!. If you are interested in joining in on the fun, you are more than welcome, just grab the code below, paste it in one of your sidebars,  leave a comment about it here, and off you go. I´d love it if you´d tell me if you are joining me, the more the merrier!

<a href=”http://solvi.se/delfinelise/2012/01/fun/”><img src=”http://solvi.se/delfinelise/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/fun_button.jpg” alt=”" /></a>

This dress was made on a whim last autumn, but I haven´t actually begun to wear it much until now.

The header dress

The inspiration for this dress is a combination of two things. I really wanted to make a navy dress with lace inspired by this incredible dress that Zoe made, and I thrifted the lace for this dress (it´s really a table cloth) ages ago. My second reason for making this was a longing for clothing with no waist definition. Now, don´t get me wrong, I love high- waistedness, thoroughly documented here, here, here and here, but after a summer of wearing mostly waist-clinching garments, I longed for something that was a bit more relaxed.

Personally, I believe that the main reason for the fashion change from the fifties to the sixties, was women who wanted more breathing space! :-)

Well, here you have it, my review of this pattern, it is yet another BurdaStyle pattern, the only obvious change I made was to skip the sleeves.

BurdaStyle Magazine 01-2010-130 Shift Dress

Pattern size: European 36-44

Avaliability: BurdaStyle Magazine and BurdaStyle.com

Pattern Description: Cap Sleeve Shift Dress

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Apart from the fact that I omitted the sleeves, yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow? I didn´t follow the instructions much (although I probably should have), but what I used was quite clear.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I really like the simplicity of the pattern. A really classic style, that can be used for lots of different styles.

Fabric Used: I used a heavy cotton sateen with quite an amount of stretch, not entirely suitable for this style. I wouldn´t recommend this fabric for this type of dress – try either something really stiff and heavy for a boxy effect, or something with a better drape for a softer shape.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I omitted the sleeves, as I didn´t want it for my version, I made an FBA on the bust darts, and because my fabric is stretchy, I omitted the back zipper.

The header dress

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I might make it again, perhaps with the sleeves, and I would recommend it to others.

Conclusion: A really simplistic design, and a nice shape for a shift dress. A good pattern!


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FESA: The corduroy pants

November 11, 2011 in challenge 2011, color, fall essentials sew along, pantalon, pattern review, patterns, sewing, stash bustin´, Thrifts

Edit: I had no idea, but a post over at the Coletterie stated that it is Corduroy Appreciation Day today! Fitting, no?

So, I finally finished my corduroy pants! I´ve been wanting to make a rust colored pair since seeing Carolyn´s version. I have already told you about the beginnings of these pants, so here comes the finished product.

FESA: The corduroy trousers

 

I used BurdaStyle Magazine 10-2010-110, omitting any back pockets and leather details. Just as for the shorts I made using this pattern, I got good help on zipper insertion from sewing goddess Sandra Betzina in this video over at Threads.

I am pleased with the final product, and they came out the way I wanted them to be, but I am reminded, while wearing them, that I am more comfortable with a side zipper. I just feel more at ease having the zipper out of the way! So I´ve actually started on another pair of corduroy´s – with a side zip…

On the pictures I wear them with a knit top I made from a scrap of the same fabric I used for the knit dress.

 BurdaStyle Magazine 10-2010-110 

Pattern size: 34-42

Avaliability: BurdaStyle Magazine

Pattern type: Pants

Rating: Highly recommend

Pattern Description: Flat fronted, mid-rise trousers with faced waist, fly front, slanted hip pockets, back single welt pockets, underlap with button for internal closure, outer tap with button for another waist closure.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? If I ignore the fact that I did some changes, yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow? I didn´t really follow the instructions, as I wasn´t going to have all the details that is included in this pattern. But the instructions seems to be quite thorough, when I look at them in magazine!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the leg finish, and the side pockets. I also love the rise. On second thought I am not too fond of the front fly zipper, but that is only my personal taste, and has nothing to do with the quality of the pattern!

FESA: The corduroy trousers
Fabric Used: I used a thrifted corduroy fabric.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I used a different zipper insertion method, I omitted the outer tap with button in the waist, and I omitted the leather placket on the legs, and I also didn´t include the back pockets, all of which makes my version of this pattern much easier than the original.

FESA: The corduroy trousers

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? As I have already made the shorts from this pattern, I think I might not use this again, but you never know? I will recommend it to others who want a pair of pants in this style!

Conclusion: A well constructed pattern with lots of options for unique details!

FESA: The corduroy trousers

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FESA update: The jersey dress

November 4, 2011 in challenge 2011, dress, fall essentials sew along, pattern review, patterns, sewing

Burda 05-2010-103

I am almost finished with my corduroy pants, but I have a little left on them. I did however make this jersey dress last week. I had it cut out a while back, and when I finally started to sew, it was quite easy to make. The pattern, BurdaStyle 05-2010-103, is originally for woven fabric, but it worked fine with the rayon jersey I had got on sale earlier this year. I allowed myself to get some knits when they were on sale, because I didn´t have any in my stash, and I knew I wanted to make some knit tops and dresses. They are so comfy during the autumn and winter months!

Inspired by the magnificent Carolyn, I made a little collage trying out different ways I could wear this dress. It´s so easy to get stuck wearing it just in one way!

One dress, five outfits

 

Alright, so here is the pattern review:

BurdaStyle 05-2010-103

Pattern size: 38-46

Avaliability: BurdaStyle Magazine and burdastyle.com

Pattern type: Dress with shirring.

Rating: Easy, and great for beginners.

Pattern Description: Knee-length dress with shirring in the front.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Were the instructions easy to follow? I didn´t use the instructions much, as I had read on PR that they were a bit confusing.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love how easy this dress is to wear!

Fabric Used: I used a rayon knit bought at Ohlssons Tyger in Sweden.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I omitted the sleeves, and made a narrow zig-zag hem instead. I didn´t include the ties in the back either. And the dress is supposed to be lined, I omitted that too. I finished the neckline using this excellent tutorial. Because of the stretchy material I used, I had to take the dress in considerably in the side seams, but that was easy to do, and didn´t affect the overall design, IMO.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I might make this again, as I have mentioned before, this is just one of those dresses that is so easy to wear, and I love other people´s versions in chiffon as well. I´ll absolutely recommend this!

Conclusion: An easy to make, easy to wear dress, I can see this becoming a wardrobe staple in the coming months!

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The anniversary outfit: Pattern Review for Simplicity 1782 and Burda 02-2011-107

November 2, 2011 in embrodery, pattern review, patterns, retro, Sew Retro, sewing, Sewing Through The Decades, stash bustin´, vintage

Eight years ago, my darling and I met at a Halloween party. I can´t believe how time flies! So, to celebrate, we went out on a dinner date on Monday (yummy Italian food), and I got a chance to wear two of my newest creations, a 40´s top I´ve been dying to make since I got the pattern, and a pencil skirt in my new favorite color!

I got the pattern for this top at midvalecottage, and I was initially drawn towards view no. 2 with the balloon style sleeves, but I chose to make view no. 3 first, mostly because that was what I had enough fabric for! I used a gorgeous drapey black fabric and black and silver beads for the embellishment. You can´t see the embellishment as well as I´d wish, but I made a little flower using small Czech beads. So fun to do!

40´s blouse and velvet pencil skirt

Pattern review for Simplicity 1792 (1940´s pattern) Misses blouse

Pattern size: Size 14 (bust 32)

Avaliability: Vintage Simplicity pattern

Pattern type: Misses blouse

Rating: Highly recommend

Pattern Description: The blouse has shirring at sides, dart-fitted back bodice, snug dart-fitted peplum or peplum with bias flare, side zipper closing, and your choice of collarless V-neckline or collarless jewel neckline with diamond keyhole and string tie closing. Add tapered cap sleeves, below-elbow balloon sleeves dart-fitted to bias-bound edges, or tapered long sleeves with snapped vents at wrists. Your choice to accent blouse with embroidery and sequins.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? I was very satisfied with the finished look in comparison to the pattern drawing!

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were quite easy to follow with illustrations and written descriptions that was easily understandable.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? There are so many details on this pattern I love! The idea for embellishments, the peplum, the side shirring and the sleeve options were all details I love! The pattern came with instructions (that I followed) about how to make a closing with snaps and hook & eye. Because my fabric is black it doesn´t show much, but I think an invisible zip will add less bulk in the side seam for the next version of this.

Fabric Used: I used a drapey cotton, perhaps cotton/rayon blend, fabric bought at Les Coupons de St. Pierre in Paris. I think this blouse would look equally good in other types of fabric as well, taffeta or silk dupioni would be fantastic!

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I didn´t make any alterations.

Bead embellishment
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I would love to make another version of this, perhaps try view no.2 with the balloon sleeves in a emerald green dupioni I´ve got lying around!

Conclusion: A gorgeous vintage pattern that really pays attention to detail without being overly complicated. I love it!

40´s blouse and velvet pencil skirt

Pattern review for BurdaStyle Magazine 02-2011-107

I´ve been wanting to try this pattern for a while, so when I found this fabric I knew exactly what I could use it for!

Pattern size: 34-42

Avaliability: BurdaStyle Magazine 02-2011 and burdastyle.com

Pattern type: skirt

Rating: Highly recommend – and great for beginners!

Pattern Description: high waisted pencil skirt with gores in the back.


Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Absolutely.

Were the instructions easy to follow? I didn´t follow the instructions as this is a fairly uncomplicated type of skirt.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the gores in the back, it makes it very adjustable, and I also like that it is high waisted.

Sorbetto and pencil skirt

 The skirt teamed with my newest version of Sorbetto. 

Fabric Used: I used an upholstery cotton velvet fabric that I couldn´t resist when I visited IKEA (stash busted!).

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? This will be my go-to pattern for high waisted pencil skirts, no doubt about it, and I can absolutely recommend it to others!

Conclusion: Classic pencil skirt with some cute details, it took me two hours and forty minutes to make this (hemming by hand included), a definite winner!

Including the Sorbetto pictured above, I´ve got three new garment to incorporate into my wardrobe as we are heading towards the festive season. I might be wrong, but I think that the black top is the first garment I´ve made using a 1940´s pattern, and so it fits into Sewing through the decades! And yes, I´ve got a new haircut…

Enjoy your week!


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Pattern Review: BurdaStyle Magazine 03-2010-101A aka The Summer Coat.

October 27, 2011 in pattern review, patterns, prints, retro, retro style, sewing, Uncategorized


The summer coat

Back in May, after getting the flu from biking on a chilly night, I decided I needed a summer coat. Unfortunately, I lost my sewing mojo over the summer, and so this coat wasn´t finished until last week. The idea of this coat is to have something to throw over thin summer dresses in those cold summer nights we have up here in May and June. After taking these photos, I discovered that the coat is wearable in October as well, although teamed with some layers underneath, hat, scarf and mittens! :-)

My initial idea was to make it out of linen, or something neutral colored, but when I stumbled upon this fabric when I visited a friend in Paris in June, I was sold. The fabric, together with the style of coat is a wee bit over the top, and must be carefully teamed with other garments to not look crazy. We discussed this during SSS, you know, where do the line go between “retro vibe”, and “costumey”? I guess it´s all about accessorizing, and how a garment is worn, as well as that my own personal style limits are pushed further and further the older I get.:-) How do you resonate about incorporating vintage looks into everyday outfits?

Pattern size: 36-44

Pattern type: Raglan sleeve lined coat

Rating: Highly recommend

Pattern Description: Raglan sleeves, large Peter Pan collar and 7/8 sleeves. Fully lined and with welt pockets.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it Yup. Pretty much.

Were the instructions easy to follow? As per usual, I had my Vogue Sewing handbook at hand at all times when things got confusing in the pattern instructions, mainly for the welt pockets and the collar attachment.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I really love the simplicity of the pattern and the clean lines. I also adore the collar, and the sleeve length. What´s not to like?

The summer coat

 Pocket detail

Fabric Used: I used a cotton jacquard I got at Les Coupons de St. Pierre in Paris. The fabric is navy blue and silver, and is actually equally gorgeous on the wrong side of the fabric. I had some initial thoughts about leaving it sans lining, but then thought I would get more wear from it if I did line it. The lining fabric is a navy rayon lining.

The summer coat

 A close up of the fabric

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I did a FBA on the bust dart. Otherwise, the only design detail I changed was to not roll up the sleeves.

The summer coat

Out for a stroll in the Botanical Gardens.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? If I need this type of coat again, I will definitely pull out this pattern. The jacquard is rather stiff, but I imagine this coat getting a completely different look in a more flowy fabric. I can absolutely recommend this to others!

Conclusion:  A pretty, easy to make coat in an over-the-top fabric for those days when a little dressing up is in order!

The summer coatWow, so that collar really needs a better pressing! :-)

 

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Pattern Review: BurdaStyle Magazine 04-06-118

September 7, 2011 in pantalon, pattern review, patterns, sewing, stash bustin´

SSS´11: Day 4

Pattern size:

36-44

Pattern type: 

Women’s cropped pants pattern with side zipper.

Rating:

Recommend, with modifications

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

If you look past the alterations I did, yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

I didn´t really follow the instructions, as these were fairly easy pants to construct.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

What attracted me to this pattern in the first place was the cropped legs, and the fairly high rise of the waist.  What I didn´t love was the hem slits, so I just omitted them.

Fabric Used:

A stretchy  and soft denim fabric.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

As mentioned, I omitted the hem slits on the legs, and I didn´t include the belt that was designed for this pattern, it didn´t really go with the style I was looking for.

Burda 04-06-118 pant

 

Photo from Burda Magazine. 

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I might sew it again, perhaps in black, and this time include the belt. If you are looking for a basic straight legged pair of pants with side zipper closure, this is your pattern!

Conclusion:

A nice and basic pants pattern that is easily adjustable and that´s got a classic look.

 Burda Magazine 04-06-118Side view

 

 

 

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