Burda World of Fashion Magazine: 07-2008-107 (Yoked Tunic Dress) - Type:Dresses  | | Viewed 402 times
| 4 more reviews | Review rated Very Helpful by 12 people | | Reviewed by: | nicegirl | 
 | About nicegirl   | | DC USA | | Member since: 5/10/06 | | Reviews written: 145 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | Favored by: 153 people | | patterns reviewed: 145 | | Bio: more... | | | Posted on: | 5/27/09 2:37 PM | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Photo: | More Info provided by nicegirl | | Pattern Rating: | Highly Recommend | | NEW! See reviews of patterns from this issue | | | | Fabric: | Cotton Batiste [See other projects in this fabric] | | Related Links | Click on to add a link |
| Pattern Description:
Misses tunic style dress has shaped yoke, cut on sleeve, front inverted pleat, and side seam pockets.
Pattern Sizing:
38-46. Part of the reason I had initially passed this over was I don't relish having to grade down two sizes. I don't have a strong 3D/spatial/mechanical mind and it was a bit harder to get my distances right grading down to a 34 at the top. I traced a 38 at the hip, but ended up adding an inch to each side seam in cutting to make sure there was no chance of pulling across the rear.
Fabric Used:
The yoke fashion fabric is a textured denim weight cotton woven with stretch and the dress fashion fabric is a very lightweight (but not quite batiste) 100% cotton print, both from G Street Fabrics; the blue was a remnant for $3 and the white from the $2.97/yd table.
The yoke was lined with stretch cotton twill from Fashion Fabrics Club for $5.25/yd, and the dress was underlined in cotton batiste from Chic Fabrics in NYC for $5/yd.
Time to Make:
I eliminated the zipper but added a full lining and included the side seam pockets. It's a simple style but with these details took about 4.5 hours.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I wasn't really drawn to this pattern until I saw Christina's dress version for the One Pattern, Many Looks contest. I really loved her hem trim and decided to, um, shamelessly rip her idea off. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right?
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, other than my trims.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
I meant to look at the directions to evaluate them, but forgot. I made a few changes so I'm not sure they would have been helpful to me.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
-Based on observations by sewists who preceded me in this pattern, I omitted the back zip.
-However, I kept the center back seam on the yoke so that I could attach the lining to the fashion fabric at the neck and armscye edges by machine with no hand sewing, as I did for the Tracy Reese Dress and, with illustrative photos, Vogue 8386.
Sew the shoulder seams of the fashion and lining fabrics, leaving the side seams and center back seam unsewn. Place right sides together and stitch the neck and armscyes seams. Turn right side out, and then sew the side and back seams of fashion and lining each all at once, stopping at the seam line for the dress part. Works a charm, easy, and creates a really nice finish.
Once the yoke was completed and turned, I sewed the front and back of the dress to the yoke and lining. This is why it's important to stop your side and back seams on the finished yoke at the seam line. I eliminated the back seam on the dress, so I couldn't sew the dress to the yoke before turning. Then sew the side seams of your dress and lining. As you can see, this creates a nice clean finish on the inside.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
This is not something I intend to sew again soon. I love the fashion forward look of this, but it's a bit of a departure for my closet. I probably will not wear it without a belt, which sort of defeats the purpose of the style. But it's definitely cute and I recommend it if it's your style.
Conclusion
I feel very cool in this dress, both figuratively and literally. It's an edgy, popular shape (if those two terms do not create an oxymoron together) and the cotton fabric is very breezy and comfortable. I am looking forward to wearing it this summer!
All photos are here and the blog post is here. | *LOGIN to add a comment to this review *Only registered members can post comments to the reviews. Membership is free. if you are not a member, please Sign-up now! |
|
Pattern with more than 5 reviews! << Previous Review Next Review >> | Reader Comments | | Lauri Jean | 5/27/09 | I don't think there's anything you don't look cute in. Very nice!!! | | * * * | | michellep74 | 5/27/09 | Really cute dress! I also love your sandals! | | * * * | | VtMartha | 5/27/09 | Another winner for you! | | * * * | | sewtime | 5/27/09 | Love the dress and you look fantastic in it! | | * * * | | Joan1954 | 5/27/09 | I like your version way better than Burda's! The belt is a great touch. :) | | * * * | | cindy-lou | 5/27/09 | I'm in LURVE with your trim. Great sumer dress! | | * * * | | marec | 5/27/09 | That is a sweet dress, and I think while it is a departure from your closet, it suits you. | | * * * | | MLoyet | 5/27/09 | FABulous dress! I love the combinations of fabrics, and the trim is so pretty! | | * * * | | Pamaro | 5/27/09 | I really like the additon of the belt and the lace trim. It's all in the details! Very pretty summer-friendly interpretation. | | * * * | | Mufffet | 5/27/09 | Well done! That look is great in contrast. Your belt is very much the accessory that makes the look! Another hit! | | * * * | | Heatherrique | 5/27/09 | Ay ay ay! Tu vestida es muy bonita! | | * * * | | Anniinbc | 5/27/09 | I love it! It's so cute. | | * * * | | FreyaStark | 5/28/09 | A pretty and distinctive dress. | | * * * | | Sic | 5/28/09 | Very cute version of this dress! | | * * * | | Kellie R. | 5/28/09 | Very cute! You look great! | | * * * | | Grammy Gin | 5/28/09 | Really Cute! | | * * * | | Lisa Laree | 5/29/09 | Love your rendition of this!!! | | * * * | | kim*brown | 5/30/09 | Very retro! | | * * * | | amytb | 5/31/09 | Shut the front door! I love , love, love this! I thought Christina's version was inspiring as well. I love your fabric mix and trim! Truely anthropologie aka looking expensive! | | * * * | | Hilary | 6/9/09 | Very cute!! I really like it with the belt, its much better looking imho. I really like it with the contrasting yoke and lace trims. | | * * * | |
|