Burda World of Fashion Magazine: 04-2009-102 (Sundress with Front Drape) - Type:Dresses  | | Viewed 390 times
| | Review rated Helpful by 2 people Very Helpful by 5 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: | 7/6/09 9:18 AM | | Last Updated: | 7/6/09 9:20 AM | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Photo: | Pattern Info provided by nicegirl | | Pattern Rating: | Highly Recommend | | NEW! See reviews of patterns from this issue | | | | Fabric: | Polyester Knit [See other projects in this fabric] | | Related Links | Click on  to add a link |
| Pattern Description:
Strappy, flowing dress with notched front neckline and gathered drape.
Pattern Sizing:
36-44. I sized down to a 34 at the bodice, and cut a 38 at the hip (not that it mattered--there is plenty of ease).
Fabric Used:
I used a stretch tiered-look poly lace from the G Street $2.97/yd table for the overlay and an aqua slinky I bought who knows how long ago for the lining, the leftovers from my mom's Knip Mode gather front tee. It was lined with a black stretch from Jomar, around $2/yd.
Total cost: since I have no idea how much I paid for the slinky, it's a guess but I'm sure somewhat accurate to say it cost under $20.
Time to Make:
Since there is little fitting and only a few pattern pieces, this is fairly quick to make in a knit. It took about 4 hours.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like the fitted bodice with sexy plunging neckline, while the rest of the dress is loose fitting and disguises a multitude of cocktails and appetizers. It's the best of both worlds.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Other than the pattern being drafted to floor length, my version looks very similar to the line drawing.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Since I made this in a knit without a zipper, the construction didn't make much sense for my version. So I did not use the instructions.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
-In cutting the slinky underlining for the lower front piece, which has the drape/cascade/whatever you want to call it, I cut the underlining off along neckline to reduce the bulk.
-I used a heavy woven interfacing on the upper front bodice so the square neckline would stay square and stand up. It does those two things; however, it pulls/opens outward a little bit at the upper edges. I experiment with putting boning along the center front edges and it had no effect so I didn't end up adding any.
-In addition to the colored slinky underlining, I lined the bodice to get a clean finish. As you can see, I tacked down the drape/cascade by sewing the lining over it. I should probably trim off the excess but I haven't bothered to do so yet.
-I used elastic for the straps, which was actually kind of dumb. I don't know what I was thinking. It's too stretchy and I think the elastic isn't strong enough to hold up the dress for too many wearings (what with the slinky and all the volume it is quite heavy). I keep meaning to pick up some flat lace to sew on top for some stability. The good thing about elastic is that it doesn't fall off my shoulders.
-Left out the zipper.
-Even though part of the beauty of this dress is that it's shapeless and therefore you can eat as much as you want while wearing it, it was a little too sacky when completed. I added back darts to give it a tad more shape.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
This is perfect for a summer happy hour sundress. I might make this again out of a knit, but I don't see myself ever doing it in a woven. I think it would be much less comfortable to wear, although the bodice would have more structure and perhaps keep its shape better.
Conclusion
I am very happy with this dress! I've worn it several times and feel great in it.
All photos are here and the blog post is here.
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 Pattern with more than 5 reviews!
<< Previous Review Next Review >> | Reader Comments | | redhotpepper | 7/6/09 | The dress is adorable. I really like the aqua underneath! | | * * * | | Mufffet | 7/6/09 | Nice fabric in a chic dress! | | * * * | | michellep74 | 7/6/09 | Cute! I love the effect of the lace overlay. I've been eyeing the lace trend for the past year, but didn't think that many of those garments looked all that "wearable". This dress does. | | * * * | | Karen6790 | 7/6/09 | You could make someone's happy hour very happy in that dress! It looks adorable, and I'm coveting your fabric. | | * * * | | CynthiaSue | 7/6/09 | niiice! | | * * * | | cabinbaby | 7/6/09 | Fun! I love that neckline. | | * * * | | FreyaStark | 7/6/09 | Snazzy but feminine, and very distinctive. | | * * * | | zazzie | 7/6/09 | Very nice - and I love your sandals ! | | * * * | | Kayseri | 7/6/09 | What a fabulous dress and it suits you a treat. | | * * * | | Natasha B | 7/7/09 | Lovely summer party dress - especially lovely in that lace! | | * * * | | kerrynw | 7/7/09 | Cute "Happy Hour" dress! | | * * * | | CrescentaLuna | 7/7/09 | I always enjoy your reviews so much! Thanks for another good one! | | * * * | | Valerie S | 7/7/09 | very pretty. it does seem to combine the comfort of a casual dress with the bareness of a more eveningy look. | | * * * | | Jane S | 7/7/09 | Great fabric combination and your adjustments made it perfect for you. Hope you enjoy wearing this wonderful dress. | | * * * | | Vivienne | 7/7/09 | You need to change the name of your blog to the the Sexpot Sewist! Very cute - I love the black and blue combination. | | * * * | | Grammy Gin | 7/8/09 | You did a very nice job making this look much nicer than the original. You look fabulous in it, too. Love you review, as usual. | | * * * | | kim*brown | 7/8/09 | Very nice. Your pics always make me smile! | | * * * | | callmeRuth | 7/9/09 | This dress looks so nice on you! Good review, too. | | * * * | | Lisa Merry | 7/19/09 | Oooh! Love it!! | | * * * |
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