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Burda World of Fashion Magazine: 03-2009-102 (knit dress, asymmetrical pleat) thumbsup - Type:Dresses    printable version
Viewed 863 times 4 more reviews
Review rated Helpful by 1 people    Very Helpful by 25 people   
Reviewed by:Deepika
photo
Friend of PR
About Deepikastarstarstarstar
MA USA
Member since: 11/28/01
Reviews written: 222
Sewing skills:Intermediate
Favored by: 202 people
patterns reviewed: 141
Bio: more...
Report a problem with this review
Posted on:7/30/09 3:41 PM
Project Photo:photo
Pattern Photo:

Pattern Info provided by Deepika

Pattern Rating:Highly Recommend
NEW! See reviews of patterns from this issue
  • Tip: Narrow binding on necklines and armholes for knits
  • Tip: Stabilize using fusible tapes
  • Current Tags What is a Tag:
    Fabric:Rayon-Lycra Knit  [See other projects in this fabric]
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    What happens months after you've sold that Burda Magazine which you thought you wanted to make nothing from? You WANT it back. Of course by then it's too late and you have two options:
    a) Scour the classifieds to see if you can buy back that issue
    b) Find a friend who has that issue

    Lucky for me, Donna gets the subscription too and she had it so here you go...

    Inspiration to sew this dress came from a friendly chat online with Leslie. And then of course I started reading reviews and realized that this could work for me.

    Ever since we had that chat with Erin, I've been wanting to make more dresses. This is actually my SECOND dress pattern. I've only made the TS Madison Avenue dress before which is also a knit and I love it! But I was ready for something different.

    Pattern Description: Empire waist dress with asymmetrical pleats and gathered sleeves.

    Pattern Sizing: 34- 44. I traced out 36 for the top and flared to 38 for the bottom. Worked perfectly.

    Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? It did! After many hours though.

    Were the instructions easy to follow? Nope they weren't. I read all the other reviews of this pattern and read and re-read the directions and only then did it make sense. Most of the dress is straightforward so I didn't need them. The only part where you want to really focus are the pleats and the sleeve gathering. Which is what took longest.

    What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Likes- lovely design, it's a knit and very flattering silhouette. Dislikes - zipper in a knit dress, facing in a knit dress, too much ease in the sleeve caps (typical burda).

    Fabric Used: Rayon Lycra Knit from Lucy's Fabrics. I wanted a slightly heavier weight knit and this was the only one I had in my stash. When I bought this fabric I wasn't totally in love with the print but I liked the fabric so I held on to it. I played with the placement of the pink and I think it kinda looks nice in this dress. So it worked out in the end.

    Sewing this fabric was a nightmare though! That's the thing with rayon jersey knits. They can be slightly challenging to sew on the sewing machine. Even after changing needles I was still getting skipped stitches so I switched to my serger for this. Even on the serger it skipped a few stitches.

    Ever had to rip out tiny stitches in a knit? NOT FUN!!!! I am just glad this dress is done.

    Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I made a few changes. Nothing substantial though.

    a) I skipped the facing and did narrow binding on the neck instead. Even though my binding was considerably shorter then the neck, the weight of the dress is dragging the neck a bit showing off a bit more than what I'd like... I like bindings on my knit tops and this allowed me to use my cover stitch also . photo

    Coverstitch Hems

    b) I raised the neck by an inch. I measured my other tops to figure out how low I wanted the neck to be. It's a nice, open neck and I like it.

    c) I did what I call a "Fake FBA". So I added an inch to the bodice vertically and just eased it in to match the back. A photo would explain this better. Fake FBA. So by doing this, it gave me that added length I needed without all the fuss. The bust darts are in the proper position and the band actually sits under my bust. Quick and Easy right?

    d) I did not have any coordinating trim so I skipped it. I also interfaced the band which goes right under the pleats.

    e) I did not put the zipper. The neck is wide enough and I had enough ease in the band below the bust that it would slip right on so I didn't need it. If you are going for the really snug fit, with the non stretchy band below the bust, you may need the zipper.

    Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?You know what? I might actually make it again. In a solid it would be slightly more dressy and now that I know that it fits perfectly, why not?
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    << Previous Review  Next Review >>
    Reader Comments
    Nancy K 7/30/09Flattering and pretty on you.
    * * *
    Leora 7/30/09I hadn't noticed this pattern, I'll have to read the other reviews. Such a pretty dress!
    * * *
    smoody 7/30/09love the colors and the dress style!!!
    * * *
    Karen6790 7/30/09That's why I never get rid of BWOF - the minute it's gone, you want it back. This was definitely worth the search because it looks great on you. Interesting that I tend to think of you as looking great in vivid colors, but this is beautiful on you, and I love your "fake fba", I've done something similar myself!
    * * *
    redhotpepper 7/30/09Very nice in that fabric. Did you end up putting a zipper in?
    * * *
    Knitters Delight 7/30/09How pretty!
    * * *
    RLL 7/30/09Perfect match of fabric to pattern. Perfect fit. Looks like a real winner!
    * * *
    littlejazzbird 7/30/09You look lovely. Beautiful and well made!
    * * *
    Erica B. 7/30/09Very pretty dress! Great print!
    * * *
    Sharon1952 7/30/09Absolutely lovely! That color really suits you. Don't you just love those coverstitch machines?
    * * *
    Schnauzer 7/30/09Lovely style and color. Gorgeous on you!
    * * *
    Amanda S. 7/30/09Great dress! I originally liked this pattern but then started thinking it looked really young. But on you it's very pretty and classic so I think will go back on my to-do list. Beautiful fabric as well.
    * * *
    clin 7/30/09Gorgeous dress - you are rocking with those shoes !!
    * * *
    nellc 7/30/09Lovely dress, your fabric is really pretty.
    * * *
    dbsewer 7/30/09Love the fabric and the dress. It really suits you. Yes, sewing with rayon/lycra is a challenge but after the first few times you'll get the hang of it. You did your usually good job on this.
    * * *
    Sweetiebop 7/30/09Your dress is beautiful and you look absolutely beautiful in it. The print of course I love it. Another BWOF winner for you.
    * * *
    FreyaStark 7/30/09A really lovely dress. Well done.
    * * *
    Sewnknit 7/30/09Wow! Very pretty!
    * * *
    lmg 7/30/09You look stunning in that dress. Thanks for the info on the fake FBA. I agree, every time I get rid of a Burda, I regret it. That's why I have them all the way back to 1999. Yikes.
    * * *
    donna mel 7/30/09love the dress deepika! its a perfect fit and the empire waist is super flattering. thanks for the tips...i'll need them when i get the burda magazine back and make this for myself!
    * * *
    Nancy Anne 7/30/09Very nice looking, and I love your "fake FBA" idea. I will be using that one!
    * * *
    Sew4Fun 7/30/09What a beautiful dress! It was obviously meant to be. The style and colour is so incredibly flattering on you. And if you come anywhere near me wearing those shoes I'm stealing them right off your feet! LOL!
    * * *
    maedchen 7/30/09Beautiful!
    * * *
    Allie in Hong Kong 7/30/09Gorgeous dress, it's super flattering ion you, both the style and the fabric.
    * * *
    PVA 7/30/09Ditto to *All* of the above, I love the dress & how it looks on you. Thanks for the great review.
    * * *
    Heidi Ho 7/30/09Great dress and very helpful review. I love the fabric!
    * * *
    sideseams 7/30/09Love the dress on you. Really liked the tip about a fake fba. Clever.
    * * *
    meli88a 7/30/09nice job on the Fake FBA! Thanks for sharing.
    * * *
    SigridNL 7/31/09Lovely dress.
    * * *
    Fran S 7/31/09This is lovely on you Deepika. The fit looks perfect.
    * * *
    vivianna 7/31/09It is lovely!
    * * *
    Dracula 7/31/09You hit it out of the ballpark with this one! LOVELY! Great fit, wonderful colors and very flattering on you. LOVELY
    * * *
    grey ann 7/31/09Deepika, the dress looks very nice on you. I want to thank you for developing Pattern Review into such a great resource. I check it everyday. Thank you, thank you.! Ann
    * * *
    Mufffet 7/31/09Lovely dress on you. That fabric is so pretty and yes, works well!
    * * *
    cindyann 7/31/09So pretty! That print was made for you.
    * * *
    Grammy Gin 7/31/09You look absolutely fabulous in this dress Deepika. The fabric is really pretty and fresh looking. Sorry I gave up my subscription to Burda this year.
    * * *
    patsijean 7/31/09If the neck stretches in spite of the binding, I would not store the dress on a hanger, even with hanger loops. Fold and store in a drawer as you would a nice sweater or special T-Shirt.
    * * *
    Joan1954 7/31/09What a lovely dress! :)
    * * *
    becca a 7/31/09Beautiful dress, perfect fit. Thank you for the "fake FBA" adjustment picture and explanation. Very helpful review.
    * * *
    Deepika 7/31/09redhotpepper I did not sew a zipper. I edited my review to add that. Sharon I do love my CS machine but I clearly need more practice. And a clear view foot. Sew4Fun I found those shoes on sale at DSW. They are a peculiar color but I love them! patsijean thanks, I will store it with my sweaters. Thanks for such nice comments everyone!
    * * *
    Annette1 8/1/09You're pretty as a picture in your new dress, Deepika. Such a flattering style and PRETTY colors! (I've got a clear view foot on the way as we speak. I can't wait!)
    * * *
    ryan's mom 8/2/09Love it!!! Perfect print, style, and color on you!.
    * * *
    mochimo 8/5/09So lovely! I also made this dress recently and love wearing it.
    * * *
    Laura C. 8/14/09Very nice dress! I'd love to learn more about fake FBA as my daughter's bustline is challenging.
    * * *
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