Burda World of Fashion Magazine: 12-2007-109 (Shawl Sleeve Twist Knit Dress) - Type:Dresses  | | Viewed 384 times
| 1 more reviews | Review rated Very Helpful by 15 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: | 10/30/09 10:20 AM | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Photo: | More 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:
Jersey dress has keyhole neckline, shawl(ish) sleeves, and full skirt with center front box pleat.
Pattern Sizing:
34-42. I love that this one comes in such a large range of sizes! I traced a 34 at the bodice, transitioning to a 38 at the hip (not that this was crucial as it has a full skirt due to the deep box pleat at the center front.
Fabric Used:
A metallic jersey from the G Street Fabric $2.97/yd table a couple of years ago. I lined the sleeves and bodice in a softer black poly knit, I think maybe from Jomar.
Total cost, including magazine subscription amortization: Around $12.
Time to Make:
This is pretty quick--the only thing that takes any time is lining the bodice. Probably around 6 hours.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like that it is made in a jersey so it travels well. I also like the empire waist with full skirt for tummy disguising.
In the photo, I love the shawl sleeves. I dislike that in real life they don't work. My metallicized fabric has a bit less stretch than your typical jersey, and is a bit stiffer, so I'm sure that has something to do with it. But unless you stand perfectly still without moving your arms the shawl sleeves are going to push up onto your shoulders. This makes the look a little less sophisticated and a little more Betty Rubble. I think the sleeves need to be designed so that they are narrower at the neck and wider at the shoulder, and a smidge longer.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, except for the way the sleeves lay (and shortening the skirt).
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, this is easy to put together.
Although the description of the sleeves says "The wide straps of this gown are tied in front before being attached to the back, creating not just a pretty neckline but also cap sleeves," this is not true in any way. There is no tying. The sleeve is sewn as a continuous line after threading through the keyhole, with the seam hidden inside the tab at center back.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
-The only real change I made this was to shorten the skirt! I think the style is much more cocktail than evening, and I prefer shorter dresses anyway (due to being height challenged).
-The keyhole opening is drafted to be quite long. I shortened it some, but even still my bra shows through the opening a little.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I might make this again in a softer jersey, redrafting the sleeve(s) to be wider at the shoulder and a little bit longer, so I'd have a chance of an off-the-shoulder/shawl look. But it's not high on my excessively long project list.
I recommend it if you're looking for an easy but flirty jersey dress.
Conclusion
This worked quite well for a second birthday dress to bring with me on a work trip. It didn't take up much room in the suitcase and because it's jersey it travels well. It was very festive for an un-festive actual birthday (worked about 14 hours on my actual birthday, we went out to dinner the next night).
This is another project photographed by Cidell, so there are some great photos! 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 | | Riordan | 10/30/09 | This dress is darling on you!!!!! | | * * * | | Anniinbc | 10/30/09 | This looks great on you. This a pattern I overlooked and now can see so many possibilities, Thank you for the review. | | * * * | | eugenia123 | 10/30/09 | Beautiful dress - I love it and it looks wonderful on you. I like the 'shawl sleeves' the way that you're wearing them. | | * * * | | Jali | 10/30/09 | A perfect LBD! I love that you made this in black. Really elegant! | | * * * | | nglalala | 10/30/09 | Cute Cute!! I like the way you're wearing the sleeves, too! | | * * * | | SandraB | 10/30/09 | This dress is so cute!! I love it. I will definitely be taking another look at this pattern | | * * * | | Aixoise | 10/30/09 | You look like a movie star! Great LBD. | | * * * | | no7262 | 10/30/09 | You did a beautiful job! Nora :) | | * * * | | DorothyK | 10/30/09 | This dress is fabulous on you. Beautiful job. | | * * * | | Karendee | 10/30/09 | Beautiful, smart looking dress on you. Don't worry one bit about the "capped sleeve" look; your final product turned out lovely. | | * * * | | LollyVee | 10/30/09 | You look stunning in that dress! The detail is unique...a great LBD! | | * * * | | Mufffet | 10/30/09 | Nicely done, as usual. | | * * * | | Nancy K | 10/30/09 | It's a great dress and Cidell is to be commended for the great photos. Very becoming. | | * * * | | VeryPrairie | 10/30/09 | So chic! | | * * * | | katharin | 10/30/09 | You look fabulous in this dress. I love the photos. | | * * * | | PegL | 10/30/09 | I thought your green birthday dress was the best one you've made but I don't know -- this one is really close! Looks great on you! Very good review too! | | * * * | | katlew03 | 10/30/09 | Beautiful dress. Suits you perfectly. Very chic. | | * * * | | clin | 10/30/09 | Lovely dress and you look beautiful in it.
Kudoos to Cidell for a great photo shoot.
| | * * * | | leanmeansewingmachine | 10/30/09 | Wow, this dress is just fabulous on you! Best birthday dress ever - IMHO!! | | * * * | | DebJ | 10/31/09 | Just beautiful. One of my favourites so far. Aren't you lucky to have such a talented photographer! Thanks for the advice on the pattern and showing us the shorter length. I think this is something my daughter would quite like at this length. | | * * * | | Peter in NYC | 10/31/09 | Stunning dress and the black looks great with your coloring. I love the way it flows, too. Super! | | * * * | | geraldine | 10/31/09 | I love it! | | * * * | | sew2little | 10/31/09 | WOWZA! You look beautiful in your very stylish LBD. | | * * * | | becca a | 10/31/09 | What a great dress! You look fantastic. Happy belated birthday. | | * * * | | yummymummy38 | 11/2/09 | this is another fantastic birthday dress, both are my favs on you. I love your reviews, esp the photos, thanks Cidell. I skipped past this cos I thought the sleeves were non-functional, but I like how you're wearing them, and the back. Cool! | | * * * | | waltzqueen | 11/2/09 | This is my FAVORITE dress on you (except the ethereal pale pink). You look FABULOUS, the dress is beautiful, stylish and elegant, and very flattering. I like the "straps" the way they are. This dress is a terrific look for you. You look fantastic! | | * * * | | amytb | 11/4/09 | oooh so cute! its a fantastic dress and great color. love, love, love it! | | * * * |
|
|
|Login|Help]
