I finally got around to making something from one of the many pattern books I have!
When the BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook first came out I was a little skeptical because I was really not liking the U.S. BurdaStyle people at that time (it was morphing away from it’s original user driven content, super lame) and I didn’t like any of the original pattern designs shown. But eventually as people in the blogosphere started getting their contribution creations back from BS and I saw all the cool things they did with them, it looked like a fun book.
The reason this book is successful is probably because one of the BS founders, Nora Abousteit, co-authored it (although the introduction talks a lot about open-source bull**** that doesn’t exist anymore). The book is geared much more towards beginners, which I am not. There are so many beginner sewing books out there, if I was just starting out it would be overwhelming, but there is nearly a paragraph describing each tool recommended and descriptions of how to do basic things with a sewing machine or trace patterns. And lots of nice photos and quotes from BS members, so that’s nice (even if they’re all extremely stylized and cherry-picked). Honestly I just skipped over most of it, my favorite part is the pictures of all the different member variations. I wish they’d given more instructions with those, or at least posted the tutorials online.
Pattern Description: Basically it’s a knee length, a-line, panel skirt with curved waistband, but if you want to be fancy about it:
Our skirt is all about the details: Whether you’re super femme or not, this pattern will work for you. Go girl with a lace panel over silk charmeuse like ours, or cut it from that great print you’ve been saving. Embellishing is key here: Try adding a fun trim, rickrack, or tulle to the hem
Pattern Sizing: 32-46, I traced my usual Burda skirt size of 38
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Kindof, I made some design modifications, but I also think my skirt sits lower on me than the model’s skirts (which I like better).
Were the instructions easy to follow? I didn’t really follow them because they were too detailed, but there are also some line drawings which I mostly followed. I’m sure for someone who doesn’t know much about sewing a skirt, the instructions would be great because of how detailed they are.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like that it’s simple enough for lots of different variations and there are lots of ideas for modifying the pattern, but it’s also a great basic design. The fit is really good, Burda patterns are usually good so I was hoping the book patterns would follow that theme. This skirt is the best fit I’ve ever gotten on any skirt I think.
Fabric Used: Cotton duck or canvas I think, it’s hard to remember when I buy the fabric for projects months before I can ever get to sewing them.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I did not make the outer skirt layer and added some pocket panels on the front sides. One of the variations shown of the skirt pattern made by BurdaStyle members had pockets like this, I think nikkishell made it, and it was my favorite variation. All I did to make them was cut an extra side panel but cut it off at the shorten/lengthen line about 2/3 of the way up, lined the pockets with some novelty cotton, and proceeded like usual. The extra fabric on those panels makes the front stiffer than the rest of the skirt, but that’s ok.
Would you sew it again? Yes, this could be a great pattern for recycling old jeans or similar (I have a pile of Mr. Husband’s khaki pants with holes in the knees that he can’t wear to work anymore) because of the fairly small pieces.
Would you recommend it to others? Yes, it’s a great pattern. |
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Pattern with more than 5 reviews!
What a great skirt. The version you made looks familiar (maybe something like it was in the magazine?). Wonderful skirt -- classic but more interesting.
12/19/12 11:09 AM
Great skirt. A great design that can work for many different looks.
12/19/12 11:28 AM
The pockets (and the lining)! I'm in love!
12/19/12 4:38 PM
What a super skirt! I love the pocket lining.
12/19/12 8:04 PM