BurdaStyle Magazine: 03-2012-108 (twist-front dress)  - Type:Dresses  | | Viewed 246 times
| 7 more reviews | Review rated Very Helpful by 5 people | | Reviewed by: | Kbenco | 
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| | Posted on: | 1/24/13 6:51 PM | | Last Updated: | 1/24/13 6:55 PM | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Photo: | Pattern Info provided by Kbenco | | Pattern Rating: | Pattern OK, but did NOT work for Me | | NEW! See reviews of patterns from this issue | | | | Related Links | Click on  to add a link |
| Pattern Description: A sleeveless, twist front dress with A line skirt in the back, offerred in two lengths in the magazine.
Pattern Sizing:72-88 Burda tall (36-44 regular have same circumference in Burda's charts). I made a 74 with adjustments.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes.
Were the instructions easy to follow?The instructions were good for Burda, with this dress being the sewing lesson for the month. However, Burda advises "edgestitching" a the lining to the bodice, which I initially found confusing, then interpreted as "fold over the seam allowance of the lining to the wrong side, place lining, wrong sides together with front bodice, then stich over folded edge of lining to attach lining to bodice".
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
LIKED:
1.This dress is a different shape to me, and I liked the front twist.
2. Other reviewers mentioned the magic words "not much adjustment needed"
DISLIKES:
1.Unfortunately, I found this dress rather maternity looking, despite using a fine and floaty lawn. I strongly suspect that it would look extremely maternity style should you use taffetta, as shown in the wedding dress version. (perhaps this is deliberate?)
2. I should have done a FBA, as although the outerbodice has sufficient fabric to allow adjustment, the lining/stay is drafted normally for a B cup. I needed to fold some of the outer fabric to extend the lining in order to provide sufficient coverage at the bodice. This was my fault, not the pattern's!
3. I found that the back bodice waist seam did not line up with the front. I thought this was operator error until I saw that Judy Williment noticed the same thing. I prefer my seams to line up!
Fabric Used:
Cotton lawn
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
FITTING:
1.I widened the back skirt from the hips up, then took in the back skirt at the waist with darts to provide back shaping, as there is little in the pattern other than at the slightly curved waist seam.
2.I shortened the skirt to my knee length.
3. In retrofitting, I raised the bodice at the shoulders (2cm front and back) and lowered the armscye by 1cm. I lowered the back neckline by 2cm, as it was gaping. I widened the gap for the twist and folded the neckline to allow more width and height coverage at the bust. I tacked the outer fold in place.
CONSTRUCTION:
1.I finished the facing edges with bias binding.
2. I did not line the back bodice due to fabric restrictions.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will not sew it again as my family all voted against the appearance of the dress, but it is very cool and comfortable, so I will wear it a lot around the house.
Conclusion: A good pattern for other people. In my opinion it is not the best look for me, due to the high waistline and volume at the central front skirt.
It would be a lowely dress for women who can carry a look without much waist definition (or it would make a lovely maternity dress ;)
More photos at this poston my blog.
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6 Comments
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A pity I'm not in your family, as I like it on you! Thanks for the review, it is a pattern I've been contemplating for the same reasons... a great dress for our current hot spell. My vote is thumbs up :)
1/24/13 9:49 PM
I don't see maternity in your wearing of this interesting dress. But having similar issues myself, I get your take on it. Enjoy your new house dress and thanks for the heads up on a pretty style that I too will avoid!
1/25/13 9:28 AM
Honestly, I like the look of the dress on you! Great review on your experience with the pattern!
1/25/13 11:10 AM
I really like this on you Karen. I often think your family's opinion is 'harsh'. The heat of summer calls for a dress like this...and it does not mean maternity. Wear it with confidence as you are a lovely sewer and think resort wear...loose and cool.
1/25/13 5:59 PM
Beautiful dress on you and terrific for this weather. Forget the teens and hubby, what do they know? You look fantastic. BTW, love your very Oz backdrop too.
1/25/13 6:33 PM
I had exactly the same problem (you can have a look at my review), but it was solved by wearing an adequate belt. However, it may not be the look you're looking for. Yours is very pretty, though, I love the fabric and the finishing.
1/26/13 7:42 AM