Thursday, May 27, 2010

Burda WOF 4-2010 Model 116




I had an outdoor photo session planned for yesterday afternoon, but when we got home after visiting the optometrist with my pupils dilated I couldn't stand the light so I had my son take a few quick indoor pictures. The camera is new and I'm still learning the best settings. The pictures are grainy but you get the idea.

On the above photo taken in Havana on my 12th birthday I'm wearing the dress that inspired me. My mom made the dress, it was orange with gold buttons and a dropped waist and pleats. I LOVED that dress! I'm sure in the future I will be inspired again to find a pattern that more closely resembles it but for now I'm happy.

To trace the pattern was harder than usual, since Burda decided to crammed all the patterns in less pages, I hope this is not a permanent change. I mentioned before that this was my first collar with a stand and of course I needed extra sources for construction information. I read Connie Long's "Easy Guide to Sewing blouses" but what really helped me was watching Sandra Betzina's Sew Perfect. I had an episode recorded on tape from when the show was on Home & Garden tv, that showed collar construction.



I had made a yoke once before and had to refresh my memory on how, so again I used Connie Long's book which has excellent instructions. Please excuse my wrinkly back, I had been wearing the dress all day at this point



One thing to note is that button placement leaves the last button pretty high. I had noticed it and lowered it but not enough. My plan was to add a button but I couldn't find more than nine in the style I wanted. I will keep a lookout for more, I work in the school system and this opening is just a tad "riske". By the way my son wanted to inform my readers that he did tell me to "act my age" when I was posing for the above picture. Where is the fun in that? Teenagers...

The fabric is a lightweight cotton twill from A Fabric Place in Baltimore and the buttons are from Joann's as is the belt buckle. More detailed pictures in my previous post.

**************************************

I'm working on the Simplicity skirt. I found a fabric for the binding around the waist and hem that I think I like; the fabric I'm using is a little strange, sort of spongy and very stretchy although it's a woven.

I don't know how much sewing I will get done during the weekend we have plans for some day trips so I'm hoping for nice weather (it has poured the last few Memorial Day weekends in our area).

Happy holiday to those in the US and a good weekend to everyone!

18 comments:

  1. That's a great dress, I love it and it looks very good on you!
    Nice choice of color, too.
    And love your sense of humor lol

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is so, so, SO cute! Really. And, the photo from your birthday is adorable. I'm having a love affair right now with shirtdresses. This is going to be a contender!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Out of all the pictures, the last one and your childhood picture are my favorite. There is nothing wrong with showing a little leg. I have always loved shirt dresses, and this one looks great on you. I've got one in mind for myself, I just need to get started on it. I have to agree with you about the way Burda is putting the pattern sheets together. They are all so close together and you're not quite sure what you are tracing out. Crazy!!! I hope they correct that. I am getting cross eyed just thinking about it.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jeepers- I posted a really great comment, but I dont't think it took! Suffice it to say- dress wonderful, old photos super, kid- has to be a keeper to snap photos of you!
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  5. This dress looks so cute on you! This is one of my favorite things that you have made. I love the color, the fit is great, and it is super flattering.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm loving that dress - so chic!

    P.S. Acting your age is totally over-rated!

    ReplyDelete
  7. The dress is great and so are you too!
    You did a wonderful job! Thanks for mentionning Connie Long's book which I never heard of sounds very interesting book

    ReplyDelete
  8. Looks great, I really like the bright colour. I don't think it looks too revealing at all, enjoy wearing it!

    ReplyDelete
  9. You look stunning in red/orange. I think shirtmakers are very unrated for their elegant possibilities.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Un lindo vestido y muy acertado el color para tu piel. Estoy muy orgullosa de tener una hija tan acendosa!!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Ooh, I'm loving that orange dress! Totally. Pam, at offthecuff.blogspot.com has an excellent tutorial on collar/collar stands, which or course, she does magnificently, since she's a professional dressmaker. I practiced her method and got a really nice collar stand.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Perfect! I love the color and the styling on you!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Fabulous shirt - I am glad you are still having fun! What is age after all...

    ReplyDelete
  14. I love the dress, you look fantastic in it! That's a great color for your complection and dark hair!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I love your dress. You look wonderful.....I'm loving orange this year!

    ReplyDelete
  16. What a flattering dress in a fun color! I sometimes find myself creating updated versions of clothes I loved when I was younger. But hey, why not repeat successes!

    ReplyDelete
  17. You look beautiful in that dress, love the picture with the leg showing!

    ReplyDelete

I love hearing from you!