Burda 05/11 101A

I fell in love with the May edition of Burda and read it cover to cover on the train to London when Esther and I went to see the Wizard of Oz at the end of May.

I knew our plans included Liberty of London so a great edition of Burda and Liberty = fabric buying.  I know, I know, I'm working through the stash, but you can't pass up an opportunity like that!

We hit the scarf dept first and then topped for afternoon tea.  It was delicious and included teeny tiny macaroons - here is Esther tucking in and you can see just one chocolate macaroon left (I was very gracious and let her have it!) SO elegant!

Once we were completely refreshed (and a tad full) we visited the fabric department.  My sister is such a star, she can't thread a needle but ooo'd and aahh'd in all the right places.  In fact she got quite enthusiastic about some of the (ahem, childrens') sewing kits so I bought her one which will be saved for Christmas.  Anyhoo, this is what I purchased.  Tana Lawn 137cm wide so I bought 1.6 meters.  It's nearly £20 per meter so I wanted to get exactly what I needed!

So here is the line drawing of 101A.  It's a tunic top, with a BIG neck opening, one button closure and grandad collar.

 My neck opening ended up being quite wide, so I used two loop/button closures.  I know it's to be worn with a vest/Cami so am not worried that it is very long/low.

I cut a 40 and decided to shorten the length by approx 1" and of course I shortened the sleeves by 1" too.  I cut out VERY carefully placing the pattern pieces so that I had some symmetry with the fabric pattern and made sure the two sleeves had identical pattern layout.  The fabric was an absolute dream to work with.  It presses beautifully and my overlocker liked it too.  I mitered the ends of the sleeves for neatness.  Although I did overlock and turn up a single hem, you could quite easily utilise a rolled hem with this soft fabric.

I boobed with the collar in that I sewed the bottom edge, thinking it was the top, and pressed and trimmed before I realised what I had done.  To be honest I just couldn't be bothered to cut another one so I trimmed 1cm off the neck edge and finished it with a strip of fabric cut on the bias.  I may change my mind about that once I've worn it!

It will be lovely and cool, easy to wear and look fab with jeans or white linen trousers.  As ever, here it is on Vivienne for now.  Watch out for it in MMJ!

Why does this look so tiny?!  It does fit, but it looks as though it's a size 8?!

Enjoy the rest of your Weekend.

Next!

I'm just about to cut the pattern pieces for a BurdaStyle skirt from September 2010 Style 106, view B.  It's not a difficult pattern.  I like the lines and have an idea for the top stitching.

As I want to make "outfits" this year (I make too many separates from fabrics I love and then nothing really goes together!) I will also make this McCalls blouse - I've had the pattern a couple of years and have run out of excuses not to make it.  I'll be making the blue version.  I particularly like the fact that this pattern has pieces for varying cup sizes.

And here are the fabrics I will be using.  It sticks in my throat to say it, but they came from Hansons - the shop with bad customer service.  The green is 100% wool soft tweed to be lined in pink and the batik print is 100% cotton, just going through the washing machine at the moment.

Photographing on Mum's pale green carpet!

As ever with Burda I'll have to make a toile, but with McCalls I will tissue fit.  If I have any concerns at that stage, that's when I may make a toile for a pattern I haven't used before.

Posts to follow!  Enjoy your day.

PS  Purple Coat is still in the box....  It hasn't moved since coming back from Mums.  I am suitably embarrassed.

Burda 103 2/11 Done The "Susan Skirt"

Just finished the above, which I am going to call the "Susan Skirt".  I made it from a dark coloured denim with a crosswise stretch (you defininately need it for this pattern!), didn't line it, overlocked all seams and top stitched with bright pink topstitch thread as I will be making a t-shirt in the same colour.

Here's a few pictures.  as ever I have to wait for Ian to take a photo of me actually wearing it, perhaps this evening as I intend to wear it when we go out for Tapas.

I cut a size 40 but as it looked so small I allowed 1" side seams.  As it happened I did need a little extra, but not quite the full amount.  It's a tad long for my liking but looks good with high heeled boots.

Top Stitching the back darts

Back finished and top stitched - the stitching does all match, honestly!  It's not
easy to photograph that godet - it's bigger than you think....

Front waistband and darts all top stitched

I wouldn't change anything about the Susan Skirt - it's a keeper.  Someone questioned whether you' would be able to run for a bus in it - I'm not convinced you'd be able to do it in a lady-like fashion wearing this one!

If you are unsure about making it I say go for it!  I'm a pear-shape so I didn't hold high hopes for the style on me, but it is increadibly flattering.

In total this skirt cost me £7.50.  The fabric and pink thread had to be purchased, everything else came from the stash.

PS  Purple coat isn't forgotten, I just can't get myself motivated with it.....