Let's call this part of the journey, the taping, tracing and upgrading of the Burda 08-2012-142 dress.
It took me several evenings after work to tape the entire pattern together...
There were 37 pages of 8.5" x 11" pages to be taped together. I'll admit that by the end I was fading and definitely losing interest but I pushed through. After it was all taped, I had to decide how to proceed. Trace from the large pattern piece or cut it apart, trace, then add 5/8" seam allowances. Since the sleeve was in the center of the pattern I started tracing that piece but quickly came to the realization that I would cut the pieces apart then trace and alter.
First I need to talk about how I see this dress' silhouette. I really like how the darts burst in the front. Since I have no plans to wash this alot (thanks Melissa for that tip!) I'm keeping the burst. Plus I think it really is a bust enhancing feature and when your bustline competes with your abdomen, I'm doing all I can to enhance the bustline! Next, I need to remind you that I don't like form fitting or tight clothing. Oh gawd but I hate being able to see my rolls through my clothes, so I'm choosing to make this dress a little looser fitting than the picture. Please realize that this is MY personal choice and the choice that all sewists get to make when constructing their garments.
However, I do like close fitting clothing that skims over the more bodacious parts of my body yet give me a slim silhouette. Princess seams assist with a slimmer silhouette, so I'm definitely keeping them. But I will be using my TNT dress as a "sloper" to assist with getting the fit I like.
After cutting up the downloaded pattern, I made my pattern sandwich and cut out new pattern pieces.
This was easier for the back piece than the front due to the pleated front...and I think my burst piece may be a little bigger than it's suppose to be especially since I had to figure out the pleat markings. The pattern only marked size 44 and I'm in no way a 44. Probably will be playing around with the pleats to get the best look for my bustline. So I will be basting the dress front together to check fit.
Here's the ponte I'm using to make the dress...
It's from the collection - woo hoo! And it's a pretty berry color that will look great for fall. Yes, just to remind you ~ I am sewing fall now.
Next up will be cutting, tracing and construction. I may or may not slip another project in before completing this one, of course I will keep you informed. BTW, Debbie I'm working on this as fast as I can, cause I'd love to see your version of this dress!
...as always more later!
Somewhere long ago on a day that I was probably bored, I signed up for BurdaStyle. Now I rarely go on the site, but I do receive their emails. Honestly, most times I just delete them. I know, I know, quite a few of you just cringed...but if you knew how much junk I get in my email box you would understand...or maybe you wouldn't.
Anywhooo, today's email caught my eye because there was the word plus size in there somewhere...and even though I've given up all of my Burda subscriptions...today I clicked the email. While perusing the garments in the plus size section, I stumbled upon this dress...
08/2012 #142
...and after looking at the technical drawing, I was sold.
So the process of getting the pattern downloaded began. Can I make a few suggestions to make this process a little easier, more user friendly...
1. There should be a guest check out. Maybe someone wants to purchase the product without having to be a member especially since Burda Style magazines are so hard to find in the US.
2. If you're going to offer the option to become a member, maybe the email that you need to log in should come quickly. I couldn't remember my log-in so I attempted to rejoin using another email address. Three hours later and I still hadn't received an email. Actually I gave up waiting after 15 minutes. I'm old. I have less time than more so I tend not to waste it waiting.
3. So I signed in using my Facebook account. Okay that was even worse...because then they want to post on my timeline and send notices to my friends. Really? Do you really think I want to subject "my friends" to this?! (Oh and by the way, I would appreciate it if you didn't all start looking for me on Facebook. I'm not a big user and ignore most "friend" requests.)
I did finally get to purchase the pattern and print it out...ssshhh, I did it at work cause the printer is faster! So this is what I came home with...
...and this is what my pattern is looking like as I'm taping it together...
Now I have to tell you this...I REALLY want to make this dress because I HATE taping pieces of paper together to end up with a pattern. And now I'm in taping hell.
I do want to make the dress and I have a lightweight eggplant ponte that I'd like to use with this pattern. Yeah, Momma don't lie...I'm sewing fall now! Okay, full disclosure I did start a red cotton eyelet sheath dress last weekend after I finished up Vogue 2090.
Oh, I didn't tell that you it was done...well it is...just waiting for pics because I finished it after my daughter and the grandkids went home. Wanna a sneak peek? Okay you don't have to twist my arm...here you go.
I'm really liking this dress, enough that I'm thinking I should remake it again in a ponte for fall with long sleeves ~ that way the dress won't need a lining. Because the last time I made it for fall/winter in wool crepe, I added a lining and the dress was really heavy and hot. Great premenopausal...not so great now that I'm a grown ass woman! *LOL*
Okay reining it back in...I think the tape fumes are affecting me. I will keep you updated on the taping and tracing (seriously?!) of the Burda pattern. Hey I spent $5.40 for it so I should at least get a pattern right?
...as always more later!
