Saturday, May 19, 2012

I Cracked the Code!



I made my first garment from BurdaStyle magazine!

At first just finding the pattern on the sheet felt like trying to find my way around Hong Kong with a map printed in Chinese. But once I focused in on the pieces that went with my shirt it was like magic...I just started seeing it!

Now I'm hooked! I've already set my sights on another one I want to make. Here's a picture from the magazine of my shirt:



And here's my review...

Pattern Description: Tie-waist blouse. The blouse appears to be two layered separates but it's the front ties that create that illusion
Pattern Sizing:
Burda sizes 36-44
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?
Yes, although they were scant. I found it easier to do my own thing.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Easy! Cute and different style that looks much more complicated than it is. Very easy to put together. I like the puffy little sleeves...they are so feminine. My only dislike, and it is really just more of a personal preference, I would have liked the neck scooped out a little. When I make it again I will make that change.
Fabric Used:
Rayon woven
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I lengthened the hemline by 3". I cut the back on the fold rather than with a seam as suggested. I finished the tie pieces with a rolled hem...somehow they just called for that. The pattern suggests snaps at the neckline closure. There weren't really any instructions for how to close the front so I just overlapped the two fronts and topstitched on both sides of the front tab from my desired neck opening length down to the hem. I didn't put any type of closure at the neck and like it better just left open and draping. The top goes over my head with no problem.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I will sew this again. I think this layered look lends itself to all sorts of possibilities. I definitely recommend this top. This is my first garment from the BurdaStyle magazine! I've never wanted to take the time to decipher the roadmap but now I'm hooked!
Conclusion:
I'm not a virgin anymore and it didn't even hurt! If you've been intimidated by the maze of pattern lines and symbols on the magazine insert, don't be! I found it all to be very logical and well thought out. I used wax paper to trace on and when a wider sheet was needed I just melted to two sheets together with a hot iron. Worked like a charm. Their markings and instructions might be on the slight side but, interestingly enough, this seemed to make things easier. If you have some level of garment construction experience you will breeze through it. Now I'm going back through all my back issues to see what I missed!



6 comments:

  1. Lovely top, congratulations on cracking the code. A new world is opening to you!

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  2. That is one gorgeous top! What a wonderful first-time Burda Style project!

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  3. Ha ha I understand exactly what you are saying, I felt the same way when I cut out my blue dress, but like you am hooked, enough to subscribe to the magazine.

    Love the top.

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  4. I've been admiring this pattern for a while and love what you did with it - really beautiful! I've not tried to crack the code yet, but I know where to turn when I'm ready!! Super top!

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  5. Love your Burda top! Sometimes with those patterns, you just have to zone out and stare at it for eons! But you did "crack the code". Love that term.

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  6. Wow, you and me both! This was my first Burda traced pattern too and I agree entirely with you - done once do again and again. Love your fabric it's fabulous and just perfect for this top. What's next?

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