I've decided to take the plunge and give Burda a try again. I'd been hearing all of the hype surrounding the July issue and wanted in on it too! LOL I've gone out and bought some tracing paper and I just need to decide which project I'm going to do first! Now if only I had someone to do the tracing...

Description: Close-fitting, lined, flared dress has princess seams, midriff with assorted beads and invisible zipper closing. Above mid-knee length

Pattern Sizing: 8 - 22. I cut the 14 in the bodice and graded to size 16 at the waist.

Did it look like the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Very much so!

Fabric: Tangerine 100% linen (from Hancock)
Lining: Ivory Bemberg (from Jo-Anns)

Were the instructions easy to follow? I only read over them briefly if that's any indication.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? This is another great designer pattern that I've had stashed for over a year now. I initially purchased it simply because it IS a designer pattern. In spite of that, I thought it looked rather frumpy on the pattern envelope. I didn't really appreciate the style and design until I saw Ann's version.


Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I made a 3/4" FBA to both the bodice and the lining pieces. I also added 3" to the length.

I suppose if you forego those things, this could be a very simple project. But if you're like me and want to drive yourself mad with all of the "extraness", then be prepared to commit a couple of days of your life.

One thing I would do differently IF I ever were to sew this again?
I would use a wider hem instead of the scant 5/8" hem that was recommended. When I look at it, I'm just not loving that part. But that's just my personal preference.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I probably will not. Too many dresses, too little time. I think this is a very flattering dress to a multitude of figure types and I highly recommend it!

Description: Fitted, straight skirts A, B, C, D have contour waist and back zipper; dress A is above mid-knee; dresses B, D are below mid-knee; dress C is mid-knee; dresses B, C, D have back slit; dresses C, D have soft front pleat.

Fabric: Linen blend (55% linen/45% rayon)

Pattern Size: 4-20. I cut the 16.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it does.

Were the instructions easy to follow? What instructions?! LOL It's a pencil skirt!

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: Normally, I would have had to add length. But I used view B, the longer version. And this is where it stops on me! LOL I did add a lining. I don't like wearing slips in the Summer and it was a MUST that there be something in between me and the sheerness of the linen fabric. I used THIS method so I didn't have to hand stitch the lining to the zipper tape.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? The only thing I didn't like about this pattern is that there wasn't a lining included. But it was no big deal to just add one.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I would sew this again and again and again! Yes, I highly recommend this to anyone that would love to add basic pencil skirts to their wardrobe!

I'm amazed at how much I had to say about a simple pencil skirt. I was actually planning to do one of those "Look at what I've sewn" post with a limited amount of text!