Burda
Showing posts with label Burda. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Burda. Show all posts

Parade of Dresses Day 3: Bombshell Take 2

A million years (or 1.5 weeks) have lapsed since I showed you my gingham Hazel that I wore to the rehearsal dinner of my fiance's cousins wedding. (is that confusing?) I've been hesitating on posting the next few dresses because the pictures are so blurry but I figured I would probably never get around to re-taking them, so maybe blurry is better than nothing? Anyway, now I'm finally showing you the dress I wore to the wedding and it's take 2 (here's my first attempt) of the Bombshell dress from Gertie's Craftsy class...

The fabric is a medium weight quilting cotton I picked up from a quilting store outside of Fort Worth last year. It had Bombshell written all over, especially since I used the sarong skirt from the pattern. It's a little kitschy maybe but I love it. (PS you can see the fabric better in the close up pictures at the end of this post. damn the blurriness of these pictures!)




The only modification I made was to add about an inch to the top of the cup so it covered a little more. (that's for you mom!) To add the extra inch I traced the top cup pattern piece on a plain sheet, marked one inch from the highest point of the cup and drew a curved line to connect that point to the edges of the pattern piece that connected to the side bodice and center bodice pieces. (does that make sense?) The coverage was a lot more appropriate for a family wedding than the first bombshell I made. Also, I noticed that my hand stitching and general construction of the dress improved a lot the second time. Obviously that had to do mostly with the fact that I had made the dress before, but I also think this fabric helped...


Here are some closeups of the fabric, lining, zipper guard and waist stay.






And here's a shot of the dress in action. Obviously it holds up well to dancing like a maniac!



Now that the season's are changing, this dress will probably end up in the closet until next spring/summer. I'm sad to see it go, I'm definitely a big fan.

PS Here's another picture from the wedding (specifically the photo booth at the wedding). It doesn't show the dress at all but I felt like you needed to see it...




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Yet another pencil skirt...

So, surprise surprise, I made another pencil skirt. And I have a few more cut out, so I hope you're not sick of them yet. Pencil skirts are definitely one of my work staples and I really wanted a few in bright colors for this summer. This is a red version of the pink one below that I made for Me Made May.


Both of these skirts are based on Burda's Jenny pattern with a few modifications. First, neither of these skirts are lined. The fabric is medium weight and since it's summer I didn't want a lining that would make them hot to wear. It was 110 degrees in Texas today after all. Second, I copied Tilly's Autumn Maple skirt modification and just cut one waistband and folded it in half, instead of using two and attaching one to the lining. (not sure if that sentence made any sense unless you've made this pattern.) Anyway, these skirts gave me a chance to use this cool notion I picked up at an estate sale a while back. It's called "Perfect Waist Maker" and it's basically a strip of fusible interfacing with a serration down the middle.


You fuse it to the fabric then iron the fold along the serration and you have a perfectly sturdy, interfaced waistband. I haven't looked for this product in the fabric store yet because I still have plenty left so does any one know if this is still available? Most of the stuff at the estate sale I bought it from looked at least 10 years old, so I'm not sure if this is a contemporary product. If it is, you should go get some today!


Does anybody else have new cool notions they've tried that I should know about?

Hope you're having a great week ladies!
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As if I needed another craft related hobby...

So I'm developing a new hobby. Jewelry making. Not a good thing considering how much money I already spend on sewing and embroidery supplies (and I never embroider!). Anyway, I've been into this idea of making jewelry from sewing-related items, rather than traditional beads, chains, pendants, etc.

It all started with this tutorial from one of my Burda magazines this spring (sorry, can't remember which one!)


I thought this cuff looked pretty easy and cute, so I bought a doily from JoAnns and some fabric stiffener called Stiffy. And yes, I totally giggle every time I see the bottle.


 
The tutorial suggests dipping the doily in the stiffener but I didn't want to deal with pouring it into another container, so I just draped some plastic wrap over the bottle (which conveniently is the same size as my wrist), put the doily on top and painted on the stiffener.



I didn't take a picture of it but once it dried I threaded a ribbon through the back as a closure. I'm trying to decide if I like the white or if I want to paint it metallic like the Burda one. It's kind of huge and bold but I think with the right dress it will be really cute. Also, I'm planning to start looking out for different sizes in thrift stores (I know they usually have a million of these things), because I'm thinking this might make a cute gift...



After the success of the cuff, I started looking for other things I could soak in fabric stiffener and I found this lace in my stash with a perfect daisy design.


I basically just trimmed around the flowers, painted them with stiffener and added a jump ring and earring post. So easy and I've gotten several compliments on them.


Now I'm working on something with pom pom ball trim. I'm not revealing too much yet because I'm not sure if it's going to work but stay tuned!

Also, thanks for your input last week on whether or not I should Sew Along with Sunni! I think I am going to wait and participate in the sew-a-long. Mostly because I have 10 other projects cut out in addition to the dress, so I definitely have things to do until it starts.

Anyway, hope you all are having a fabulous day!
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Valentine's Date Dress

You know how when you sew you think you need to make a new dress for every occasion? It doesn't even matter if that occasion is in the next 24 hours? That's kind of how I feel about this dress... The boyfriend and I planned to have a quiet dinner at his place with wine, lamb, creme brulee and a movie, so of course I figured I needed a new dress. Preferably one that I could wear to work that day and be comfortable in while eating large amounts of food. Ever since the early days of Pinterest, I've been dreaming about making this dress...



So I figured the need for a comfortable, work appropriate Valentine's Day Dress coupled with this weird piece of red 70's estate sale poly jersey (that smelled like moth balls as I unfolded it, how romantic!) would be a great opportunity to test out the Hope Wrap Dress from BurdaStyle as a possibility for the eventual navy dream dress. First lets look at it through the rose colored glasses of poorly lit photography before I start complaining...


The boyfriend likes this picture best so I'm including it for him, even though I think I look like a weirdo...


Overall this is a really awesome pattern. It went together really easily and quickly! The 2 issues I have with it are entirely my fault. First of all, it's an ungraded pattern and I was an idiot and didn't really pay attention to the measurements. In the picture, the girl modeling it looked close to my size and I figured since it was jersey it would be forgiving. It's not terrible but it is a little on the tight side. Plus I felt like my boobs were hanging out the whole time. Fine for Valentine's Day dinner, but it definitely required a safety pin at work. Good thing it's all ladies in my office so they weren't too scandalized.

Secondly, I decided to make this pattern the night before Valentine's Day. And I didn't start cutting the fabric until after 8pm. And I also washed dishes, put away laundry, changed my sheets, took a shower and was still in bed before midnight. So even though this is a quick pattern, I did a bit of a rush job and you can really tell on the trim/binding of the neckline. Plus I didn't finish the ties out of sheer exhaustion/laziness...

So in conclusion, I probably will wear this dress again, but definitely not to work, although it might motivate me to loose my 5ish Holiday pounds that won't go away. I also will probably make this dress again in my dream navy, but I'll grade the pattern up a bit and take my time. Also, every time I sew a knit project I decide I'm never sewing woven again because finishing seam allowances is the bane of my existence. Then I forget and sew something woven again. I guess it's like having babies, you have to forget how much it sucks sometimes so you'll keep doing it...

Hope you all had a fab Valentine's Day!


Don't forget, my Sew Grateful Pattern Giveaway ends tomorrow!
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Just a Plain Black Pencil Skirt...

Amazingly, I've actually finished something in the last few weeks! I've had several things on the ironing board that were 75% finished but I couldn't seem to get motivated to get them done (aka, I hate handstiching more than I hate sleeping with wet hair, which is seriously a lot). However, once I bought tickets for my New York trip, which has now moved from mid April to mid March (aka, I'm going to freeze to death) I decided I had to get my booty in gear so I could start working on clothes for the trip. A Sunday Downton Abbey marathon got me through several garments worth of hand sewing, including fixing the boyfriend's mangled silk tie that he put IN THE WASHING MACHINE! ARRRRGGGGHHHH! It's sort of fixed but I warned him I would murder him if it ever happened again.

By the way guys, I'm a few episodes into season 2 and I need to know, am I supposed to like Mary now? She kind of sucked last season but now I'm kinda rooting for her to end up with Matthew although he's clearly too nice of a guy for her. And why did Edith get kinda trampy? Also, if Carson has another heart attack scare I'll lose it. But seriously, how amazing is this show?

Anyway, I'm a lover of a good pencil skirt and when my trusty black college-era Forever 21 skirt finally bit the dust last fall I knew that I would need to replace it fairly quickly. Unfortunately, I'm lazy so I finished not quickly and right at the end of winter, about the time when I want to start making spring colored clothes and not boring black things. I mean seriously y'all, I live in Texas and aside from the crazy cold snap we're having right now, in like 5 minutes it'll be 80 degrees everyday and I'll want to wear sundresses! In ice cream colors! Geez.

I used Burda's Jenny pencil skirt pattern, that many a blogger has raved about, with some black stretch cotton I bought forever ago from Fabricmart. I have to say, I totally get it. This pattern is crazy easy to put together and really flattering. Also, a touch more grown-up looking than my Forever 21 skirt. RIP.

However, it was a bad idea to try to take photos at work with this huge sweater on. The skirt is totally wrinkled and covered in sweater fuzz and I had to hold it up to show the waistband. Plus the shower curtain in our office is hideous. Not like I needed to point that out, it's pretty glaringly obvious...


Here's a shot of the waistband and a shot from the side. When I cut the skirt I thought it might be a little tight, especially since I can't put down the girl scout cookies lately and an extra 5lbs have been creeping up on me, but it's actually a little on the loose side. I'm giving it a few wearings to decide if it's annoying enough to fix. Originally I had a crazy zipper butt bubble situation, but the perfectionist in me, who normally remains silent when it comes to sewing projects, spoke up, so I ripped out the back seam and re-did it. Looks pretty decent now...


I lined it using the same fabric I used to line my Minoru, plus make a dress a few years ago. So glad to finally have it out of my stash! If I could send a message to newbie-sewer me 2 years ago I would say "Stop buying 5 yards of fabric because you're afraid you'll make a mistake! It will be annoying to have everything in your wardrobe made out of it later!" 

I'm sure I was supposed to use a black lining so when the slit in the back opens while I walk people won't be trying to stick their head up my skirt to see what crazy fabric is lining it... but oh well, I don't like following rules.

So there it is, the first finished object I've posted in ages and it's a plain black skirt. Whatever y'all, I'm so happy to have something done, I don't even care that it reminds me of funerals rather than spring days to come.

Happy Monday!
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Toppers

I still haven't taken pictures of my Thanksgiving dress because I'm super lazy, so that will have to wait a few days. In the mean time, I thought I'd show you two tops I made a few weeks ago.

I, like most seamstresses, tend to make mostly dresses because, well, they're more fun... But I've been trying to up my separates game, especially when it comes to tops, so I have something to wear with slacks when it gets cold. Here are two steps in that direction...

First, I made a Pendrell! I'm going to be trite and reiterate what all the other bloggers have said, this pattern is fabulous! It was easy to put together and I really like the way it fits and looks. I finished the inside with french seams, which I know is crazytown on a princess seamed blouse but it worked out all right. It's made with a poly charmuese (sp?) from JoAnns.


 
So here's the problem... I didn't notice until it was already finished that I inserted the sleeves unevenly! Luckily you can't really tell because of the pattern, so I pointed it out for you. Yikes! Somehow they're even on the back but not on the front! I asked my co-workers if it was super obvious and they said they couldn't really tell so I'm going to ignore it, instead of ripping it all apart and re-doing it.


Next up is a tie-front blouse from the 10/2010 issue of Burda. This was made with yet another poly charmuese from JoAnns. Clearly I have an addiction to super difficult to work with fabric.


I think I like this blouse in theory more than in actuality. Even though I cut the tie smaller than the instructions called for, the slippery, heavy fabric is making the bow hang strangely. I think overall it's fine, but I don't love it the way I thought I would.


Despite the problems though, yay for new tops!
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Thrifting + a Good Mail Day

Lots of sewing items acquired this weekend. First off, the new Burda and a Sewaholic pattern came in the mail!

I loved lots of things about the new Burda but I really loved the fairytale theme than ran through the issue and I thought the Christmas crafts were adorable! It almost makes me wish I had kids so I could make a Little Red Riding Hood house!


Also loved the artwork for these plate and fabric transfers!


This page makes me want to learn to knit RIGHT NOW. How cozy does that blanket look? LOVE it!

I ordered the Sewaholic pattern to make this skirt for my sister. She is young and cute and in college so she can get away with wearing cute short skirts. I already had the perfect fabric in my stash so when I saw her pin this on Pinterest I knew all I needed was the Crescent skirt pattern to make it. Hopefully starting on this in the next few days...

Source: flickr.com via Forrest on Pinterest

Next up I visited my neighborhood thrift store and picked up some more sewing stuff. I probably have 20 jacket and top patterns just like this but for 25 cents I couldn't resist taking them home just to make sure...

I also picked up this hilarious jumpsuit pattern that just makes me laugh with it's craziness, but let's face it, I'll probably make it and pretend it's cool. I loved the sexiness of this 70's jersey dress, not sure when I'll make it but I couldn't pass it up.


Finally I found this great 60's Vogue suit in my size, and...


3 yards of black wool suiting, which is exactly how much this pattern calls for! And for only $6! Yay! To be honest, I have no idea when I'll get around to this project but I feel like it was serendipity to find the pattern and the fabric together!


Today I'm starting my "Week of Tops". I'm hoping to get through my Fall sewing by powering through a category of clothing each week. This week I hope to finish 3-4 tops, next week I'll focus on 3-4 skirts, then I'll give myself 2 weeks to get through 3-4 dresses. All the tops are cut out, and they should be fairly easy because they're all pullovers with no closures. However, I'm supposed to be spending this afternoon teaching a girlfriend how to sew, so my projects will have to take a back burner today. We'll see how it goes!

Hope your weekend was fabulous!
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Will you make me gowns?

The Burda 11/11 preview makes me want to have a reason to wear gowns...




Which reminds me, if you haven't watched the documentary Unzipped about Isaac Mizrahi preparing for his Fall 1994 collection you are seriously missing out on life. It's crazy intresting to see how Isaac gets inspired and translates that inspiration into a collection. Not to mention the fact that, as we all know, Isaac Mizrahi is hilarious and the documentary is packed with all the great 90's supermodels, Naomi, Cindy, Linda, etc. It's on Netflix Instant so you have almost no excuse to not watch it...

This clip has three of my favorite lines from the whole film:

"It's almost impossible to have any style at all without the right dogs I think."

"Will you make me gowns?"
"Are you kidding me, I'll make you nothing but gowns!"

"Orson, why did you bite me?" "And then he pushed me aside like a little mouse."

Watch this, then go watch Unzipped and make some gowns!
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A Tale of Two Dresses: Day 2

Day 2's dress is based on a few things:

1. A dress I saw at this cute store in my hometown. I took a picture of it with my phone a month ago and then accidentally deleted it this morning. You'll have to take my word for it that it looks just like this dress, only a little different shade of pink.

2. This Halston Heritage dress from Pinterest...

3. And Think Pink week from Sew Weekly. I bought the fabric and started planning the dress that week but I didn't have the time to make it until now.

I used Burda 7519, view B. The pattern is for a tunic so when I cut it out I eyeballed it and added a few extra inches to the length, however I think I probably ended up cutting them back off when I hemmed it, so it's probably about the length of the pattern. I also Frankensteined it and added flutter sleeves from Butterick 4132, so it's basically a longer version of this top. The fabric is a fuchsia cotton broadcloth from JoAnns. The dress went together really easy, especially with the lack of closures. I used french seams on the inside and bias binding for the sleeve seams. The dress is really comfortable and I love the color, and even though the fabric is probably a little stiff for the cowl neck and flutter sleeves I think it works alright and will soften up with wear...

This first picture is from the restaurant last night. It's sort of terrible because of the lighting but it's proof I actually wore it ;). This picture also gives the best sense of how bright the color of the fabric is.
 
This is a picture of what I wore with it.

Here's the dress on leopard-print-me in decent light, although it's much more fuchsia colored in real life (more like the color of the Halston dress). Sorry for the wrinkles!


So two dresses in two days! I love both dresses and both were worn for great occasions! Next up, several tops for work and my bridesmaids dress. 
Hope everyone has a fabulous week!
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Lions and Tigers and Zebras?

I finally made my first piece from a Burda magazine! It's from the June 2011 issue, which the lovely Miss Dibs sent me a few months ago. It's probably the easiest thing Burda has ever put in a magazine, but since it was my first time tracing from the scary pattern pages, I wanted to keep it simple! The fabric is a zebra print satin from JoAnns that I've had forever. I was orginally going to just make a top, but in the spirit of stash busting, I decided to go ahead and make a dress with pockets. It's pretty much just a rectangle with a casing on the top for the ribbon but with a belt I think it's pretty cute. Also, since the fabric is pretty lightweight, I think I can tuck it into a pencil skirt with a cardigan for work.

In bigger news, IT RAINED TODAY! For normal people this might not be a big deal, but in Texas, we're having one of our longest droughts in recorded history so any rain is a HUGE deal. My coworkers and I literally stared out the window for 20 minutes in amazement this afternoon.
Almost Friday!
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