Finished: Burda 7670 Blouse & 7676 Pants

This outfit was fun to sew! Maybe it was because I was really in love with the fabric. I mean, it's red! What's not to love!

Blouse: Burda 7670

Pattern Description: From the website: "Both versions of the chic shirt/overblouse have a fashionable collar with stand added to their V-neckline. Shoulder yokes and section seams make the wearer look taller and more slender! "

Pattern Sizing: 44 - 60 (European)

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? The instructions were very easy to follow. When sewing the yoke, I used the method from Easy Guide to Sewing Blouses (Long, 1997). This method requires no hand stitching at all.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I wanted a classic long sleeved blouse and this was it.

Fabric Used: Microfiber. I don't like sewing microfiber. It doesn't ease well, it's hard to press and the fibers are almost too dense for a needle to pass through. Using a microtex needle helped with the fabric density, a clapper helped with the pressing. I couldn't do anything to make it ease.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I didn't make any alterations or changes to this blouse.

Would you recommend this pattern to others? There is no reason I wouldn't sew this blouse again. I sews up quickly if you need a blouse in a hurry.


Pants: Burda 7676

Pattern Description: From the website: "Slim-line is the buzzword for youthful narrow trousers/pants that still offer wearing comfort thanks to stretch fabrics. The upper edge of the shaped waistband just reaches to waist level. Our styling tip: The closely fitting trouser/pant legs will also fit into trendy summer boots."

Pattern Sizing: 42 - 54 (European)

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? This pattern is rated "Easy".

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? The pants have a "jean look" without having all the usual jean design features like front pockets. I wanted to have jeans I could wear to work a still feel like I was dressed for work.

Fabric Used: Two toned denim with spandex. Now, I know why dancers wear spandex. I feel like I can really "bust a move" in these pants. When I topstitched, the fabric tended to stretch and become slightly wavy under the presser foot. I tried decreasing the pressure of the foot, but it didn't really help. Maybe a walking foot would have been more effective.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I added an underlap to the mock fly front. Almost all BWOF pants with a front zipper include an underlap and I've gotten used to including it.

Would you recommend it to others? This pattern is perfect for a "quick" pair of jeans.

Conclusion: I'm happy with the way this outfit turned out. It will satisfy my desire for jeans suitable for work.