Finished: BWOF 09-08-137 & 138

09-98-137 Top

Pattern Description: Pullover blouse with pleated neckline and gathered wrist.

Pattern Sizing: European plus sizes 44 - 52

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? The blouse did look like the photo, so I shouldn't have been surprised by the low neckline. As with most BWOFs, the neckline shows a lot of skin. That is very evident in the photo, but I was still a little surprised.

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were very easy to follow; much easier than most BWOF instructions.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I chose this pattern because I thought it would be a good match for the fabric. I'm not really happy with the neckline. I'm wearing a cami in the photograph, but I'll probably look for something else to wear under it. Even with the cami, it shows too much skin for me to feel comfortable wearing it to work. It's not that I'm a prude. I work in two elementary schools and I think the blouse shows too much skin for school.

Fabric Used: I used fabric my daughter brought from Morrocco. I don't have any idea about the fiber content.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Burda recommended "fluid blouse fabrics ", although knits were used in the samples shown in the magazine. Since knits were used in the samples and I was using a woven, I was concerned about the fit in the bust area. Just to be safe, I added 1 1/2 inches to the bust circumference. This blouse has two sleeve length options: a full length sleeve gathered into a drawstring and a 3/4 length sleeve gathered into elastic. I thought the drawstring would be a nuisance so I used elastic in the full length sleeve.


09-08-138 Pants

Pattern Description: Fly front pants with shaped waistband.

Pattern Sizing: European plus size 44 - 52

Were the instructions easy to follow? I always read BWOF instructions carefully, even when I don't think I'll need them. I didn't really need them with these pants because the construction was very straightforward, even considering the waistband treatment.


What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I really liked the waistband of these pants. Of course, when I wear them, no one will ever see the waistband I like so much. I didn't audition the buttons I selected. They were too big for two buttons to fit on the top waistband section. No one will see that little problem, so who cares?

Fabric Used: Stretch twill purchased from my favorite online source, Vogue Fabrics By Mail.

Conclusion: I like the way these pants fit. I usually don't make patterns more than once, but I just might break my own rule with the pants pattern. Since the blouse fabric has sentimental value I really wanted this outfit to turn out well and I'm pleased with the results. I just need to find the right garment to layer under the blouse.