Finished: BWOF 06-09-136 & BPF FW-09-404C

Familiarity breeds contempt.
- Syrus (Publilius Syrus)

Though familiarity may not breed contempt, it takes off the edge of admiration.
- William Hazlitt

Nothing is wonderful when you get used to it.
- Edgar Watson Howe

Sorry, Messrs. Syrus, Hazlitt and Howe. I respectfully disagree. After a short fling with KwikSew, Vogue and even Burda envelope patterns, I am very happy to be back to my old familiar BWOF. I still think BWOFs are wonderful and I admire the resulting garments.

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Blouse BWOF 06-09-136

Pattern Description:
This blouse has long sleeves gathered into a cuff; mandarin collar and back yoke.

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?
I made a very minor change, but my blouse still looks like the photograph.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
I remember how much I used to hate BWOF instructions. Again, familiarity is not breeding contempt. Being familiar with BWOF instructions is definitely an advantage. The instructions gave me no problem.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked the way the collar and front band came together. Usually, the front band inserts into the collar. In this case the collar inserted into the front band.

Fabric Used:
100% polyester

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
BWOF necklines are usually lower than I like, so I raised the neckline by 1 1/2 inches. To make the change, I extended the grain line and slid the pattern up. Then I traced the new curve, blending the lines into top. The top of the band was not changed.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I would make this blouse again, and I would recommend it to others.

Conclusion:
I really wanted to see how this blouse turned out because I followed my intuition to make the changes to the neckline. I'm happy with the way it turned out.


Pants: BPF FW-09-404C

Pattern Description:
Fly front pants with hip yoke pockets.

Pattern Sizing:
European plus size 44 - 54

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

Were the instructions easy to follow?
While sewing these pants I experienced a "Why didn't I think of that?" moment. Usually, the instructions have us baste the belt loops to the top of the waist, then completely sew on the waistband before attaching the top of the belt loops to the top of the finished waistband. BWOF almost always has a two-piece waistband as opposed to a single waistband piece that is folded over. In these pants, the tops of the belt loops are neatly sewn into the seam that attaches the waistbands. The idea is so elegantly simple, I wonder why I never did it before.

Fabric Used:
Rayon and lycra denim. (By definition, isn't denim supposed to be cotton?)

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I made no alterations or changes to this pattern. I did not add the inch to the length as I usually do and discovered I really don't need the extra length.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Even if I never make these pants again, I'll be using the belt loop technique again.

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I really enjoy working with BWOF patterns. I have a certain mindset and pace that comes from being familiar with the patterns and it felt good to get back to what I know.