Friday, May 7, 2010

Finished: BS 02-10-137

I really love the design details of Burda Style plus size patterns. Big Four plus patterns are usually more bland and if you want unique details, you have to add them yourself. This long sleeved blouse has a cuff, but no placket, which I think is an interesting detail. I also liked the pleated frill, even though I didn't use it.

I can't explain why I am so determined to conquer Burda magazine instructions. I want to be able to read the instructions, use Burda's methods as presented, and sew the garment without consulting any outside source and without scratching my head in confusion. It's a neurotic compulsion, I guess. There were no particularly puzzling parts in the directions for 02-10-137. There was a major omission, though. After reading these instructions several times and I never saw an instruction that said, "sew the side seams." Of course, anyone would know to sew the side seams, but an omission of that magnitude might make a BurdaNewbie a little nervous.

I was drawn to this pattern because of the pleated trim around the front band and sleeve. I never assumed I would have found pleated trim to match any fabric I might buy or already own. I also never considered pleating strips of fabric myself. Burda recommends having the fashion fabric "commercially pleated: triple pleats, pleat width 1 cm." I imagine the commercial pleater would know what all of that means. I don't. I liked the detail even though I knew I couldn't produce it. My daughter brought back this fabric from Morocco, along with the matching trim. I really wanted to include the trim in whatever project I chose for the fabric, so I put the braided trim where the pleated trim would have been.

The fabric is light and breathable crinkled cotton – perfect for warm weather in spite of the long sleeves. Whenever I get the opportunity to sew natural fibers, I swear I will never sew man-made fibers again. I really enjoy working with fabrics that press easily and are stable.

This blouse was made to be a knock-around-the-house blouse so I don't have to be concerned about coordinating pants.

16 comments:

  1. Beautiful color in this top and the braid really makes it something special. I agree about how nice it is to work with natural fibers.

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  2. That blouse is a great colour and the trim is perfect - great job. I think it needs to be worn out and about to show it off - it would be such a shame to hide it at home. I guess that means a pair of pants to match? White would be summery or camel brown.

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  3. I love the colors :-) It looks like a fantastic summery top

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  4. It's a beautiful color top! So out of your comfort zone! Wear it with brown pants or black or fabulous with white.

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  5. Beautiful top! It has a really lovely shape and I love that vibrant shade of blue. The trim is perfect.

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  6. Love your tunic - the color pops!

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  7. That's a very pretty top. Beautiful color and trim. I would wear it with white pants.

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  8. Oh perfect fabric/trim/pattern combo! You were really smart to use the trim instead of hunting down the "commerical pleater"! Looks cool and comfortable for the summer.

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  9. Its to bad that this is a kick around the house blouse because it is a beautiful color with wonderful embellishment. Are you sure you don't want to rethink that?!

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  10. I love how this turned out and the colour is gorgeous. Yes, it does need to be worn out!

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  11. That blouse is really too nice to just knock around the house. I really like the color and trim. REALLY! Great job

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  12. This looks awfully good for knock around the house. What a beautiful blouse and a great color. We'd love to see it next weekend.

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  13. Great color and the trim is perfect. Nice looking fabric!

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  14. I really like what you did with this. I have been looking at tunic patterns lately, and I like how you used this trim in place of the pleated fabric. It looks great!

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  15. I've only recently started looking at BurdaStyle, but I've noticed for a long time that the Burda Plus commercial patterns have a LOT of style. I don't wear a plus size, but I'd love to get my hands on quite a bit of the Burda Plus catalog!

    Your tunic looks very nice -- especially the sleeve trim!

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  16. It's a beautiful blouse, well done!

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