Finished: Top BWOF 05-05-139 and Shorts Burda 8087

After much unnecessary agonizing, I decided to make the BWOF top rather than the Kwik Sew top.  Connie said it best.  The Kwik Sew top "yells scrub nurse" and that wasn't the look I was going for. : ) This outfit should be the end of my casual summer sewing.  It's time to get back to sewing my work wardrobe.

Top BWOF 05-05-139

Pattern Description:
Short sleeved tunic with darts and front and back princess seams

Pattern Sizing: European Plus size 46 - 52

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes and I was glad. I used a large scale print and I wasn't sure if that was the best choice. The pattern photo showed a large scale print.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes. I hardly needed them. The construction couldn't have been more straightforward.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I wanted a simple design that wouldn't clash with the large scale print fabric.  I was concerned about interrupting the print with seams and darts.  I needn't have worried.  I can barely see the princess seams and darts in this blouse.

Fabric Used: A nice drapey challis I named "Indigo Batik"

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
The original pattern was tunic length. I shortened it to blouse length.

Conclusion:
I'm glad I finally made this blouse. It's I simple design that can be worn in a variety of ways.



Shorts Burda 8087

Pattern Description:
Typical fly front pants in two lengths.

Pattern Sizing:
The envelope includes sizes 10 to 24 (European 36 - 50)

Were the instructions easy to follow?
This pattern had no surprises so the instructions are hardly necessary.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I wanted a simple pattern for shorts and this pattern fit the bill nicely.

Fabric Used:
A loose weave linen bought specifically to coordinate with the Indigo Batik.  The weave was so loose, it was practically coming apart in my hands.   I serged all of the edges to prevent raveling.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
The shorts are shown at a length I really didn't care for, below the knee, so I chopped off about 6 inches.

Conclusion: 
This pattern will be my TNT for shorts.  I haven't made the long version, but I'm sure I will like them also.

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$25 and worth every penny

I learn a lot from OSBs (Online Sewing Buddies).  For example, I first learned about this pincushion from Ann of Gorgeous Things.  When I read about the pincushion on Ann's blog, I immediately went to Susan Khalje's store to take a look.  I don't mind admitting, at first I couldn't see spending $25 on a pincushion.    I mean, what could it do other than hold pins?  Then Gwen of All My Seams recommended it, too.  I asked her what made this pincushion so special and she told me how comfortable it was and told me, "you only live once"!  I couldn't argue with that, so I bought one!

Both women were right!  This is a great pincushion. It's so lightweight, I forget I'm wearing it.  It doesn't slide all around my wrist.  It's easier to pull pins out than to pry them from the magnetic surface of a Grabbit or magnetic wrist pincushion.  It really is possible to love a pincushion!  Yes, $25 is too much to spend on a pin cushion, but what good is a hobby if I can't splurge on it occasionally. 

The next time an OSB (or even a sewing muggle) is excited about anything, I won't so much as raise an eyebrow. I'll investigate the situation and probably follow suit.