Finished: BSM 08-13-138

Some time ago, I realized I didn't have enough dresses.  So I initiated the Great American Dress Project.  This dress, #138 from the August 2013 issue of Burda Style Magazine, is the first dress in that project.

Burda Style Magazine 08-13-138

Pattern Description:  This design is a basically a variation on a shirt waist dress.  It includes a self-fabric belt and a scarf.

Pattern Sizing: This dress is from Burda Style's plus size range; european 44 to 52

Construction Notes:  The most difficult part of sewing this dress was finding a fabric covered belt kit in a brick and mortar store.  I usually go to JoAnn for notions like that, but my local JoAnn did not have fabric covered belt kits.  Luckily, I was able to go to Philadelphia's little garment district, Fabric Row.   I didn't have heavy interfacing for the belt, so I used two layers of the heaviest woven interfacing I had. The result was more than adequate.

The pattern called for lace trim along the edge of the collar.  I had a specific type and color lace in mind.  Since I couldn't find exactly what I wanted, I omitted the lace.

belt loops sewn into seam

Although this dress has a belt, belt loops were not mentioned in the instructions.  I made loops out of narrow bias tubes and sewed them into the waist seam.  The belt would creep up to an unflattering position without loops.

The sleeves look like your average set in sleeves, but they are not.  They are inserted like a raglan sleeve.  You can't see it on the technical drawing, but there is a seam from the shoulder to the slit that allows the sleeve to be inserted like a raglan.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I wasn't sure how the final project would look but let me say, I really like this dress!  There really isn't anything I dislike about this pattern.

Fabric Used:  100% polyester.  I had to remember that pressing 100% polyester presents a challenge.  I needed to use a clapper for every press.  I enjoy sewing natural fibers because they are so easy to press, but as long as I used the clapper and plenty of steam, pressing really wasn't that big a deal.

Conclusion:  I really like this dress!  I want to make it again, maybe in a solid color.  I hope the rest of my Great American Dress Project goes as well.