Finished: BSM 05-12-135 & BPF FW-06-402

Seems like a long time since I've sewn an actual "outfit" the way I used to.  I got sidetracked and started buying fabrics differently.  I bought single pieces.  But, I'm back into the outfit mode again.

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Blouse  BSM 05-2012 #135

Pattern Description: 
Just when I  was looking for a camp shirt pattern, BurdaStyle Magazine gives me this pattern.  It's a short sleeved blouse with a sleeve band.  Sometimes BurdaStyle gives me just the right pattern – just not always when I want or need it.  In church we often say, "He may not come when you want him, but He's always right on time." I don't mean to be blasphemous, but the same can be said about BurdaStyle.

Pattern Sizing:
European plus size - 44 - 52

Were the instructions easy to follow?
I see a BurdaStyle Magazine pattern and I think I know how to complete a particular technique, in this case, the sleeve band.  Then I read the poorly translated instructions and think, "Huh???"  I  parse out the translation and discover my technique and BurdaStyle's technique are the same.  The problem is the language.  Diagrams would have saved the time I spent scratching my head.   BurdaStyle doesn't do diagrams.  I accept that.   I still want pictures sometimes.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I like camp shirts and the sleeve band adds a little "something different" to an otherwise typical camp shirt.  I didn't even know I wanted "something different" until I saw the pattern.  My first thought was to omit the band, but then I thought I should really get freaky and keep the sleeve band.  The band is purely decorative in that it doesn't open, but it's a nice design element.

Fabric Used:
I bought this cotton-poly blend at G-Street Fabrics.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
The buttons on the sleeve band were not included in the original design.  The instructions called for a hand-stitched X on band.  I think on a solid color lightweight denim type fabric, that would look okay, but I really couldn't picture it on this blouse.

Conclusion:
I can see this blouse made slightly more dressy by using a solid silk fabric.  As much as I like camp shirts, I'm sure I'll make this again.

Pants BPF FW-2006 #402

These pants are from my Docker Knock-Off collection.  They are typical fly front side pocket pants to which I added welt pockets.

Pattern Sizing:

European 44 - 52

Were the instructions easy to follow? 

If I had a nickel for every pair of fly front side pocket pants I made, I could probably go on an long vacation.  I didn't need or use the instructions.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? 

I like this pattern because, with a few simple changes, it transforms into Docker-style pants.

Fabric Used: 

Cotton-poly blend twill

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: 

To get that authentic Docker look, I added single welt pockets to the back.  I was worried about putting a buttonhole directly on top of a dart, so I made a sample first.  There didn't seam to be any problems wit it.  I can't say enough about the welt pocket instructions in Pants for Real People.  I no longer fear the welt!

I extended the front yoke to the zipper extension.  This eliminates the unattached, flappy front pockets.  I don't remember a BurdaStyle pattern that included this extension.  I just have to remember to make the simple adjustment on every pair of pants.

Conclusion:

This pattern has definitely moved into the TNT category.  Now, I'm always on the lookout for twills in interesting or neutral colors to make more Docker Knock-offs.