Finished: Top Cutting Line 12269 & Capris Burda 7669

Top: Cutting Line 12269

I've always liked Louise Cutting's demos.  I own volumes 1 - 4 of her DVD series and I expect to get volume 5 when it becomes available.  So it was only natural that I sew one of her patterns.

Pattern Description: 
From the pattern envelope:  "Watching the sunset is a cherished ritual for Anna Maria in her updated camp shirt and ankle-length cropped panel pants with side pockets.  It only takes about three minutes for the sun to disappear after it touches the horizon but it always inspires spontaneous applause."  
You gotta love Cutting Line Designs patterns.  A basic pattern description is embedded in an evocative passage!  You can sew a blouse plus you have the seeds for a creative writing exercise!  (Anna Maria walked down the pier, away from the sea and remembered Ramon ………)

Pattern Sizing:
XS to XL (bust measurements:  XS 30"- 32"  XL 45" - 48")  The pattern runs a little large in my opinion.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
The instructions incorporated many of the techniques Louise Cutting demonstrated in the DVDs and TV appearances.  She advocates eliminating the bulk from the front of a collar by moving the seam to the back of the under collar. The technique is easier to carry out than to describe here and other experts have used it.  It works very well!  This technique is included in her directions and the necessary pattern changes are already done.  She also advocates the use of lots of Steam-a-Seam.  I didn't find it necessary to use that product where Cutting suggests. The instructions are very clear and well illustrated.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

Lonely dart on the pattern sheet

Who doesn't love a good camp shirt?  This shirt runs a little large, though.  Front and back darts are an option.  I chose not to include them, but I will next time.  Rather than print the darts on the front and back pattern pieces, just the poor little lonely dart is on the pattern sheet.  That allows the sewer to measure her body and place the darts where needed.  A great idea and instructions for this process are given, but I was too lazy to go through with it.

Fabric Used:
Cotton.  I took a field trip to Sinking Spring, PA and visited the brick and mortar Fabric Mart, where I purchased this fabric and the fabric for the coordinating pants.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I sewed this blouse straight out of the envelope.  It could use a little adjusting.

Would you sew it again?
I would definitely sew this pattern again, but with some major changes.  it definitely needs the darts, if not a smaller size.


Conclusion: 

I like the Cutting Line Designs.  The are fashionable, a little different and appropriate for a woman of my age.  I'm sure I'll be purchasing more.

Capris: Burda 7669

Pattern Description: 

Fly front capris with a hem band and slit.

Pattern Sizing:

Plus size - 44 - 60 (European)

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Burda envelope patterns generally have easier and clearer instructions than the magazine patterns.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I like the hem band detail, which, of course, barely shows on the garments.  The hem band has a slit on the side.

Fabric Used:

Seersucker with a little lycra

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I made both the long and capri versions of these pants some time ago.  At the time, the thighs were a little tight.  This time I added an inch to the thighs using pivot and slide.  I also made minor changes to the belt loops. I lengthened them and moved the top of the loop to the top of the waist band rather than have them float in the meddle of the waistband.

Conclusion: 

I give this outfit a C.    If I were on Project Runway, Heidi would tell me my outfit made her "sad".  Michael would say something catty and mean and Nina would be just plain mean.  Good thing I'm not on Project Runway.  The complete outfit is not what I visualized.  This was meant to be an outfit for my cruise, but it's just not colorful enough for the Caribbean.   I'll probably end up wearing the capris with a different top.