Tuesday, March 24, 2015

February calendar dress - the bimbo

My February calendar is finally given a public viewing!  I'm calling February the "Bimbo".  Burda 09/2014 122 is attractive, but  essentially stupid.

The balanced ledger looks like this.  Credits: great flounced inset at the front and a longer hemline at the back; interesting design lines that shape the bust and waistlines beautifully; a blank canvas for jewellery.  Debits: flawed drafting of the armscye that left just enough room for a twig prior to adjustment- note the photo of the model!!; poor fabric choice - the synthetic crepe wrinkles badly when sitting and needs a great deal of ironing even after drip drying.  Not a practical dress by any measure.

I won't be making this dress again, but if I did I'd consider underlining for more stability on the curved seams.  I'd also shorten it - I was a little fazed by the different pattern pieces that required adjustment and left it as it was.  Mid calf is elegant but the shorter magazine version is funkier.

On the other hand, March is almost done and I am over the moon with the result.  Pictures as soon as the hems are completed.

Meanwhile, happy sewing!

10 comments:

  1. This dress does look really good on you.

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  2. Flattering, good looking dress.

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  3. I went to Burda Style to see the pattern for this and while it calls for lining I can see the back hem from the front and it isn't lined. How far down does the lining go?

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  4. The lining only goes to the waist. Another odd quirk of the pattern. I choose to fully line mine.

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  5. Bimbo dress he he! I prefer your longer elegant length, actually. You might not make this dress again, but this one looks so good I'm sure you'll keep on wearing it (ironing pile aside).

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  6. I think it looks quite good on you but the wearing and cleaning routine would definitely make it more trouble if you are not in love with.

    Having seen a sneak peak of March it is going to be amazing!

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  7. Ooo, I have this pattern and am looking forward to making a wintery version for myself; thanks for the warnings re armscye :) Despite your reservations this looks very chic on you, tres elegant in fact. One of those versatile dresses that can go from the office to dinner and look great for both situations :)

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  8. I have this pattern high on my make list in a similar fabric so your post is very well timed. Despite your misgivings, I think it looks great on you.

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  9. Great photo of you and the dress! I remember this pattern -- I thought the lines were really interesting. Looking forward to the March dress!

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  10. Too bad about the fabric issue. I love this pattern and it is gorgeous on you.

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