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january 2009 burda

is anyone willing to let me borrow this issue?

let me know

Bra or no bra for 07-2009-124b

Good question.

Well. I didn't wear one.

The funny thing is that I didn't even think about it until I got asked if I did, lol.

I think the back was to low on mines to wear a bra.

The top of the back pattern piece is about 3-4 inches above the waist, but as you can see it slopes from the side down, so its not one length straight across. Plus constant moving around will cause shifting and movement, the bra will show eventually.

What I will say is that, the wrap is very secure, even though I wore my knee length spanx, I totally secure, it didn't open out in the back at all.

I wore mines on sunday so I'll wash it out tonight and get my brother to take a photo of me in it tomorrow after work so you guys can see the back.

In other news.

I'm going to trace out  07-2009-111 today to aid to my stash slashing project.

and I leave you today with some more beautiful pieces from Chado Ralph Rucci: Resort 2010

 

 

 

 

burda july: halter wrap dress 07-2009-124b

Burda July: halter wrap dress

Well hopefully if you are seeing this I’m enjoying my 4^th in Brooklyn NY with the fam.

My copy of burda July issue came early so I was able to trace cut out and sew up this dress in on sitting.

So, the construction is very simple you won’t need the instructions just a quick read over. It wraps in the back one over the other and it ties through on the right like most wrap dresses.

Twin needles are important so don’t forget it, they actually say to use on in the instructions, surprisingly.

I could have add another inch to this dress but its long enough but anyone over 5’ 4 should add a couple inches if they like a true maxi dress length.

And that’s it.

 

There is a bunch of easy patterns in this issue and it could have been burda ”easy fashion” issue if they wanted in my opinion.

I wish dress 116 was regular, its sized for petites which was a total shock, what a rip off that was actually why I was lusting over this magazine since the previews, I don’t want to muslin this right now so maybe during the winter when I have cabin fever I will adjust to fit.

Progress on 05-2009-132

Its almost finished. I need to hem the lining and run a zig zag on the hem of the outer (chiffon) dress. It’s a lot of dress but it was easy to make and once everything is done I will post photos with some off the little details.

but I will leave you with the fabric I used, a crepe chiffon.

 

Resort 2010: Akris

ahhhh, Lets talk new fashion.

I slit up designer collection into two categories “fantasy frou-frou” and “real-life wearable”. I’m sure I don’t have to explain this to you.

 

A lot of collections are great eye candy but you won’t be caught death in half on it or you can’t begin to imagine how they made it so, oh well.

 

Akris, a design label that started off making aprons, is staying through to there mantra “high quality but undistinguished" ready-to-wear clothing.

 

This is the type of dress that makes me what to go through every Big 4 pattern, break out the French curve and tracing paper and get to work…. So timeless. The fabric makes the dress for sure.

 

 

Monochromatic, simple and made out of knit fabric. I’ve been pouring over this look all morning. It makes since for a simple 3 piece that can be used for a capsule or swap. For me, I will go do the shrug/cardigan shorter because of my proportions. I like how they went darker for the bottom, did you notice that? Very noteworthy.

 

A design feature that has been coming more into play as the months go by, a ruched sleeve and what I like to call “lazy tie ties” they just hang effortlessly, not particular function what so ever.

 

In jacket form, interesting.

 

Another style feature in this collection is the leather or leather look-a-like Bermuda shorts. I’m not a leather pants girl but a fabric that looks like leather, denim with sheen or something like that in

Bermuda

pants is not lost on me at all. I like it.

 

So if you a fabric junkie that is always looking for the next thing, leather look

Bermuda

shorts.

 

 

What is it? Some type of vest? Anyway, its very interesting, I wonder if there is a pattern that exist for this. It has that boho edge to it. I would make it in grey or black and where it with jeans with a white tank top. Love it

 

I can’t wait for these looks to get on net-a-porter so I can do some more snooping

 

 

burda 02-2009-123 Wrap top

My first encounter with Chiffon was a good experience.

(for design lines and picture see below post)

side view

back view

sleeve vent

this pattern is really simple, its all in the pattern drafting which looks really weird when you first see it. 

I didn't get how the collar was going to work out, because when I looked at the photo in the magazine it looks like the raw edge was out when you folded the collar down.

I tacked mines down at the neckline so it doesn't fold over to the point where you start seeing the shoulder seam underneath.

its so much better this way.

The other thing is the fact that I made my elastic the sleeve band shorter because the pattern recommendation was to big on my wrist.

I love this pattern and how it turned out. It very easy but time consuming because you have to zigzag the edges then make the narrow hem to the collar and hem. Its a time consuming when you are accustomed to using a serger that goes by really fast.

so there will be more chiffon because its not as problematic as I thought. 

It really breezy and even though I plan to wear with a capri pants or linen long pants I think it will be so nice as a beach cover up too.

My next project will be this maxi dress from the May issue of BURDA.

I have a few maxi style dresses I want to add to my closet for the summer and this is the first. I'm look at the dresses in the July issue also.

the model is sitting down so I hope its really long, I might just add a couple of inches in case. I can always cut it off. More later.

finished objects and stash diving

Simple summer sewing.

I've been sewing but I haven't really felt like I've been sewing alot. Grated, I've made so far:

7 tops and 2 bottoms in less than a month.

Why?

Because its lazy sewing, everything is so easy and no fitting with muslins, ahh, so good.

June burda love continues

So, the last time I checked in I told you about 06-2009-118 that was sitting on my sewing machine cut out but not sewn up.

Easy, the only thing I can say about this tunic is that I modified it only by leaving the slits open and not sewing the seams up. I love the "slit" feature in my tunics so I left mines open.

06-2009-103

I would never make a real "wrap skirt" only a mock version and I think, after making this one that burda did such a good job with this one. It fits like a pencil skirt with a wrap, that is the best way I can describe it until I get mom to take some photos when she get here. It has such a nice silhouette when you put it on.

This is the front as you can see its a full skirt. I added the fasteners as an additional closure

front and side view

The biggest thing about this skirt is that I finally used the fabric which I've had in stash for 3 yrs that I bought in Trinidad. I am so happy that I finally found something that really made use of the stripes of the fabric.

The pattern calls for TOPSTITCHING but I substitute that by using a stripe pattern fabric, laziness is good!

I love this skirt, oh, I'm going to have to force myself to not wear it more than twice a month.

One last FO, I promise.

New Prefall Simplicity 2554. View B

Absolutely love this top. It fits like the perfect cowl neck tee,, it that possible, yes, it is.

I am a huge fan of cowl neck sweaters so having a summer weight tee that has a cowl and flatter the arms is fabulous.

I did use a choice of curse words when I was doing the gathers but the result was well worth it. I didn't topstitch the gusset because I really didn't see the point. One again, laziness kicked in and I just blasted it with some steam and the seams and gusset laid flat.

I wore it with some ankle length black capris and black skinny belt when I was having my little Audrey Hepburn moment on Wednesday.

Next project.

I'm still stash diving. I was going through my burda magazines looking for chiffon dresses because I have a few pieces and I want to see what are my options without investing any money in the Big 4.

When I saw this top

Burda 02-2009-123

I love how lose and airy it looks on the model and right now I'm looking for garments strictly for going out.

I think I'm good with work clothes for now, so the next few projects will be for stepping out for the summer.

ohh, and the fabric

yes, summer indeed another piece from Trinidad that needs to be turned into a long lasting styled garment.

I have more ideas to through out there but I'm tired of typing so more later.

burda on under my needles.

Very very good weekend for sewing.

First the photos then the rambling.

Jalie and Burda 10-2008-126

Burda 06-2009-122 front view

Back view.

About the tunic, if you love tunics during the summer you got to make this, one of my coworkers told me she loved the arm detail so much it makes the waist look smaller. 

Got to love that right?

And it does, its so flattering I'm really happy with it. The constuction was easy to follow. everything went together by the book. its a great starter pattern.

I used 3 hidden style buttons to complete the look.

Pictured with the burda 10-2008-126 skirt is that jalie 2805 that I love. I will have to force myself to not use yellow for anything else for the rest of the summer, but once fall hits all bets are off.

The skirt was another easy sew. I wanted a simple pencil skirt to work as summer basic. 

I omitted the topstitched hem band at the bottom because I didn't want to adjust the pattern for length, total laziness here but I'm happy with the results. 

The pattern comes with lining instructions, which is good when you don't want to think about it. Plus I love the loops, so I can wear tops in and out with some cool belts.

and that is it for finished objects.

Progress Report:

06-2009-118 is still in progress, I got super motivated to start working on 06-2009-103 after I traced and cut it out, so the former got put on the back burner.

06-2009-103 was a dream to sew... yes, WAS. Once I started I couldn't stop, so I traced it out last night and its done already.

I traded in the stone colored fabric for a white on grey pinstripe that has been in my stash for 3 years and it was the perfect thing. 

I will talk a little more about it when I show you some more detail shots this weekend.

The new simplicity, pre-fall has made it to my Joanns in time for the sale this week. 

I picked up simplicity 2554 and 2560. 

I figured the easier my selection the more likely I will be to make it.

I cut out s2554 in black jersey this afternoon when I got home, View B and I got some orange jersey for view C. 

I want to get View B done by Sunday. 

I got some other projects on the mind so I'll post those later in the week. I've been going through the older burda magazine trying to figure out what I could use some of my stash to make. 

June Burda: so many easy options so little time

First, let me apologize before hand for the next sentence of excessive gloating. 

Please skip to your next blog if uncharacteristic un-call-for rejoicing become way to much for you.

Eh hem!

It was the only package I was expecting, so you know time stopped when I saw it had came as I opened the door to my apt.

Squeeee!

I had to dive into it, immediately and let me tell you, I am so, so freaking happy I got myself a copy of this magazine. For me, this is not an exaggeration because I am that excited about it.

Where do I start?

The layout is Great, very fresh and inspiring and correct me if I’m wrong, I didn’t see any designer articles in there, just how to’s right?

Interesting!

It seems like they are in full, all about the sewing only now. I love it.

I feel like we should have a version of a sewing magazine like that which is American based where you get patterns in one magazine a month instead of picking up each pattern. Not that I don’t like the single patterns but another option would be nice also.

But that is another post all together.

June Burda!!!

OMG, so many quick and easy, lots of 2 dot projects, which I love. There is nothing like simple projects to get a girl’s mojo going after a drought.

So everything I liked before I still have in mind to make but as for what’s going on now.

I traced (as soon as I got the issue)

2009-06-122

 

 

It’s a simple tunic, which I’m using some yellow poplin that has been living in the bottom of my stash forever, to make.

I’m in a really bright mood right now and yellow, orange and hot pink is my favorite colors at the moment.

It was a quick sew and its already done. Photos will follow in the next post

Next thing will be:

 

2009-06-118

 

 

I used a pink, orange and white cotton for this. I decided to hold off on the other version 2009-06-119. Which is the same pattern but with the addition of the frill. I'm still contemplating weather a mandarin style collar will be better and not a standing one. This is what is on my machine right now so photos will follow soon too.

 

2009-06-103

 

I was going for a black denim look but then I changed my mine, I wanted a light grey skirt for the summer. I couldn’t find anything in a solid texture so I opted for a stone grey block textured twill. This is a mock wrap so it should be interesting to make.

I don’t plan on making this by the end of the weekend but cutting it out on Sunday afternoon is a good aim for me right now

 

2008-10-126

 

Is completed. I omitted the band because I didn’t adjust for length and it would have made the skirt way to long for me.

I also made another Yellow Jalie 2805 top- I told you I'm feeling "bright right now" 

And that is about it.

 Next post will be some finished garments, shopping for the summer and my pre fall simplicity favorites.

 

 

 

shh, don't tell anyone

but I have proof that I have been sewing.

All weekend long.

From last week, jalie 2805

I made this out of one of Joann's designer knits. The print is just okay but I love the color combo, the pink is a true hot pink and the yellow is that rich sunflower yellow that summer is all about. 

Yesterday, I needed a break from the BWOF skirt, more on this later. So made one of the New Look tops 6807 view A.

The neckline is low and the sizing is huge, I made a 10 and I could have made an 8 and these are way smaller than my breast size, I guess New Look does run really big for sizing.

This morning, I made version B after my coffee run at 7 am.

The first one I modified the back and removed the tie back, but this one I added it and I think it sags a little, of course I'm still going to wear it because some faults can be seen as a fashion but I will be omitting it going forward.

They all fit good enough, a little excess in the back but nothing that don't happen if it was a RTW knit top so I'm not having a nervous breakdown. 1'm not getting "fit happy" as yet, Goodness knows I want to continue sewing not fitting ways to get frustrated.

So you probably see a few more knit tops, I'm still looking for patterns that is worth trying. The February burda has a simple boatneck that is worth making in a few colors.

Back to my skirt because when my June 2009 get here, I want to be ready..

One of the great things about taking a hiatus from sewing is re-discovering your STASH.

 

I mean, WOW.

 

Now I know why I was such a sewing fanatic, Fabric is GOOD.

 

Yesterday after a less than incredible day at the office and an even less fulfilling jog on the treadmill, I found myself diving into bags of STASH in the closet.

 

The overwhelming Joy that came over me to see my “friends” again is indescribable.

 

I pulled out yard after yard of knits, wovens and even interfacing.

 

I hugged and caressed them so sincerely.

 

Let’s just say, “ I had a really good rump in the… stash”

 

Hmmmm…

 

You know, people would think I was going crazy but I know you guys would understand.

 

Words like

 

“Ahhh”

“Oh my God”

“squeeeeeee”

“Awwww”

“this is still so cute”

“Okayyyyyy”

“Mine, mine, mine”

“What did I buy this for”

“you are way to nice to cut, back in the bag for you”

“LOVE”

“You are so soft”

“I love you so much”

“you are good enough to steal”

“you are probably why I’m broke right now, tee hee”

 

I was so freaking happy, it’s like they were saying “remember us; we are ready when you are”.

 

And I am definiately ready.

 

In other news

 

From yesterdays in ode to June Burda, if you can recall I said I had re-sub’d just because I really wanted the June issue.

 

How about!

 

I got an email from GLP News yesterday saying that the June issue is SOLD OUT.

 

UGH……

 

You can’t win for losing; let me tell you, I want that issue even more now.

 

I was even at Joanns yesterday gawking at the most suitable tan cotton twill for 2006-06-104 even though, my heart was crushed from the sad news.

 

Luckily for me, Melody of Fashionista Fabrics was so kind to help out, in more ways that one.

 

So I have to shout you out Melody, “Good on yuh”, and I’m so happy store owners are bloggers too, believe me.

 

Now I really,, really have to use that issue, No excuses.

 

As I wrote before I want some summer skirts and because my focus is on that, separates is ALL I SEE.

 

As you guys know, I love sewing dresses but you can totally “play out a dress especially if the print is stunning”.

 

I love them so much, I feel like I’ve been squeezing the life out of them and I’m starting to look like a “Re run of the

Crosby

’s”.

 

I need tops to and I’ve been looking at NL 6807, which is NOT in my pattern stash.

 

I figure if I can sew a top after work while watching some tv I won’t feel bad for not getting any major sewing done at the end of the week.

 

Before I go

 

 

This skirt is very chic and I wish I could wrap my head around how to add zippers to a basic skirt pattern because I would wear this to death- D-E-A-T-H.

 

And seriously….

 

When are people going to wake up and realize that these are NOT FLATTERING. Sheeeeshh!