Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Intermediate? Maybe, but Burda Newbie

Hello Readers,

I guess everyone is preparing for the New Year - I've still had trouble finding time for sewing.  I changed my rating on Pattern Review to Intermediate, one step up from Advanced Beginner.    I'm now doubting that.  I've joined the Burda Pants Sew-Along from The Cupcake Goddess.  However, it has been an uphill slope:

First, what have I signed up for?


Second, I finally used highlighter to mark the pieces, but realized there is a pattern piece number 2 black, number 2 yellow, number 2 green. Oops.  Mine are pieces 1 - 5 black.  I then used a black sharpie (not the recommended method to show the correct pieces). 

This is a tall pattern, hurray!  Perfect, seemingly, for me.  And I plan to trace it out  -  any tips from anyone? I've never cut out a Burda.  According to the sew along - we're using 1" seam allowances generally and 5/8 SA for the crotch seam. . .  again, any tips are appreciated. . . 


Finally, I'm finishing up my second Vogue dress and I wanted to post what I did to alter the pattern for the lower bust (on princess seams). On my initial muslin - it appeared the bust point was too high by just over an inch.

I used the method from FFRP (Fit for Real People) - and it worked liked a charm.  Initially I tried to "cheat" and lengthen the shoulder seam (not good).   The FFRP method resulted in an accurate and precise bustline on the princess seamed bodice.

Here I cut out and moved down the bodice point. I lowered it the corresponding distance (just over 1") and drew in the new seamlines.


Accordingly, I did the same below on the corresponding piece.

What I don't show is that I actually had to alter the horizontal bustpoint to give more room from bust point to bust point.  I was wider by 2".   I don't have pictures to show that adjustment however, but I did so by adding to the center princess seam pieces and subtracting from the side center seam pieces.

I hope to post the dress before this Holiday is over!! But with the way things are going I give that prediction a 50/50...

5 comments:

Eugenia said...

I definitely think you deserve a promotion to Intermediate. Good luck with the Burda pattern - tracing is very annoying but once you get the hang of it, it does get a bit easier!

Mary Beth said...

Oh my gosh! I have made a few wedding dresses, tailored one jacket, and made many of my own clothes as well as for others. After seeing that pattern, I now realize I am a beginner sewer and need to go back to See and Sew patterns.

Pam said...

Eugenia - thanks for your confidence:) MB - Wow!! You are experienced - but that Burda Magazine pattern is a shocker, isn't it!

Ashley said...

Wow, looking at all those lines makes me dizzy! ;) Is your pattern from the magazine? I downloaded mine and the drawing seems easier to understand, but the instructions are terrible!

I'm having a bit of anxiety on this project also. This is my first Burda too and I'm so glad this will be a group effort!

Dr. Fun (AKA Sister) said...

Ooh, I did a Burda blouse and it nearly killed me. I traced with wax paper for the first time ever - such a huge pain! And the instructions were very confusing, but I muddled through using reviews on PR and actually loved the shirt so much I made another. Good luck with this one!