Wednesday 24 February 2010

BWOF dress - finished!

And I’m pleased to say that I like it a lot. In fact, I really love this great pattern – it’s from Burda Magazine, November 2008, pattern no. 111. I love the pleats at the neckline and the waist. Here’s a picture

And here’s a reminder of the line drawing
I think this style lends itself well to being made up in two different fabrics. I used a silk charmeuse for the bodice, which means that it drapes nicely, and a wool crepe, which has more body, for the skirt. Both these fabrics were purchased from New York Elegant Fabrics during my visit there last November. If you’re thinking of making this pattern you can have quite a lot of fun going through your stash and coming up with some interesting fabric combinations – I’ve already got one or two ideas for making another one. And, of course, it would also look great made up in one fabric.

You will notice that I didn’t make the belt that goes with this pattern, mainly because I’m not a big fan of those thread loops that you have to sew on the dress to carry the belt. I don’t think I could manage making one that didn’t look nasty and I always think they look messy if you decide you don’t want to wear the belt. But, hey, that’s just my opinion – you probably make them much better than me!

This pattern is not very difficult to make – Burda give it an ‘easy to sew’ two dot rating and, as long as you feel up to darts, pleats and putting in a zipper, this would be well within the scope of an adventurous beginner. I did, however, make mine a little more complicated by putting in a full lining, which the pattern doesn’t give instructions for but, if you’ve made a dress lining before, it’s not too difficult. To deal with the bodice pleats I attached the bodice lining pieces to the neckline facing pieces, pleating the front lining in the same way that the outer fabric was pleated. I ditched the armhole facings and just sewed the lining up to the edges of the armholes. Here’s a peek inside the bodice

Now that’s completed, I’ve already got a couple of spring things cut out and ready to go. So, more soon …………

41 comments:

  1. Your dress looks great! Beautiful even on the inside. And the fit is perfect. All the work in altering it seems to have paid off.

    I like the different fabrics for the top and bottom. With the contrast between the two fabrics you don't really need a belt to accentuate your waist anyway.

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  2. Lovely dress and perfect on you.

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  3. Beautiful and it looks great in the contrasting fabrics! Nice work!

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  4. Beautiful dress- a very nice cut!

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  5. Your dress fits your beautifully and is very becoming. Enjoy wearing it. Gita/Gigi

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  6. Wow, beautiful dress! I really wish I had more time to sew now.... I miss it so much!

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  7. Gorgeous! I love it! The combinations of fabric is just perfect. Wonderful work.

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  8. Thank you for the compliment on my quilt block and also for visiting my blog. I hope that you'll visit again. Gita/Gigi

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  9. Very pretty! I love the two fabric idea and the lovely fit you achieved. I'm not a fan of those string loops either, but you could always wear the belt without them. Not that the dress needs it, though.

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  10. Lovely! I like the mix of fabrics.

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  11. Beautiful dress outside and in. I think it could go either way on the belt. It does look like a sharp dress.

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  12. I like the idea of using two fabrics on this one! Great dress.

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  13. This dress looks wonderful on you. I think you look really elegant!

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  14. What a great idea to use different fabrics. It somehow looks like it's enhancing the effect of the pleats. It turned out to be a very classy and stylish dress. Beautiful!
    Have fun with spring-sewing.

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  15. As always Eugenia you have made another gorgeous item . I really like this dress and what a good idea using two fabrics.

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  16. Wow, your amazing. I love this dress. I hope Im at a standard to be able to make it. Ive had my eye on it since I saw it.

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  17. A very pretty dress and flattering style on you.
    I like the different fabric option too.

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  18. Beautiful dress! I totally understand the no-belt decision (not being a fan of those thread loops either). Great fabric combination, too.

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  19. Ah the good old days of Burda! Great dress and I really like the 2 different fabrics you used. Thanks too for sharing the results of your pattern alterations.

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  20. This is definitely a great look for you and a very sexy number! I love the combo of the silky print with the wool crepe bottom. I'm hoping you'll be making this one a few more times. It's definitely a keeper!!!

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  21. Fabulous jacket! Throw on a black jacket in cool weather and you have a year around dress!

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  22. Your dresses always look RTW, how do you do it?! I adore the bodice fabric. Love the whole thing, actually!

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  23. It's a Perfect Dress!!! (ask me how I know... though mine's nowhere as exciting as yours). Bravo!!!

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  24. Great style on you. Love the fabric choice. Well done!

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  25. Very pretty dress, it looks great on you.

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  26. Awesome job!! It looks fabulous on you!

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  27. Stunning and the essence of good taste as ever. Your workmanship is outstanding. I'd love to see a black patent belt with this.

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  28. Gorgeous dress!!!Beautiful and elegant as usual.I like your style.

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  29. I love it, too. You did a beautiful job, and it looks gorgeous on you.

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  30. ooh that's really nice, I love it in two different fabrics like you've used...

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  31. Looks wonderful! That issue of BWOF is the only one I own so I am glad to see your interpretation of this dress, which is very familiar to me from the line drawing.

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  32. Love it! Looks excellent on you.

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  33. You did a beautiful job on this dress. I love it!!!

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  34. Gorgeous dress - I really like the combination of fabrics!!

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  35. Well done! I love it on you. Pleased you got the fabrics in my backyard.

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  36. Wow, another gorgeous looking dress! Love the use of two different fabrics.

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  37. Wow! How did I miss this sizzling dress??? You are a knockout in this (and anything you wear...). Beautiful work on this, and the inside looks also impeccable!

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  38. It's just lovely. I am LOVING your projects of late! Well done.

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  39. Great - the 2 fabrics is a great idea! That rounded neck with 2 pleats on either side is very big in the shop windows of Graz right now. Cheers! Evelyn

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