27 Apr Twist and Shout
I planned on publishing a post with F O U R garments and here I am with O N E. …….. and it looks really easy doesn’t it? Well, it wasn’t.
I’m determined to master sewing casual clothes, but mistakenly I’ve confused
c a s u a l with e a s y .
After thumbing through a J Crew catalogue, I ordered four fabulous knits from Mood Fabrics’ enormous collection with the plan of making four garments for casual wear.
This was originally to be my Farmer’s Market dress; my toss-on dress for weekend errands.
I searched for a casual dress pattern, designed for knits which had interesting construction detail and found this Burda pattern. No reviews were available but it was so cute I was willing to take a chance and write the first review on PR.
It’s just my second Burda pattern to sew but who would have thought the pattern would have tied me in knots?
I should have sent out an S.O.S. to all of the Burda fans out there because there were issues, most of which occurred in the bodice.
I’ll post more about it on Pattern Review.
While I love the lines and fit of the pattern, the construction resulted in unnecessary bulk sewing through 5 and 6 layers of fabric in several places throughout the dress.
After twisting, turning and manipulating the multiple layers without really understanding what I was doing, it all came together transforming my lovely jersey fabric into a garment that will serve me well during the hot, humid days ahead.
I also believe it will pass muster beyond the Farmer’s Market and dry cleaners 🙂
As far as my remaining three fabrics……. I have two more left to sew and plan to feature all three in the next post.
I never dreamed I would be more comfortable sewing special occasion clothes over casual ones but I vow to be equally comfortable with both one of these days! In the meantime I’ve chalked up another example of ‘looks can be deceiving’.
Until Soon!
Becky
Posted at 09:49h, 27 AprilOh, sorry that this gave you a fit, but it is so cute and flattering. I love it! It’s a great style for you, and it does look cool enough to withstand a southern summer. Will you make it again?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:39h, 28 AprilThank you, Becky! I’d like to make it again with modifications 🙂
jancrews
Posted at 09:51h, 27 AprilI made a similar dress two summers ago to wear to a wedding. Sewed it up first in a less expensive knit before buying expensive yardage. When complete – after strugglig with all the tucking amd turning on the bodice – I tried it on and realized I looked about seven months pregnant (at age 60+, not a good look)! Threw the pattern in the trash and ripped the dress up to make a t-shirt!
Yours looks great!
I recommend the great top and pant pattern that Marcy and Katherine Tilton are designing for Vogue. See my blog for some real-world pictures.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:44h, 28 AprilHi Jan! I own a few Marcy and Katherine Tilton patterns but have yet to give them a try. Many thanks for writing – love your blog! 🙂
Myra
Posted at 10:02h, 27 AprilOMG…huge KUDOS to you my dear, you pulled off one gorgeous dress despite your challenges with the Burda pattern! I’d consider you advanced level after this big WIN! I love this look so much, I may try the pattern. (After reading your pattern review of course!)
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:53h, 28 AprilThank you, Myra for such a nice comment! If you can come up with some good modifications let me know! I’m thinking through what changes to make because I would like to make it again 🙂
boutis
Posted at 10:20h, 27 AprilThank you for going for casual clothes. Some of us do not need a lot of formal clothes and while they are so much fun to sew they don’t offer as much use. This dress is adorable and I think you will get a lot of use from it. Practicality is a good thing and who says it can’t be beautiful too.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:54h, 28 AprilMany thanks Boutis! I like your thinking 🙂
Nancy Terrell-Rosenberg
Posted at 10:46h, 27 AprilSo true, my first love is tailoring, I find it much easier to pad stitch a lapel than figure out some “simple” knit dress patterns!!
_____
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:55h, 28 AprilMy goodness – I never dreamed it would be so time consuming! Many thanks for writing, Nancy 🙂
Elise Lin
Posted at 10:50h, 27 AprilThat’s a cute and elegant dress, and a great colour! I’m not so good with Burda instructions. My mother told me she used the instructions more or less as a guideline in which order a garment was to be constructed. Those flowers are so pretty, do you know what they are?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:57h, 28 AprilThank you, Elise! The flowers are on an azalea – a shrub that thrives in South Carolina.
Elise Lin
Posted at 01:31h, 02 MayThanks! The only azalea’s I knew are the small ones, this one is gigantic! I wish we had those over here too.
Ann-Britt Uhrbom
Posted at 11:14h, 27 AprilIn Sweden we have a proverb that says “simple things are difficult things” – it seems that it´s true. In all cases, there was a really cute and nice dress for every day. Good luck with the other casual garments!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:58h, 28 AprilThank you, Ann-Britt! The proverb is so true!
365 Creative Dresses
Posted at 11:28h, 27 AprilI’ve been looking at these twist tops and wondering how they were constructed. After you write your review, I might give it a try as well.
Jeannie
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:00h, 28 AprilHi Jeanine! I posted the review last night. I’ve been thinking about how to redo this pattern all day and believe the best way is to line the bodice and eliminate the pleat.
Art Attack
Posted at 12:16h, 27 AprilListen, these twist top things are notorious for screwing with the 2 sides of your brain. I made B4789 probably 6 times and not sure it ever became rote. This is adorable on you and will be the perfect summer throw on for running around in style! Quick…make another one before your left brain takes over! ;D
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:01h, 28 AprilThank you, Dorcas. I just had to trust the instructions for the twist top but the rest of the construction was strange……. However, I love this cute pattern and will figure it out for sure 🙂
Cathy Wise Fowler
Posted at 12:33h, 27 AprilI echo the sentiments about how cute the dress is but I feel your pain on the bodice struggle. I made my first Burda pattern last summer and it had a twist bodice as well. The instructions left a lot to be desired even for a proficient sewer. I like yours better though.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:02h, 28 AprilMany thanks for writing Cathy. Goodness…… I was in no man’s land for a couple of days with this thing but I’m ready to figure out a better way because I do like the dress 🙂
myrosesindecember
Posted at 12:38h, 27 AprilFor being a go-to easy dress, this one is elegant and breezy. I think in a jersey it could even be a dressy dress. You wear it well and give it great polish with your accessories. Just perfect.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:03h, 28 AprilMany thanks! What kind of jersey would you suggest. I used cotton jersey but am thinking rayon or silk might be a better choice 🙂
myrosesindecember
Posted at 13:45h, 28 AprilYes, I think a rayon and silk would make it perfect as a dressier version,. Beautiful job!
Laura
Posted at 12:41h, 27 AprilLove the dress, it was worth the effort….love to wear dresses in the summertime!
Laura
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:05h, 28 AprilHi Laura and thanks for writing! I too love summer dresses – the ultimate antidote to hot humid days 🙂
Peggy Lobello
Posted at 13:53h, 27 AprilFabulous as usual. I have an obsession with knits and find th tricky at times. I’ll look forward to learning from your efforts.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:06h, 28 AprilThank you, Peggy! Please pass along your knit tips and tricks 🙂
Deborah
Posted at 15:06h, 27 AprilWell, despite the challenge….the dress looks wonderful and perfect for what you are wanting it for. My first Burda pattern was for my daughter’s wedding dress. Let me tell ya….it was something! And I have been sewing for years! Not a great way to start with Burda. lol I have two more Burda patterns sitting in my room waiting for me……I must admit, I think the first time left me a little weary. Although this time I will not have a wedding pressing……
Fantastic job as always!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:08h, 28 AprilUmmmm……….. I suddenly realized it could be worse 🙂 🙂 A Burda wedding dress would push me over the edge. Many thanks for your comment, Deborah!
Petra
Posted at 15:09h, 27 AprilCute style, would have been better with the little cap sleeve. Would have been a bit more flattering I think. The fabric doesn’t do very much for the style. As you say all those thicknesses in certain detail areas would be a problem to get just just right. The two tone dress on the pattern cover – with more flowing printed fabric in the skirt with a coordinating/contrasting top would make a very nice bright summer dress.
The fabric choosen would have looked better in a T-shirt top I think.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:10h, 28 AprilThanks for all of your good ideas, Petra 🙂
carolinascallin
Posted at 15:57h, 27 AprilGreat job! I’ve seen those ‘twisty front’ patterns and wondered how on earth you’d sew one of those. I think casual clothing can be more of a challenge to get right…it’s so simple that it doesn’t leave much room for poor fabric choices or sewing errors, in my opinion.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:12h, 28 AprilAmen, Cheryl! I love Leonardo di Vinci’s comment – Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication 🙂
jjc
Posted at 20:24h, 27 AprilI think it looks very nice. I am Interested in finding out how to do that bodice. Great job.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:16h, 28 AprilThank you! The outer twisty layer is attached to the inner traditional bodice at the front armholes, right sides together and flipped. Then it is all sewn to the skirt. ( I’ve left out the self-doubting, headaches and angst that accompany these seemingly simple steps ) 🙂
jillybe
Posted at 20:31h, 27 AprilNo one makes the casual and simple (appearing) dress look as elegant as you do! Just beautiful 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:17h, 28 AprilHi Jilly! Thank you but I believe you are light years ahead of me on the casual and simple scene 🙂 🙂
Sharon
Posted at 21:28h, 27 AprilLove your simple and casual dress and now I need to see if this pattern is in one of the many Burda Magazines I have.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:18h, 28 AprilThank you, Sharon! You could do wonders with this pattern!
Heathersphere
Posted at 22:39h, 27 AprilDelightfully and delectably gorgeous!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:19h, 28 AprilThank you so much, Heather!
Calico Stretch
Posted at 01:51h, 28 AprilOh no about the multiple layers but it worked out really well and looks lovely. Can you simplify the pattern or is it just one to wrestle with if a remake is on the cards?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:20h, 28 AprilI think I’m going to make another out of a woven, then line the upper bodice and add a back zipper. What do you think? 🙂
Calico Stretch
Posted at 15:17h, 28 AprilDefinitely …. it will be good to hear how you get on with the layers too. I do love the lines of this dress on you.
Irene
Posted at 01:58h, 28 AprilYou look wonderful! Whatever problems you had, certainly don’t show in the final result.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:25h, 28 AprilThanks, Irene! A big smile can camouflage those unsightly elements 🙂
Jacqui
Posted at 05:57h, 28 AprilCute dress but I understand about the bodice, as I made a similar pattern from Burda. Mine did not turn out as well as yours!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:25h, 28 AprilHi Jacqui! Will you try your pattern again? Thanks for writing!
prttynpnk
Posted at 07:21h, 28 AprilPhew- sometimes I feel like I’m the only one wandering in a sea of Burda confusion. I think their instructions are often more sphinxy than helpful. Your dress is adorable- you beat Burda!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:26h, 28 AprilMany thanks, Anne! I might have won but it was an ugly fight 🙂 I’ve got a few ideas for the next go around 🙂
Cindy
Posted at 10:13h, 28 AprilCongratulations on another beautiful and flattering garment! I love that you chose a pattern with interesting lines, so that even a dress intended for eveyday wear could step up to an occasion if necessary. This is an utterly sweet dress, and the color looks lovely on you. Beautifully done!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:27h, 28 AprilMany thanks for this sweet comment, Cindy!
gingermakes
Posted at 10:36h, 28 AprilThis is so cute! I love the color on you, and as always, you’ve made a dress that is incredibly flattering and special!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:27h, 28 AprilThank you, Gingermakes! I gave it my best shot 🙂
Karen
Posted at 10:45h, 28 AprilI am not a fan of sewing knits, so I’m impressed with your willingness to sew so many of them!! I am sure you will be the best-dressed customer at the Farmers’ Market!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:28h, 28 AprilLOL! Thank you, Karen. I’m sure the other customers didn’t go through the agony I did 🙂
missmarys
Posted at 11:26h, 28 AprilLove this. I’ll have to find a place to purchase burda patterns.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:29h, 28 AprilThank you! Burda patterns can be ordered from the Simplicity website.
missmarys
Posted at 10:56h, 20 MayI did purchase the pattern but I’m a little concerned that it says Miss petite all over the pattern pieces. It shows on the info that it’s made for 63″ or 5’3″ person. I’m just wondering if 63 is average and then I have to adjust for height. I’ll have to adjust to an 18 but I know how to do that.
carole
Posted at 13:44h, 28 AprilYour dress looks beautiful and it’s very useful. After sewing all sorts of dresses last year and still having *nothing to wear* I took a good hard look at what I actually wear every day. I want to do a complete RTW fast but was having a hard time. Then I discovered Jalie patterns and haven’t looked back. I needed lots and lots of nice, simple, jersey tops to match my handmade skirts and now I’m making my children lots of knit tops too from the SAME patterns. So worth the money and exactly the clothes I like to wear.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 22:06h, 30 AprilThank you for writing, Carole! I’ve heard lots of great comments about Jalie patterns and must try one soon! Good luck with your RTW Fast!
Tia Dia
Posted at 14:21h, 28 AprilFirst, I just want to say that I really like your dress. It’s pretty and flattering and was worth all that extra work. Second, I am totally with you on sewing casual clothes. Most of my sewing is dressier, work or special occasion clothing because it makes more economic sense than sewing up a T-shirt or a jersey dress (unless it’s a DVF, which is very worth making). I have only recently dived into the making of casual knitwear, mostly because I have a fitting challenge through the bust (and I have a strong dislike of making an immodest dress “modest” by layering a tank underneath. I think the dress should fit!!). I have been happy with a couple of Burda magazine T-shirt patterns that I’ve made and remade, but I hear you. Sewing casual wear is time-consuming, and I think that’s why I stick to the TNT’s over and over again.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 22:09h, 30 AprilSo nice to hear from you, Tia Dia! Many thanks for the comment – I suppose I’m looking for TNT casual patterns and just haven’t sewn long enough to have a collection yet 😉
Maddie
Posted at 15:13h, 28 AprilEven though the construction was difficult, at least you stuck through it. Do you know how’s by seamstresses would have given up when things first went awry? I give you and your dress two thumbs up for that 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 22:11h, 30 AprilThank you, Maddie. I was in no man’s land for a while! 😉 The dress is so cute I want to make it again but must find a better way to construct!
Pauline Droy
Posted at 15:26h, 28 AprilIt is often the case that what may appear to be simple, can be the most difficult. Great looking dress.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 22:11h, 30 AprilMany thanks Pauline!
Jan
Posted at 17:02h, 28 AprilWell, it turned out great! I admire your perseverance! Do you have a serger?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 22:13h, 30 AprilThanks, Jan! I do have a serger and I only used it on this pattern to finish the seams which were pressed open. Next time I’ll do it differently.
The Renegade Seamstress
Posted at 21:20h, 28 AprilI’m always amazed at how sometimes the most simple looking projects take the most thought and effort. This turned out really nice!
Beth
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 22:15h, 30 AprilThank you, Beth! What bothered me most was not the complication as much as the construction method.
Thimble & Cork
Posted at 21:39h, 28 AprilThis is beautiful! Sorry it was so frustrating but it turned out perfectly.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 22:15h, 30 AprilMany thanks!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 22:16h, 30 AprilMany thanks for the comment!
Julie Starr
Posted at 16:15h, 29 AprilOoooo…I love all four of your Mood knits! They will make some terrific summer dresses for certain. This one is adorable-it definitely looks worth the trouble. What a beautiful backdrop your azaleas make- you look stunning! Regarding the numerous comments expressing frustration with Burda, I find myself enjoying seeking out independent patterns more and more lately because of all the great support and information you can find about them on the internet. I agree with you about getting stuck in the “too formal” sewing trap…dressy things really do give me more of a sense of accomplishment than casual sewing but I’m starting to really enjoy having things I can wear on a daily basis rather than just for special occasions. Can’t wait to see what you choose for your other yummy colored knits!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 22:18h, 30 AprilThank you, Julie! You’ve made some fabulous casual clothes lately! Knits are just not easy for me – more reason to keep at it I guess!
McCalls 6694 dress: now you see it, now you don’t. | sewmanju
Posted at 16:20h, 29 April[…] 6694. A relatively simple, casual dress. But, as Sarah from Goodbye Valentino wrote in her most recent post, don’t confuse casual with […]
Michelle
Posted at 00:16h, 02 MayI am a Burda fan in that I buy the magazine nearly every month. I usually love at least two or three designs in each months edition which makes the 5€ purchase worthwhile. But the directions!!! Oh my do they often leave something to be desired! Sorry to hear if your challenges, but the dress came out fabulous and the fabric is stunning.
Lynne
Posted at 14:08h, 02 MayCute dress…but oh, those Burda patterns! Sometimes they can really be stinkers! And yet I am drawn to them….
Nay
Posted at 19:57h, 14 MayLooks great! I’ve used a few Burda patterns before and found the instructions quite lacking – probably the worse of all the brands I’ve used. Most I find patterns much like recipes books, rough guideline only lol…and people say that men are bad!