Sunday, November 21, 2010

Hanging out in Burda Land

First off I want to thank all of you who left me comments on my costume in my last post. I am so proud of how it turned out. Since I was on a roll with the sewing, and I was, because not only did I make a costume for myself, but I also pumped one out for a co-worker's daughter in literally 3 days. I was crazy because I still had to make mine and only had 3 1/2 days to do it. I was tired after the fact, but it was well worth it seeing the end result.

In other sewing news, I've been wanting to work on a few new pieces for work, with an emphasis on pants, since I tend to wear them a lot during the winter months. Now I know that a lot of you have been working with Simplicity 2700, and I have that pattern in my stash as well, but a few months ago, I traced out my first pair of Burda pants. Now normally, when I work with the Big 4s I have to lengthen my pants by 2 to 4 inches depending on whether I like to wear heels with them. When I made the Dietrich pants, I noticed I didn't have to lengthen anything at all, and the fit was spot on. I could sew straight from the pattern with minimal or no alterations at all. With that in mind, about a week and a half ago I traced out BWOF 10/2008-132, the pants designed exclusively for Burda by Claudia Strater.



To be on the safe side I added an inch to the length, but in trying them on, I didn't really need to. In hemming the pants I took the more traditional way and did it by hand, using a blind hem stitch. I wanted a more professional look.
I contemplated edging the facing with bias tape to give it a more finished/polished look even though I'd already serged it. I so glad I finally did it. It gives the inside of the pants a more tailored look. I also used the interfacing that I purchased from Pam. Now I know what you all were talking about. THANK YOU!!!

I can tell you now, that I see more of these in my future. I loved how they turned out.

Since I was on a roll with Burda, and I genuinely love the fit, I next cut out BWOF 9/2010-121, the turtleneck pullover.

Karen had made a few and I loved them. I had a chocolate brown remnant that I picked up from Joanns about a month ago. I only had a yard, but I figured it was be nice to try this pattern out. The fabric was a tad short for making long sleeves but I was able to make the blouse with an elbow length sleeve. This was another winner from Burda. I loved that it only took me about an hour to make it once it was cut out. I loved it so much, that I went back to Joanns and purchased more fabric for a few more. I completed the leopard print one you see above to go with the Claudia Strater pants I made. There are definitely more of these in my future as well. This is #3 to the TNT pattern pile.

Now, since I have a blouse and a pair of pants made, you know I have to make a jacket to go with it. I liked the blazer that goes with the pants in the design, but I was looking for a different look. Right now I'm looking at BWOF8/2010-114 which is from the tribute to Jackie Kennedy. I think I have just enough fabric left over to pull this one off. Wish me luck. I'm hoping to trace it out in the next few days, or next weekend. I also have a few other tops in mind from the BWOF 9/2010 issue. #109 and #114. My fabric is washed, I only need to trace the patterns out. I don't know, I think I'm starting to like hanging out in Burda land.

In knitting news, I finished up a test knitting project for Knit Picks last month, and they sent me another one which I am currently working on right now. Sorry I can't show them yet, but I have to wait until they are published in their catalogs. I can tell you this much, I love both patterns and plan to make them for myself.

I'm also working on a hat and scarf set for a co-worker's daughter. Both the hat and the scarf are finished. I just need to weave in the ends and put some finishing touches to it. I am pretty pleased with how they turned out. I will show pics later on in the week after I get it completed.

I hope you all have had a very crafty weekend.

14 comments:

Lisette M said...

You have been on a roll and have been keeping it to yourself!
I love, love the pants. The peacock costume is adorable! I think the jacket will go perfect with the pants. How exciting about the Knit Picks patterns, can't wait to see them!

Adelaide B said...

I love those pants! I'm dubious about making my own pants, but I know I should jump in sooner or later. Thanks for the inspiration!

Michelle said...

Those pants are fantastic!!! And I love that turtleneck pattern, I just finished my second one.

Sheila said...

The ensemble looks great and glad you are enjoying Burda Land.

Alethia said...

I LOVE those pants, they are right up my alley! And, you're right, the binding gives them a more tailored look. I love your printed top as well, my style! :)

Angela said...

Very nice wardrobe pieces!!

The Slapdash Sewist said...

So many great pieces here! You are going into the season in style.

Joyce in NC said...

Great looking pieces to add to your wardrobe.

Monique said...

Wow! Beautiful job!

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

Wow! You got a lot of things made! The pants are awesome and you should definitely make them again. I love the bias tape finish. It really steps up your sewing game!

Anonymous said...

The fit of your pants is fantastic. And what beautiful finishing.

Adrienne said...

You've been busy! Those pants look great!

Clio said...

The pants are GREAT!! I've been making Simplicity 2700 with LOTS of alterations, but am thinking of giving Burda a try, too.

SEWN said...

Man, you've been busy! So glad you had success with the Burda turtleneck. Your pants look amazing!

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