Burda 12-2007-106

In the week since finishing the Flap Dress, I also finished this dress:
I reached all the way back to the December 2007 issue for this one, back when Burda Style was Burda World of Fashion.

This is dress #106, with the sleeves from #107.

I used a royal blue ponte knit (my new favorite fabric.) I wanted something easy fitting and comfortable and I thought this design would lend itself well to a heavy knit.

I cut a 42 from shoulder to hip and a 44 from the hip down. It worked out just right with the knit fabric. I added my usual adjustments- one extra inch of length at the waist, and a 3/8" petite adjustment above the bust.

This is an insanely easy dress to put together, especially since I used a knit. I didn't have to put in a zipper and the curved seams were a snap since the fabric eases so well.

I didn't even look at the instructions. I mean, really- there are three vertical seams in front, three in back, add the sleeve pieces and then sew up the top of the sleeve/shoulder and then the side seams, and you have a finished dress. Well, almost...

I did make one little design change. The pattern calls for facings to finish off the neck edges. However, I hate facings and I don't use them if I don't absolutely have to. I opted instead to add a neckband. I cut a strip of fabric a couple of inches shorter than the neck circumference. I stitched the ends together, folded it in half, and sewed it to the neckline, stretching it to fit. After pressing, I topstitched the neck about 1/8" from the band to make it look nice and hold the seam allowance down on the inside. I love the way it turned out.

I was worried about the neckline on this being low. It is Burda, right? I added a 7/8" seam allowance to the neck edges and then I only used 3/8" of it when I attached the neckband. So with the neckband, which is about 3/8" wide, I brought the entire neckline in approximately 7/8". I think it turned out just right- not to low, yet not too frumpy. Perfect for work or for church!

I love the way this turned out and I know I'm going to get lots of wear out of it. I might even make the cap sleeve version next year when the weather warms up again. This pattern would even be a good candidate for the color blocking tend that is so hot right now. Hmmm...

Once again, my photographer wanted to shake things up a little bit.

I had planned to make a jacket out of this blue ponte knit, too. Unfortunately, when I laid out my fabric, I discovered that I didn't purchase as much as I thought I did and I didn't have enough to cut both patterns. So the jacket is on hold for a couple of days, until my online fabric order arrives. Stay tuned, we'll have jacket news soon!