BurdaStyle 06-2012-114B

Another project in the bag!  BurdaStyle 06-2012-114B is done.  I just finished the hem a little while ago.

This is what Burda had to say about this dress:  "The simple, straight dress has practical inseam pockets and refined tucks in the shoulder seams.  The deep V-neckline adds an alluring touch."

 Simple and straight?  Definitely.  This dress couldn't be easier.  There are just four pattern pieces including the facings.  Not even a center back seam to deal with.  And I left out the pockets, which made it even faster and easier to make, although I kind of wish I'd put them in.  I'm finding I quite like pockets lately.

I used a gorgeous, navy blue ponte knit that I picked up at Joann's a week ago.  I had it in my head to use a simple cotton interlock, but I really wanted navy and the only pretty navy fabric in stock was this ponte.  It's pretty light, though, for ponte and drapes well.  I figured, too, that the slight extra weight to the fabric would help camouflage any lumps and bulges.  I think it worked out well.

I cut my standard 42 at the shoulder, 44 at the bust, and 46 at the hip.  The pattern is offered in sizes 34-44, so I had to grade up at the hip.  No problem though, because the side seams are straight and so it's easy to size up or down.  I made my standard adjustments- 3/8" petite adjustment above the bust and 1.25" of length at the waist.

I did make a muslin, and once again, even though the design is simple, I'm glad I did.  I brought the armhole up approximately 5/8" to cover my bra band.  I also took the side seams in about 1/4" from the armhole tapering to nothing at the waist.  Unfortunately, my muslin was a woven, so I still had to fine tune a bit when I got my fashion fabric basted together.

I ended up taking the sides in another 3/8" from the armhole down to just below hip level.  I could have taken it in all the way down, but I wanted to keep it loose and easy.  If I made this dress in a similar fabric again, I would just go down a whole size all over- 40/42/44.  I should have know- using a knit for a woven pattern, but it all turned out okay in the end.

My favorite feature of the dress is definitely the deep pleats at the neckline.  They are super easy to achieve and very dramatic when finished.  I probably could have raised the neckline ever so slightly, but it's okay.  I just have to remember not to bend over!

I added an extra 2" to the length of the skirt and I hemmed this a little bit long.  I want to be able to wear a belt with this and I figured I would need a bit of extra length to blouse at the waist.  I really like the nude strappy sandals with this and I'm going to be looking for a suitable belt to go with the ensemble next week while I'm on vacation.

I really like this dress.  Maybe not quite as  much as the last one, but enough to get lots of wear out of it.  I think you could really play around with it and add some shaping for a whole different effect, too.  It would be so easy to nip the side seams in or add a couple of darts to the back.

Burda also offered this as a rather unattractive, boxy top in "rep weave" in the same issue.  I think in a knit it would make a great sleeveless t-shirt.  I could definitely see throwing it on over a pair of jeans or shorts.  The V-neck and pleats really frame the face and are great for showcasing a pretty necklace.

So another project down, another dress to wear.  I'm glad to have this one out of my head and in my closet at last.