Sunday, March 17, 2013

Remember That Spring Suit?

You'd be forgiven for thinking that I've ditched the project altogether - and not merely my original jacket choice. (Hopefully, I'll be forgiven for my delinquency.)

One of the great things - side bar, but on point - about meeting the glamorous Clio a couple of days ago, is that she was able to give me some info about my new spring jacket pattern because she made the peplum version in leather (aka best project ever):

Burda 07/2010 118-119
 Would it kill them to photograph the jacket in such a way that you can see what's going on??


The technical drawing gives you a little bit more... FYI, in truth I'm confused at the moment. I don't know if I'm making the version with the zipper or the one with buttons. And I don't mean "I haven't decided". I mean, my fitting friend (aka "the nicest person on the planet") traced the pattern for me and it's only after I write this post that I'm going to go upstairs and see the pattern pieces for the first time, draw all of the seam lines and then make the muslin. So let's see what's coming! Happily, I love both options.

Clio did infer that it's one of those jackets that attracts men from far and wide. Mind you, she is so gorgeous, I'm sure she finds that happens wearing many outfits! And on the topic of outfits she wears - this dress really is as chic in person as it is in pics. Lest you think she's just a pretty face, we had great conversation about politics, work, careers and family. You know it's a good meet-up when you barely have a chance to speak of the hobbies that brought you together for all the other things you want to discuss.

I sense that I will redraft the lapels slightly. They are wide for someone of my proportions. Mind you, that's the joy of the muslin, yes? One gets to see how everything's been drafted and then to change it if she chooses.

As I was considering new jackets to make, I did come across a very exciting vintage option on Etsy. Yeah, I bought it (though it was a pricey, unprinted vintage pattern). It's not where I'm at for this project. I don't have the energy to learn about how to make a jacket with barely any instructions and no printed markings - especially given the complex tailoring involved, but I will post about it soon - cuz it's very lovely and who doesn't like to look at a pretty vintage pattern envelope?

In the meanwhile, today's questions: What do you think of Burda patterns (this will be my first)? What do you think of this jacket (very different from V8333, yes?)? Is Clio's version not a thing of beauty?? (I want to steal hers, say I made it and call it a day.) Let's talk!

15 comments:

  1. I like the pattern you've chosen - that issue is pre-dates my sewing hobby so I'm not familiar with. I've just found another nice version of it here http://costuramodayloquecaiga.blogspot.co.uk/2010/09/chaqueta-118-burda-0710.html .

    I've just found it on Burda style as well with 4 versions made by members. All of them are nice especially Alison's :
    http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/072010-wide-lapel-cropped-jacket

    I have made a few Burda and most have been successful and worn regularly. Best of all they are great value - loads of patterns for just under a fiver. As Clio says you just need to be prepared to ignore their instructions and work it out for yourself - which you will amply be able to do!

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    1. Thanks Katy! I am not so good at navigating Burda's site - gotta see if I can figure out how to see the member photos.

      The instructions are definitely not overwhelmingly detailed! :-)

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  2. When I had time for sewing I was always making patterns from basic pattern, but when I became too busy for that and I was searching for seamstress I came across two girls who were using Burda patters. Well, it didn't work for me, fit was totally off even after all alterations, but I had really extreme proportions (38-23-36). On the other hand they work great for a lot of women, my aunt uses Burda patterns and she loves them.

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    1. Thanks for this perspective. I hope that it will work for me (albeit with alterations, I'm sure).

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  3. I really like Burda patterns. I think on the whole the drafting is good and their blocks fit me better than the Big 4 (ie fewer alterations). I also love that you add the seam allowances...so you can add the SA of your choice. Clio's version of this jacket is just amazing. I've a feeling yours will be too.

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    1. OK, I'm almost finished making the muslin (8 hrs later) and I have to say that the drafting is EXCELLENT. Everything matches perfectly.

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    2. Isn't it a complete joy when that happens? I'm finding the Big 4 very complacent on that score at the moment.

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  4. I made the button version of the jacket, I love it. It's in my top two favorite jackets I have made. I can email you photos if you would like. I made mine out of an imitation black cashmere and I feel very chic when I wear it.

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    1. Oh, Meagan - yes pls! I would love to see those photos. I'm at kristinm100 at yahoo dot ca. Thanks!

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  5. What a lovely jacket design.

    The seamstress I met recently told me that Burda patterns don't include seam allowances.

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  6. Nevermind, I see that someone already said you have to add seam allowances to Burda patterns. I wonder if everyone knows that though.

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    1. It does say it in a variety of places. I'm sure people make that mistake, but only once. :-)

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  7. *blush* - thank you! And OMG I had such a great time meeting you! It was so nice to have that old-friend-that-you-just-met experience. Trust me, it is the jacket. There is some kind of crazy man attracting properties woven into it. I can't wait to see how yours sews up!

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    1. It was terrific to meet you! So come back soon. And I'll show you the jacket in person.

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