Monday, September 19, 2011

Lady in White - Unity Conference 2001 - Burda 7576


I originally considered using Butterick 5263 to make DD's Unity Conference outfit. But there were too many changes needed to bring the pattern up-to-date. So I decided to go with Burda International 7576.

This review will be on all three coordinates available in this pattern. So this is a long review.



Pattern Description: Often Burda is vague about descriptions and instructions. Their description reads: Coordinates - A: fitted B: Close fitting and C: Semi-fitted. My description - Fitted lined jacket with notched collar, pocket flaps, and peplum. Lined pencil skirt with front slit. Top with gathered neckline and collar, back loop and button closure.

Pattern Rating and Other Information: This pattern is rated average which I think is pretty accurate. I wondered about the description of the jacket. It states fitted. But after sewing it I noticed that there is quite a bit of wearing ease across the chest area. I wondered if my pigeon chest adjustment was too much (usual) amount. But I looked at the model wearing the jacket again and noticed that she was holding the left lapel and that there was a little more room across the chest area in the jacket.

Pattern Sizing: 10 -20; I used size 10 with modifications

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes it did. I added another button above the waist button.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Everyone knows how Burda does it. But enough to follow without getting confused. On page one - Interfacing. There is an illustration showing what needs to be interfaced. They forget to include information on interfacing the hem of the jacket. I did as I interfaced the noted pieces. It's not mentioned/shown until instruction 14. Step 38b - placement of the loops and basting. The illustration shows the loops too far apart. I've seem this illustration in other patterns as well. I like to put the ends closer together.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the outfit. This was a pattern that I selected for myself. But this became plan B when plan A (Butterick 5263) fail through. Jacket - the sleeve detail, lapel, and peplum. Skirt - front slit, tapered hem. I love the draft of Burda pencil skirts. Great silhouette. Top - Gathered neckline and back closure.




Oops.., It look uneven; but it's not.  I just didn't properly lay it down.

Outside of wearing ease of the jacket, the pattern is pretty well drafted. All of the pieces went together with no problems. Attaching the lining to the skirt slit was a breeze.

Fabric Used: Polyester crepe and lining from Vogue's (white) and a purple/violet silky polyester (special occasion) from JoAnn's.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

Jacket -
First, I wanted to get a visual on how the pieces would go together. Then I made a square shoulder and pigeon chest adjustments to the appropriate pattern pieces. See those changes here on Flickr.

I also added a button above the waist. It just looked better to me. I covered the buttons using the same fashion fabric as the suit.

Skirt -
After attaching and sewing the ends of the waistband, I hand stitched it to the inside of the skirt. My closures are a skirt hook and eye where the two ends meet at the zipper plus and button and buttonhole wear the waistband overlaps.

Top -
No adjustments for fitting. I moved the ends of the loops closer together for a nicer finish. And I didn't have three of the same button for the back closure. There were only two in the stash that were alike. I made a trip to Hancock's to buy more. And guess what.., they changed the materials used for that style. Didn't like them. So I just used what I had, having two button alike and one different.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I will sew it again for myself next time. And yes I do recommend it to others. It's a great outfit and the pattern goes together with no problems. Nice design lines and well drafted pattern. Make sure you work on fitting the front jacket to your comfort level.

Conclusion:
This is a great little suit pattern that can be sewn by someone with intermediate sewing skills. The look is clean and sophisticated.


Happy Sewing!
Cennetta

12 comments:

  1. That is a BEAUTIFUL suit!!! I love it and you look fabulous!!

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  2. I's a lovely lady in a lovely outfit! I hope you'll share photos of the event-- especially, perhaps, ALL THE HATS!

    By the way, the hat: did DD put that doll together or did you?

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  3. So lovely! Beautiful young woman, and the suit is so perfect.

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  4. Your DD looks amazing! I love the sleeves on the jacket.

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  5. What a beautiful suit! I love the unique sleeves and the crisp white with the regal purple. So sharp!

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  6. Great looking suit. Love the blouse pattern with this Burda pattern.

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  7. I was excited to see the pattern you used for this suit as it is one of the many in my stash I have not made. The suit is beautiful and fits the model so well. At the top is cute as well

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  8. What a fabulous suit! I am so into the hat.

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  9. Cute, cute, cute!!! Both the outfit and your DD! (and she's wearin' it too!!!)

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  10. How cute. She looks so professional and put together.

    I've made the skirt and the blouse from this pattern, too. It's a good pattern and seeing the jacket here is giving me ideas :)

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  11. That is a great looking outfit (and your daughter looks amazing too)

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  12. I love the suit and the hat is just so cute and chic and fun too!

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