Burda 2-2005-109 (skirt)

This skirt was the first item finished of my 2020 Make9 (now revised) plan. I was on a ruffle kick last year and kept thinking about this skirt every time I saw it in my Burda binder.

This looked different in my mind.  Oof.

I was going to use a horizontal striped rainbow-colored linen (you know the one that err'body bought from JoAnn...that one).  But I switched to this red and white vertical striped linen because I was knee-deep in a little mini wardrobe and wanted the skirt to coordinate.

Eh. Not a good idea.

Vertical stripes just don't work with this pattern. The front and back pieces are very bias and you can tell. Plus matching the lower front with the yoke is impossible - and believe me I tried.

Also I can't stand how the skirt creates that fold in the front. I should have known this because the same fold is shown in the line drawing! I guess I sewed it correctly?

Let's check out those side seams. 

Right side looks good, left side? Not so much. *facepalm*

I didn't have enough fabric to make the hem-band as wide as it appears in the line drawing. This makes the skirt seem unbalanced - at least to me.

And can we talk about the construction of the hem band? It's...weird. The waist ruffle is a separate rectangular piece gathered to fit. The hem band ruffle is formed by sewing under the top of the band and gathering it to fit.  Then you attach it somehow (?) to the front. I couldn't decipher Burda's instructions and just made something up. Of course by the time I realized this, I didn't have enough fabric to cut a second smaller rectangle and sew it like the waist ruffle.

The waist yoke is wider than as it appears in the line drawing. It doesn't affect fit and isn't a big deal, but still. It seems like it throws off the proportions.

Overall, the skirt is a little too "prairie" for me. Maybe this will be better in a solid and with enough fabric to make the wider hem band.

I'm committed to wearing it at least once just to give it a try. After that, it's going in the donation pile.

(skirt paired with Ottobre 5-2012-7)

I made another skirt from the revised Make9 and LOOOOVE it. I'll review that one next.

Until then, peace!

L

Revised Make Nine 2020

Originally, I had high hopes for the patterns I chose for my first Make9 plan.  Yet as time passed and my waist expanded, those patterns began to look less appealing. 

After looking through my binder of Burda line drawings, I found a few patterns that piqued my interest. Two patterns I've wanted to sew for a while, so at least I'm remaining consistent with my original Make9 goal. The other patterns are 100% "oooo...shiny" and look like they'd be fun and interesting to sew.

Top Row

• 4-2008-107:  I think this will be a good replacement for a Kwik Sew jacket I made a few years ago. I wore that jacket so much so that it's completely faded. Plus, it's a little too small now. I could just make another version of the jacket, but I've made that pattern 3 times already. Time for change.
• 1-2008-125: I don't know why I like this so much! I love those pintucks on the sleeves! The pattern calls for stretch cotton poplin which I hate. HATE. But I'm willing to give it a try. At the very least, I get to use up some of the stash.
• 1-2008-105: Listen.  LISTEN! This shirt is all drama and I LOVE IT. There are over 30 extra-long buttonholes and I just know I will be fussing after the second one, but I WANT THIS SHIRT.  

 Middle Row

• 1-2008-109:  Nothing fancy here. Just a skirt with front angled pockets. I have some cuts of herringbone and striped denim that I think could look good with this pattern.
• Blue Calla Amaryllis:  This was part of the original plan and I left it because I am SO close to finishing. The bag is on timeout because sewing pleats in leather has broken three needles and crushed my spirits.
•  5-2005-120:  I actually started a version of this pattern back in January. But the fabric was too flimsy and I couldn't get those front ruffles to sit nicely. I have another fabric that is a bit more substantial and hopefully will be a better match.

Bottom Row

• 2-2005-129:  This was also copied from the original plan. It's finished, but looks way too Little House on the Prairie for me. The pattern is fine, but the stripe I used just isn't working at all. A solid would be much better for sure. I'll write a review later.
• 11-2016-102:   Again, nothing fancy. Just a skirt with a flounce.
• 1-2018-121:  I first noticed this pattern when Dressmaking Debacles' made her version. Loved it and immediately added it to the queue. I finished this one also and like it much better than the prairie skirt. Review soon!

That's it for the update. I'm not going to stress myself if I don't get all of these sewn or change my mind again. There is enough to be stressed about and sewing is supposed to be fun.

 

Take care and be safe everyone!

 

L