drawing for a friend! technically this is my second commission ever! ^w^ it was sooo fun to make!

Pattern Review: BWOF-09-2006-103 (The Forever UFO) #sewing #Burda #BurdaStyle #TheForeverUFO #gettingitdone #perseverance #BWOF092006103 #BWOF

IT. IS. DONE. Finally. For reals this time. It almost feels unreal to be saying it, and I still don’t think the the fact that this project has reached completion has totally registered. But my RTW Knockoff, #SewTheLook trench coat, lovingly dubbed The Forever UFO, is FINISHED.

Looking back at my records, this coat has been a long time in the making. Construction started in October of 2016,…

Better Late than Never #sewing #pantstober #trousers #pants #Burda #wardrobplanning #weltpockets

September came and went with grand plans of entering the Pattern Review Mini Wardrobe contest fizzling out after many hours of pattern fitting muslins and resulting in only one knit shirt. October started with slightly less grandiose plans of completing just one pair of trousers in time for the Pattern Review Skills contest. I thought I had started on the right track, but again, most of the month…

Don’t we all wish we could be as effortlessly chic (though perhaps not quite as affected by staring into the sun) as this Burda model?

Here is my version:

Here is my official pattern review for my Wardrobe Contest Entry #1:

Wardrobe Contest Notes: I made this as the “topper” for my Wardrobe Contest Entry.  I had decided last year that I would try to  create seasonal wardrobe capsules as my sewing plans for the year, each one inspired by a Geeky fandom of mine.  My spring inspiration is The Hunchback of Notre Dame, which was one of my favorite films and books growing up.  Although I had bought this fabric a while ago and have had this project planned in the stash for quite some time, the geometric combination of colors made me think of the stained glass window in the cathedral, which is why I decided to include this jacket in the collection for this contest entry.

Pattern Description: Women’s open hooded jacket with patch pockets.

Pattern Sizing: Burda sizes 34/36-38/40-42/44.  I made the 38/40 at the shoulders and graded out to a 42/44 at the hip.

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were very straightforward, especially for Burda.  The instructions even clearly explain how to create a flat felled seam for the hood and the sleeves.  The only change I made was to apply the patch pockets before constructing the rest of the jacket; it seemed like it would be easier to apply them when everything was flat rather than after all of the side seams had been sewn.  Otherwise the instructions were great.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the envelope once you were done with it?  Yes, very much so!  I was drawn to this pattern because the model photo looks so laid back and casual chic, and that is very much how it feels to me when I wear it.

What did you particularly like or dislike about this pattern?  Likes: Everything!  This jacket is quick and easy to sew, the instructions are quite clear, it is an older Burda, so much easier to trace, and the jacket has a perfect laid back vibe that is still a bit more elevated than an old college hoodie.  Dislikes: None, really.

Fabric used: A multi-colored woven that I bought from JoAnn Fabrics at least a few years ago.  It is yarn died and very warm!  I’m not sure if it is cotton or poly or something else, but the inside is slightly more brushed than the outside, so it is quite soft.  I always intended to make this jacket with it, so I’m glad it’s finally in my closet and out of my stash!

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None; I made this completely as drafted.

Would you sew it again?  Would you recommend it to others?  I could definitely see myself sewing this again!  It’s a quick pattern, but the emphasis on using flat felled seams and other finishes on the hems and openings gives it a very tidy construction.  I absolutely love the way it fits, and it has a nice balance of being casual but not athletic wear.  I would highly recommend this pattern if you have or can get ahold of this 2003 Burda pattern.

Conclusion: Really, really love this!  I’m excited to wear this jacket, as I think it is perfect for the climate where I live.  I’m also excited to keep going with my wardrobe plans to come up with a hopefully very coordinated wardrobe for spring!

Bill Winston Teaches On Possessing Your Mountain