Giveaway winner

I was going to have my little man help me with this, but I kept forgetting while he was awake, so without further delay...

Yay!  Congratulations, Tyna!  Email me your address at knittingjenny AT gmail DOT com, and I'll send you the magazine this week.  Shipping usually takes about a week from here to the States.  Hope you like it!

BWOF 05-2009-117

Here's my version of Burda World of Fashion May 09 #117.

Here's a washed-out closeup so you can see the pleats at the front.
I was attempting to knock off a Michael Kors dress I love.  I'm really happy with the result, but due to my fabric choice, it doesn't look exactly like the original.
Back view... unimpressive.  :-)

I entered this in the knockoff contest at Pattern Review.  I guess this falls more into the "inspired by" part of the rules than a true knockoff.  I keep saying I'm going to do one of those contests and then never finish in time.  Well, finally I follow through!

Here's my review from Pattern Review.

Pattern Description: A slim silhouette tapers slightly in at the hem to emphasize feminine curves, and charming side slits let you walk freely.

Pattern Sizing: European 36-44. 

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, except for my changes.

Were the instructions easy to follow? I didn't use them (German).

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Love the style. I chose it to knock off a Michael Kors dress.

Fabric Used: black wool jersey, definitely not what Michael Kors used and not what the pattern is designed for, but it works for me.  I also lined it with a black slinky knit because the wool jersey is a bit scratchy.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: The fabric choice dictated fit changes. I cut a 38 but took in pretty much every vertical seam. I also omitted the slits and didn't use any closure since my fabric is a knit. I cut the back pieces on the fold. I also made the neckline a bit lower, trying to mimic the Michael Kors.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I may sew this again in a woven. 

Conclusion: The pattern didn't catch my eye in the magazine, but I love it made-up. I think it's a pretty good match for the dress I was trying to knock off. Of course my fabric choice is totally different, so it doesn't look identical.

It's aliiiiive!

Disregard this post.  The maxi dress is back, Baby!

I was going through all my fabric today, preparing for a possible move (gotta do the important stuff first, right?), and found this gem.  

I had glossed over it before because I thought I only had a yard.  But no!  1.5 yards!  Perfection!  And it's rayon jersey and flowers, just what I wanted.  

It's a sign!  It's meant to be!  It will be done!  Soon!

McCalls 5525

I wanted a short, white trench this spring.  Now, it's the end of July, and I have my jacket.  I do love it... just wish I had it a few months ago.  This has taught me to plan ahead for these bigger projects!

Here is my review from Pattern Review.

Pattern Description: Semi-fitted, lined, double-breasted jacket and coat have collar, lengths and sleeve variations, shoulder pads, princess seams and side front pockets; coats B, D and E have back vent; jackets A, C, coats B, D, E have belt carriers; jacket C, coat E have epaulets with button closure; coat E has pocket flaps with button trim; jacket C, coat E have collar tab; jacket C has front yoke; jacket C, coat E have back buttoned yoke; coats B, E, jacket C have sleeves with button bands; jackets A, C, coats B, D, E have topstitch trim, button closure; jackets A, C and coats D, E have self-tie belt. 

This is view C.

Pattern Sizing: 8-24W

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Very well written. There are a lot of steps and little details, but I just took it one step at a time and eventually finished.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Love all the details - the tabs and buttons. The fit is also great for me.

Fabric Used: Rayon twill from Sawyer Brook. It is a good weight for a light jacket that still has body.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I made a straight 12. The only alteration I did was to add about 2 inches to the sleeves (I not really tall but have loooong arms). No design changes.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? This is my second version of this pattern, so I won't be making it again any time soon. I'll definitely keep it in my pattern library, maybe for a heavier weight coat in the future. I strongly recommend this pattern. I like both versions I made.

Conclusion: I nice classic trench with great details and easy-to-follow instructions.

100th post giveaway

In honor of my 100th post, I'm doing a giveaway.  I think (hope) I have enough readers to do this.  :-)

Up for grabs is the Spring/Summer 2009 Knipmode Special.  I'm not sure what makes it special since I've never bought a Knipmode before, but there you have it.

Oh, did I not mention it's in German?  Think of it as exotic.  You can figure it out.  You don't need no stinking directions!  If you're desperate, you can always use an online translator, but good luck making much sense out of the translation.  :-)

I'm not giving this away because I don't want it, either.  I picked it up yesterday, especially for YOU!  Here's a look at some of the inside:


There are no articles like BWOF, just patterns.  Maybe that's what it's the special.  There are 9 distinct patterns (some with variations), but they show everything in a few different materials, which I like, and they don't pair anything with RTW.

I think it's funny one section is called "Sportlich Amerikanisch" - American Sporty!  Lots of stripes.  :-)

So... if you want this, leave a comment, and I'll draw a name on Friday - August 31st.  ...and if you've never left a comment, consider this your opportunity to start!

August BWOF

BWOF spoilers ahead!

I picked up an August BWOF (actually it's now called Burda Style Magazine, but that's really long to type) at the fabric store.  Sooooo excited.  I liked a bunch of the patterns, but I'll just show you my three favorites.

Love these:

First, my fave.  I'm making this dress even though I don't need any more dresses!  I think the seams and darts are unique.

I was naughty and bought two fabric remnants at the store.  One is a fun silk satin print I want to use for a simple, loose top to keep it as casual as possible.  I'm thinking this:

Finally, I want this cape-like thing.  Would probably leave off that bow thing at the neck, though, and keep it clean and simple.

I heart Michael Kors

Well, I like a lot of the clothes he makes anyway.  Take this little number:

(click the photo to go to his site)

I'm kind of but not really knocking it off for the Pattern Review contest this month.  

Changes:

First, I want a LBD for fall/winter, so it'll be black.  I'm using a black wool jersey.  It's a pretty stable knit, but still a knit - not gray wool tweed.  

Second, the BWOF pattern I'm using is very similar, but the draping on the front is a bit different.  I probably could have changed it without too much trouble, but I didn't want to make a muslin and didn't want to mess it up.

I have the shell complete and am working on the lining now.  Should be done in a few days!