Pattern review: A lovely blouse from BurdaStyle 1/2010
Yes, I finally got around to sewing something for myself this week! This blouse is number 133 from BurdaStyle 1/2010. I love to sit and browse my favorite women’s patterns and pattern magazines and I was really nervous cutting into my precious hello kitty Liberty of London fabric (without having made a muslin version first), especially since this is my first BurdaStyle pattern to ever make. But the magazine model was also made with Liberty lawn so I knew my fabric choice was good, and I decided to trust that I could make any fit adjustments if needed.
This is a plus size pattern and the smallest size was a 44, just a little bit too big for me according to the measurement chart. I cut the 44 anyway and ended up needing to take it in a tiny bit at the sides.
I love the details like the tiny black piping, the pleats, and the tab in the front.
And these sweet little cuffs, which were easy. Oh, and I shortened the sleeves by about 3 inches. I’m not a real fan of big billowy sleeves and I like these very much. This top will be perfect for our fall weather, which isn’t very cool. The thin cotton lawn is super comfortable, and when it does get cool I can throw on a cardigan. Yay for selfish sewing!
I hope you enjoyed this pattern review. if you love Liberty fabrics, you’ll swoon over my Rainbow Liberty quilt!
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That fabric is awesome!!your top turned out great! Oh, I don’t want to think about what crimes I would commit to get a pice of liberty fabric- you have a nice weekend, and thanks for all your hard work bringing us parties, giveaways, deals, freebies, and tutorials all the time;)
Thank you Amy!
Wow that turned out so cute! I’m glad you got to use the hello kitty for yourself 🙂
Thanks, Sarah… and yes, my girls really wanted it too. 🙂
What an adorable blouse! Seriously cute! I’m a relatively new at sewing but would love to try my hands at this pattern. Would you recommend it for a beginner/intermediate seamstress? I like a good challenge once in a while! 🙂
Hi Monica! I would encourage you to try… with these side notes:
-the burdastyle english translation uses terminology that is different from most patterns I’ve read. After reading the instructions a few times and holding the pieces in my hands, I figured out most of what they were saying. It really helped that I had sewn cuffs and collars before.
-understanding the little tab part was the trickiest of all and I ended up just folding and sewing it how I thought it should go (which I think was right).
-I found one error: they tell you to topstitch the button placket (called the ‘front band’) early on, and then later tell you to open it to attach the collar, and then tell you to topstitch it again. That equaled un-picking and trying to carefully re-topstitch the top portion for me. I would suggest only topstitching the bottom portion of the placket with the tab, and waiting to topstitch the top portion until after the collar goes on.
Other than these comments this blouse was pretty easy. Their system gives it a difficulty of 2 1/2. If you are worried about learning their terminology you could try sewing something with a difficulty of 1 first just to learn how they say things.
And, of course, if you get stuck just email me! I’ll be happy to help.
xoxo,
Caroline
This shirt is adorable!
Thank you Terri!
Oh, you’ve inspired me! I’m terrified of piping for some reason, but that’s so cute I can’t stand it.
Thank you Shannon… try piping! It is actually very easy to work with and gives a fancy touch without trying very hard.
This is a great tutorial to try or just to see how to make and put on piping: https://www.nobigdill.com/2010/06/hot-piping.html
Have fun!
I do the same thing, too! I look at all the pretty patterns and all my pretty fabric, but how much of it do I actually start or do? Not many. The shirt is awesome and looks very good on you.
Your top looks great! I have this pattern bookmarked and hope to make one someday. Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
That shirt is awesome! I didn’t even know Liberty released Hello Kitty fabric. I may have to do some frantic Ebay fabric hunting now.