Tag Archives: Burdastyle Magazine 08-2009-107

Summer armour

21/12/2010 8:10 am \ 11 Comments \ Carolyn

The summer solstice is today, isn’t it? I think so. Astrologically the day in which the sun reaches it’s southernmost point, and so the longest day of the year…
And am feeling the lethargy that starts to set in with the heat.. Some days I have a desire to step out looking all smart ‘n smooth ‘n super stylin’, but the need to be cool, that is, cool as in temperature-wise and not as in “hey, maaaaaan”, kind of a cool; wins out. And just getting my daily chores done.
Not sure which category this outfit fits into. I do feel kind of coooool, in my kind-of-newish trench skirt and super-minimalist-chic cami. But also feel pretty comfy and capable of facing some more Christmas shopping…
Today visited a few BIG chain stores to do a bit more shopping. Was dreading it. But, pleasant surprise; wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. Maybe the crowds are more organised than me, and have finished their preparations already, or maybe everyone is holding back for a terrific onslaught over the next few days. Maybe I was just lucky. Or just maybe the hip dark toughness of my outfit gave me the confidence to deal…
Anyhoo, got in, found what I wanted quick and got out, with pretty much no attendant queuing.
Win!

Details:
Skirt; Burda magazine 08-2009-107, khaki cotton
Camisole; Country Road
Belt; had since teenage years
Shoes; akiel, from an op shop
Sunnies; RayBan
Bag; Gucci

Posted in: Uncategorized \ Tagged: Burdastyle magazine 08-2009-107, skirt

Trench Skirt; a pattern review

07/10/2010 6:38 am \ 15 Comments \ Carolyn

This is my pattern review, and some close-ups of the trench skirt I completed recently; seen below and a larger view here.
The skirt is pattern 107, from BurdaStyle magazine 8/2009.

Pattern Description:
Knee-length flared skirt that fits smoothly over hips and waist, creating a slim line. The horn buttons and buckle, welt pockets, self-fabric belt with large carriers, and the double button rows are reminiscent of trenchcoat styling.
Pattern Sizing:
34-42, I cut a 36
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you had finished it?
yes
Were the instructions easy to follow?
yes
What did you particularly like or dislike about this pattern?
I love this pattern, and its trench styling. Love the way it looks like I had taken a trench coat and just chopped the top off… Because of this styling I think the top ends up a little bunched around the waist, which is just how a trench coat is supposed to look when it is belted, but I’m not sure whether the slight bulkiness that this adds to the hip area is flattering (or not!). Despite the pattern description; in my opinion this skirt does not create a slim-line, in fact I think the sizing runs a touch big. But I love this skirt and am definitely going to be in it a lot.
Fabric used:
Sturdy cotton drill
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I made the pockets a bit deeper and wider as the pocket pattern piece looked laughably small (I guess I have big hands!). I finished the raw edges on the inside with Hong Kong seaming. The front skirt facing fell short of facing behind all the buttons/buttonholes so I used scraps to sew behind and stabilise the buttons and buttonholes which the facing did not back.
The pattern came with a belt piece, which I did sew up, but actually I prefer to use with this skirt a leather belt I already had; looks more professional. In my experience self-fabric belts, no matter how sturdily interfaced, do not look so wonderful after half an hour of wear, or even less…
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I might sew this again. It is a very handsome skirt with nice details, right on trend for the military look and the current fashion for trench coats.
Conclusion:
Love it!