I am a mother of 3 boys – and boys are a lot of fun. I loved the little cars, lego and wrestling of their early years, and now the dirt bikes, cars …. and wrestling, of their teenage years. Pretty much the only thing I missed in all those years were cute little dresses and tights (and maybe a few minutes of peace and quiet now and then 😉 ).
Now I have several little nieces and a desire (and finally a bit of time) to sew cute little dresses for them. One of my first pattern choices was this Burda pattern. Alterations to the pattern: I decided not to make the back of the dress button up and instead cut both the front and the back on the fold. I added a slit at back of the neckline with a loop and button closure.
I chose a light-weight plaid suiting for the dress and made the bow out of broadcloth.
As always, I find the instructions for Burda patterns are a bit vague. The pattern is considered “novice” and it is a simple dress to sew together. However, if I didn’t already know how to do a neckline with bias tape drafted from my own fabric or how to gather and set in a sleeve, I’d be quite frustrated. I also found the bow instructions amusing. It was easy enough to figure out, but if you were a novice sewer, the instructions would end leaving you to wonder exactly how to finish it.
I do, however, really love Burda patterns. I find them quite stylish and modern and I find styles there I can’t find in the usual McCalls, Vogue or Simplicity. I also really enjoy being able to download and print a pattern when the urge to sew hits me. It seems a little intimidating at first, but once you’ve taped together your first Burda pattern and traced it (remembering to add seam allowances) it’s not that bad.
I like the old fashioned feel of this dress and have already made it more than once. I am biased of course, but I think my niece looks adorable in hers.
This pattern can be found online as a download at http://www.burdastyle.com, “Girl’s A-line Dress 03/2015“.
I started with Burda patterns, but downloadable patterns can be found all over the place now, I really love them. It’s wonderful for making multiple sizes of one pattern and for drafting alterations. I find having a master copy of your pattern on white paper that you can pull out and trace at any time is both practical and economical.
Question: Have you tried a pattern download? Do you like them (as much as me 🙂 )? What are your favorite sites for downloading patterns?
Jackie
(the oldest Nuhn girl)