Spot the difference: Burda 3/2009 #113

Thursday 5 December 2013
When I bought those fabrics a few weeks back from Tessuti I justified it to myself on the basis that I would sew them soonish. I'm trying to sew some smart but casual summer clothes, what I'm jokingly referring to as my 'resort collection', and the striped jersey paired with a simple dress style was a perfect match:
Burda-3-2009-#113-stripe-dress

I used Burda 3/2009 #113, which is a very simple straight dress that has no darts or excessive seams to distract from the stripes, but made into a better dress by the  waistband (which I made with an elastic casing instead of a drawstring):

Burda-3-2009-#113-stripe-dress

I have used this pattern before, but I'll forgive you if you don't remember it because it was quite a while ago, and I looked quite different at the time. Very different, actually. Can you spot the differences?
Burda-3-2009-#113-stripe-dress-maternity-version

That photo was from a post when I was about 6 months pregnant with Toby - I don't remember feeling so big at the time but now that I look at that photo I think whoa! No wonder he was such a big baby when he was born.

Anyway for the maternity version I raised that elasticised waistband to the empire line so that it would sit above the bump, and added extra width to the front of the dress to go around that ginormous bump. It was a fantastic maternity dress too, very comfortable to wear on warm summer days. For this normal version I made the waistband more or less at the waist - I placed it where those black stripes are so that the stitching would be more invisible:

Burda-3-2009-#113-stripe-dress

It sits a bit low but instead it makes the top get a bit of a blousy look, especially at the back, which I don't mind at all.

Burda-3-2009-#113-stripe-dress

The other changes I made were to raise the neckline from a V-neck to bateau neckline, mainly because I prefer that look better and also because I had problems getting the facing for the V-neck to sit properly last time. I cut it a little too wide and my bra straps were showing, so I added a narrow band instead of turning under the edges or making a facing. It seems my Achilles heel is sewing on neckbands in knits, because this one is also a little too wide because it sticks out a bit at the shoulders, but I overlocked it on so it's staying on!

Burda-3-2009-#113-stripe-dress

I also added some bands to the sleeve edge with the stripes running in the opposite direction, purely for looks. The technical drawing for this pattern makes it look like this pattern is a sleeveless dress, but the sleeves actually extend quite far off the shoulder, and adding the bands makes this seem like a dress with sleeves. I managed to achieve a pretty good chevron effect at the shoulders:

Burda-3-2009-#113-stripe-dress

And you'll have to excuse the smug look on my face in the photo below, but I'm heartily gloating internally about exactly matching the stripes along the side seams:

Burda-3-2009-#113-stripe-dress

Unfortunately this pattern doesn't seem to be available for download from the Burdastyle website, but if you happen to have this magazine I can recommend this pattern - it was really quick to sew, very easy and is a nice casual and uncomplicated dress. The stripe jersey fabric (Jade Green Black boardwalk jersey) from Tessuti was also a dream to sew with, the edges didn't curl like some annoying knits do, it pressed beautifully and the seams didn't get wavy at all even though I had run out of fusible interfacing that I normally need to stabilise them. And the fabric wore really well - I took these photos in the afternoon after wearing the dress all day and there are hardly any wrinkles.

Overall I'm really happy with this dress, it's a perfect Christmas day dress I think - light and breezy enough for a day that's bound to be really hot, and an elasticised waistband to cater for too much food!

47 comments:

  1. Perfect stripe matching! :)

    I LOVE the fabric! It's so pretty and the style of the dress suits you. Nice change on the neckline too.

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    1. Thanks - this dress was all about the fabric because it is so wonderful

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  2. Great job! You have done the fabric proud. Love the dress.

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    1. Thanks Bev, I'm thinking I may need to go back and get the other colourways now...

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  3. The difference is you didn't have any stripes on the skirt part then. *^o^*~~~
    I love you fabric, a nice Summer dress. And what a perfect side pattern matching! ^^*~~

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  4. you SHOULD gloat over thise stripes! also, that amazing wall. i think you should take it around as a traveling backdrop for this awesome dress.

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    1. I'm glad you like the background - it's just Ikea fabric. My husband won't let me make it into curtains sadly, so it just comes out when I need to take photos indoor!

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  5. You chose the perfect fabric for the dress! It's lovely!

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  6. I love this dress! so cute.

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  7. What an excellent pairing of fabric and pattern. You look lovely in it!

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  8. Super cute! I love the stripes and the fabric, and the little changes you made.

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  9. Very nice work with those stripes!

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  10. Great 'Resort' dress Kristy and as you say, it will be a great Christmas Day dress.

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    1. Thanks Marjorie, fingers crossed I haven't jinxed Christmas day weather by saying that!

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  11. I really like your sleeve bands. This is a great style for all the running around young mums do a Christmas. I hope it's a good one for you Kristy.

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    1. thanks Maria - sometimes I think I should wear running shoes to keep up with my two!

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  12. Oh yes! What a lovely way to use this great fabric and the perfect pattern for making the fabric centre stage too. Glad you sewed it up so quickly, I'm sure you'll reach for it often and it will be just right for Christmas Day. All the best for the festive season Kristy!

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    1. Thanks Sandra - the dress has already had a few wears and is well on it's way to becoming a favourite

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  13. Fantastic dress for this fabric it shows of the stripes so well and getting them this way would have me smirking as well. Wishing you and your family a wonderful festive season Kristy.

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    1. Thanks Sharon - isn't it funny what makes us dressmakers happy?

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  14. Perfect pairing of fabric and pattern. I'm sure this dress will be worn often.

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    1. Thanks Judie - I'm pretty sure it will be worn often too, it's just so easy and comfy!

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  15. Love those chevrons at the shoulders! This is a really cute dress and now that you've rounded the neckline for me I see the potential (duh--but the V neck looked unflattering for me). I'm going to have to make one of these next summer.

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    1. I don't find V-necks all that flattering on me either - the change was simple but it does change the way it looks for the better

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  16. Great Christmas day dress - the stripes make it a bit fun too, I think.

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  17. Oh Kristy - what a fantastic fabric and really cute dress. Although it feels so backwards that this is what you wear now, when there's a snowstorm by the name of Sven (!) moving in on us here in Sweden. I envy you!

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    1. I feel the same reading the blogs of everyone in the Northern Hemisphere! One day though I'd love to experience a white Christmas, it would make a difference from the sweaty hot days we have!

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  18. I love the way the stripes join on the shoulder seams. Small detail I know, but it really makes the outfit.

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    1. Thanks Gail - it's those small details that we obsess over but are the finishing touches I think

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  19. Stripes and turquoise - 2 of my many favourite things. This will be an easy and fun one to pull out over the summer season.

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  20. Three differences: no sandals this time, different glasses and a pendant :-)
    I like new dress better for the vibrant color.

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  21. Seems to me it's a well deserved smugness! Good job! It looks really comfy.
    Nothing like being comfortable... especially when one has kids! I like your modifications with the neckline etc...

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  22. I love this type of dress. This fabric is so pretty - they're a perfect match!

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  23. Ha, I bought the same fabric and have a similar dress planned! #notstalking

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  24. Great pattern choice for this fun fabric.

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    1. Love your dress and the pattern too!

      I've been reading your blog a lot since I discovered it last month but never dared to comment before.

      By the way, your dresses seem to be really well done but you have a magnificent figure. I wish I were so tall and curvy!

      Keep up the good sewing!

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