#2018 MAKE NINE (Pattern 1)...

...you haven't seen many Burda patterns around here.  I really like their designs, but have probably only made 2 or 3 of them.  Why?, I just can't get used to their instructions or having to search in several places for vital information - it's just not my cup of tea.  I guess I'm just Big 4 (or is it now 5) spoiled.  However, all of a sudden ruffles and flounces are really trending WITH ME.  I spotted two such patterns in their catalog, so I've added them to my new #2018MakeNine list.

Not being a real Burda user, I felt comfortable making a muslin first.  I choose this yukky fabric that made into my cart before you know who closed.  The color is very pretty, but the quality of the fabric - not so much.

I do like the top, and plan on making another in  better quality fabric soon with a few changes: 

• Reducing the size more in the neck, shoulder and bust area even more
• Using an alternative method of finishing the neckline.  The pattern uses a self binding that wants to flip out even after being top-stitched down.  I think I can finish the neckline by eliminating the self binding altogether by simply serging first and turning down twice before top-stitching.
• The flounce is left unfinished which I know is best, but will take getting use to for me. 
• Now let me get real adventurous (with my pattern designing self) and say that I think the top would benefit from having a center back seam that curves in at the waistline for a better fit.

For me, using any new to me pattern (Burda or otherwise) is a learning experience.  Even though I now consider myself a seasoned sewer, each new to me pattern presents challenges and new opportunities to use and evaluate new techniques.

So one down - and eight more patterns to go...

 

HERE I GO AGAIN...

... here I go, sticking my sewing neck out again!  You may remember the "Sweet 16" capsule wardrobe that I started back in the Fall?  I've been a little ashamed to mention it and think the last time I referenced it was back in December.  I made 5 garments of the capsule and shamefully, I guess, lost interest.  I have been sewing, but just not really with the Sweet 16 capsule in mind.

But, here I go, sticking my sewing neck out again!  This time I've gained an interest in the #2018 Make Nine challenge.  This challenge dates back to 2015 and was started by LuckyLucille.  It's an easy challenge, and one that I should be able to stick with all the way through (year) - even though I'm actually starting almost two months behind.

My choices are:  The True Bias Hudson Pant, Vogue 8601, Butterick 6169 jacket, Burda 64258, Vogue8745, Butterick 6296, Burda 6982, Vogue 9181 and Burda 6456

Seems easy enough - right?  To my understanding you just choose 9 patterns to make during the course of the year and post and follow the 2018MakeNine Hashtag.  So in since I plan on sewing anyway, I think it's a nice organized way to get at least these 9 of the patterns out of my head and into my head into my closet.

 Have you heard of or ever participated in one of the #MakeNineChallenges???