Hey Everyone,

This is the dress that I made to wear for my birthday this year. It’s Burdastyle 6420. It comes with two views, and I made view A which has a sporty look to it I think. I would describe this view as having cut on cap sleeves, an exposed zip front opening in the bodice, mandarin style collar, elasticated waist with separate skirt attached and a centre front seam with slit opening in the skirt.

The main thing to note about this pattern is that 1. it is drafted for giants (or maybe just average sized women who happen to be taller than 5 foot 3 inches) and 2. it is drafted for women with no curves in the lower portion of their body. I had the foresight to add 1 inch to all the side seams so was just about able to get away with the skirt, but if I was making this again I would perhaps even go slightly bigger or do a full bum/ full tum adjustment.

Pattern Review

Pattern Description:

It comes with two views, and I made view A which has a sporty look to it I think. I would describe this view as having cut on cap sleeves, an exposed zip front opening in the bodice, mandarin style collar, elasticated waist with separate skirt attached and a centre front seam with slit opening in the skirt.

Pattern Sizing:

10 – 20

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

It’s Burda. No. They are ok but a few head scratching moments.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I do like the finished dress. I like the exposed zip, the sporty look, the front slit and the fact the elastic is flat over the tummy and centre back – makes it more flattering than full gathers all the way round. The skirt portion is not drafted to accomodate any kind of curves and I had to remove a lot of length from the skirt portion.

Fabric Used:

A black cupro.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

• I added 1 inch to all the side seams and ended up only using 3/8ths inch seam allowance. The skirt as drafted is nothing more than two rectangles with centre front and back and side seams. If making again I would maybe do a full bum/ tummy adjustment or make slightly bigger?
• Added 1 inch to the back bodice side seams
• Did 5/8ths inch full bust adjustment using the method from Fit for Real People for fronts with cap, cut-on or kimono sleeves
• I closed the bust dart and rotated it to form gathers at the waist.
• I shortened the skirt length by 6 inches and omitted the pockets
• I shortened the centre front slit by 6 inches
• I interfaced the zipper opening
• My zipper window is wider than it should be on account of me taking 1.5cm seam allowance instead of 0.5cm

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I would consider making this again with a slight adjustment to the skirt. Don’t get me wrong, it fits and I have worn it and will wear again, but fit is so personal and for me I would like a little more room. I recommend with some cautions over fit.

Conclusion:

I like the modern, sporty vibes this dress gives off. I think you can dress it up or go more casual with it. Definitely worth checking out if this is your kind of thing.

I had a lovely birthday; these photos are taken in the country house hotel we went to for the night. Christmas is fast approaching and I am on holiday until the new year. Lots of sewing to be done!

Until soon.