Thursday, August 14, 2014

Burda 08-2014-116, Open-Back High-Low Dress

Burda_08-2014-116_Thumbnail

I have been enjoying the cutout trend and so when I saw Burda 08-2014-116 I instantly fell in love and had to make it.

I just happened to have a trip to New York planned, so finding the perfect fabric for it was on my list.  This lightweight rayon was exactly what I was looking for--I love all the colors in the print, I like that it's a dot and not a floral (I love floral, but have a LOT of it), and it has the perfect floaty factor.

Back Alterations-BBA and Neckline
For the back bodice, I did a Broad Back Adjustment and also took a HUGE tuck out of the back neckline, which was really, really wide.

The bust dart on the front bodice is actually pretty small as drafted so I did not do any alteration for SBA.  I think if you are larger than an A cup, you'll want to do a FBA even if you don't normally need to.  The front neckline is a wee bit wide; I wish I had taken a little bit of width out of it at the pattern alteration stage.

The pattern is drafted as a boatneck, which is difficult for me to wear given that I am short.  I lowered the front neckline 2 1/2 inches (!) from where it was drafted, and it is still reasonably high.  So keep that in mind if you are at all chokey from high necks as I am.

Shorten Skirt



For once, I didn't need to do a swayback adjustment to the pattern because the cutout is basically at the swayback.

The skirt was too long as drafted, so I folded out 1 1/2 inches on each piece before cutting.

The pattern as drafted is lined in the bodice, but not in the skirt.  This fabric was too sheer not to line the skirt.  I'm *not* into the trend of having a short lining under a long sheer skirt (the 20somethings in DC are ALL OVER this look--like 50% of them on a Saturday night will be wearing this), so I thought a contrast lining was the way to go.  I immediately thought of the gorgeous green silk/cotton I got during Martha Pullen's epic silk/cotton sale, but didn't want to waste the vast expanse of it needed to fully line the skirt.  After agonizing over it way too much, I finally realized that duh, I could use cheap ordinary lining for most of the skirt and then add the silk/cotton at the bottom where it would show.

Lining Contrast Hem Extension

I lined up the center front and back skirt patterns and marked where the center front hit the center back.  I later realized that the back skirt dips down below the front skirt at the waist, but luckily I gave myself a good 2 1/2 inch cushion and only the decorative lining shows.  I then drew in the line for the decorative lining, making it about 2 1/2" wide in the front.

Contrast Lining

Lining Extension





It all worked according to plan.  I got my pretty contrast lining without "wasting" an acreage of lovely fabric.




Because there is no front or back center seam I couldn't do my usual all-machine clean finish.  I would normally use this method in that instance, but I was intrigued in reading Burda's instructions for finishing; yes, the Wooden Spoon Method.




I have seen the Wooden Spoon illustration many times.  I imagine that every month someone walks into Dagmar Bily's office and is like, "Disaster!  There is too much white space on the instruction sheet!"  and she pulls her best Miranda Priestly and is like, "Have you used the Wooden Spoon yet?  Seriously, do I have to think of everything myself?"  and they're like, "Of course!  The Wooden Spoon!  The Wooden Spoon will save us!"  Seriously, I think it's in every issue.  But the illustration has always made zero sense to me.  Until now.

The Wooden Spoon Method:

As with my normal clean finish technique, I started by trimming 1/8" inch off the neckline and armscye edges of the lining.

Front Right Side Out, Back Inside Out

Sew the bodice pieces together with their respective linings along the neckline and armscyes to within about an inch of the shoulder.  Finish/trim the seam allowances (I do it in one with the serger).  Finish the unsewn shoulder edges by serging, zigzagging, or your choice.

Turn the front bodice right side out.  (I actually turned both bodices right side out and did the required pressing, since I figured it would be easier to do with the pieces separate than together.  Then I turned the back bodice inside out again.)

Front Pulled Inside Back


Slide the front bodice inside the back bodice/lining, with the fashion fabric right sides together and the lining right sides together.  Match up the shoulders of the fashion and lining fabrics, and then pin.  You now have four shoulder seams to sew: fashion fabric right, lining right, fashion fabric left, and lining left.

Sew the shoulder seams.

Insert Wooden Spoon

Now for the famous Wooden Spoon:  Pull the front, which is inside the back, further through the back more toward the outside so the shoulder seams are no longer at the edge.  Slide the wooden spoon into the holes where you did not sew all the way up to the shoulder at the armscye and neckline.

The Infamous Wooden Spoon

Position the shoulder seam over the wooden spoon, and use it as a "ham" to press open the seam.  Frankly, I was pretty disappointed in the wooden spoon, which did not really make it easy to press open the seam.  I should have grabbed my wooden spoon that has a flat handle, but now that I live in a two story house such frivolous trips back and forth to the kitchen are more carefully considered.

Pull Front Through To Complete Seam

Once your shoulder seams are pressed, keep the front pulled through, match up shoulder seams of the fashion fabric and lining (which are right sides together), and pin the little hole you left through which the wooden spoon was threaded.  Again, you have four shoulder edges to do. Sew. 

Pull the front out the bottom to turn right side out.

I have to say, I am impressed with this method.  My alternate method requires a few inches of hand sewing, but this method is all machine.  Well done, Burda and your Wooden Spoon.

Interface Drawstring Opening

I sewed the side seams of the fashion fabric and lining of the skirt separately so they would hang free, and then basted them together at the waistline to be treated as one.  I interfaced both pieces where the buttonholes for the drawstring would go, and then did the buttonholes through both layers as one.



Stitch Skirt to Bodice at Front




The dress is pretty straightforward to put together.  Once the bodice is completely lined, the bodice and lining are treated as one at the waist.  I basted the two layers together to avoid shifting.  Sew the bodice to the skirt up to where the back skirt dips into its hole.

Thread Elastic in Front Casing





Use the seam allowance to make a casing and thread elastic in.  Burda has a misprint in the instructions, which tell you to "sew the ends together."  Unless you have a 17" waist and are looking for a figure 8 in the back, you want to sew the ends into each end of the casing.  The join of the skirt/bodice/casing is a little ugly, but it gets covered up by your finishing--I used bias tape as described below.

Turn Under Bias Tape for Casing

Burda has you make a facing for the back cutout.  I really don't know why you'd use a big unwieldy fabric-hoggy facing instead of bias tape.  I used self bias tape, stitching it right sides together all the way around the hole then turning it to the inside to form a casing.  Make your ties and join them with elastic in the middle, then thread through the casing.

Front




Love this dress!  It was also pretty simple--it might be a fun 3rd or 4th project for a dedicated beginner.  I may someday straighten out the hem, but the high-low thing is still going on and my other iteration, last year's birthday dress, was totally disappointing due to the poorly drafted pattern.

Back

The cutout is just perfect, and I like the cut of the bodice with the wider shoulders.  I'm considering drafting the cutout right out of it for a simple summer dress pattern--I feel like I'm seeing a lot of the simple dress with elastic waist (like this and this) this year and this one has well-balanced building blocks.

All photos are here and the pattern review is here.  I'm still working on a photo location.  Standing at the top of the stairs has more even lighting from the skylight--directly overhead instead of over one shoulder--than standing along the side wall, but then you get the gaping maw of the downstairs look, which is a little weird.  Also, I'm afraid of accidentally getting too close to the stairs and falling backward down them.



30 comments:

Angela said...

What a cute dress - flattering and fun! I am studying up on your wooden spoon explanations, too:)

Kelly said...

It is too early to understand that wooden spoon thing... but your dress looks great!

Leslie Anne said...

Your dress turned out lovely. I really enjoy reading about your sewing projects. It encourages me to sew more.

Anonymous said...

I love this dress so much! Great fabric, and so fun, pretty and flattering!

I was also allured by it when I saw the Burda preview but decided not to re-up my subscription. Regretting that a bit now.

Virginia at A Sewing Life said...

How lovely--great dress, great on you. Fun to read about the wooden spoon!

badmomgoodmom said...

Super-cute dress.

You had me ROFL with the wooden spoon and Miranda Priestly scene. The wooden spoon rolls around on me. Try a half round wooden dowel. A good hardware store can cut a short length for you (but you may need to purchase the entire 3 or 4 foot dowel). Cut a few and share with friends.

Michelle said...

I absolutely love this dress on you. It's just perfect. And you had me cracking up at the wooden spoon/Miranda Priestly bit.

Ms. McCall said...

I fell in love with this one straight away too! Thanks for all your detailed construction info. I'm thinking of using a not-that-stretchy-knit so I may not line it, but if I do, this post will be invaluable!

catspec said...

Lovely dress! I love the lining with that print. You did a fabulous job on this. I see your hair is long and it is very pretty that way. :)

Amanda S. said...

Well, I'm still confused about the wooden spoon instructions and always ignore them. But you are right, they are in every. single. Burda. The dress is super cute - I love how you used the good fabric for only a small portion of the lining. Great idea!

cidell said...

I love this dress!! I haven't actually done the wooden spoon in years. But, it does work well :) And, if you find anymore floaty rayon that is ideal for me, let me know ok? Spanx.

Anonymous said...

I have an unhealthy attraction to cut-outs on clothes, so this is right up my alley. I'd never heard of the wooden spoon method before, but your rendition cracked me up. ;-)

And also, I totally know what you mean about being nervous about falling down the stairs--I felt that way in our old house. But the lighting is pretty amazing there, so just be careful, OK?

Faye Lewis said...

Gorgeous sunback dress Trina!

Summer Flies said...

I love that dress and I prefer your neckline too. I hate a neckline that strangles. I love the cut out... too cute (don't forget the sunscreen there tho). Rayon is my favourite fabric (you know if I can't have silk for everything) and I love the dots too. Lovely.

Summer Flies said...

Oh I also wanted to add your idea to use the feature fabric just for the bottom of the lining is genius!

Anonymous said...

What a great dress. I've seen a few versions on the web now, but yours is particularly gorgeous. Thanks for your details too. I might even attempt the wooden spoon now...
-sewingelle

colesworth said...

Lovely fabric, great dress. I haven't come across the wooden spoon yet (only just getting into Burda patterns) but I think it's the same method for the Deer & Doe Datura top (sans wooden spoon). I've made it 3 times and keep forgetting how I did it the last time....

T. Sedai said...

I've been eyeing this dress pattern ever since the magazine came out... And now I think I really must try it! Potentially even with a wooden spoon. Based on all your fit adjustments (many of which I have to make as well), I think I am going to have to muslin at least the top part first.

Anyway, super cute! And thanks for posting all of your tips/alterations/spoon instructions!

Anonymous said...

I LOVE IT!!! I haven't tried the cut out style yet, but I think I may need to try it soon.

Kristy Chan said...

I'm still laughing at the image of Dagmar Bily a la Miranda Priestly ordering the wooden spoon bit in every issue - it seems to be there even if there isn't a dress that needs it! Thanks for the photographed instructions - my mind always wNders when I try to understand Burda instructions.....

Anonymous said...

Such a beautiful dress! It's so flattering and the fabric is lovely. Thanks for the explanation of the Burda technique.... I actually only recently tried to decipher it but just didn't get it. But now I'm definitely going to give it a go and I'll be seriously studying your photos and description.

Juliet said...

Oh cute! I love the fabric - it's just so eye catching! I'd love to try a garment with a cut out in it, and this one is tempting!

Shannon said...

LOVE your dress! It looks great on you and your fabric is gorgeous. I'm going to make a note of this pattern and maybe make it up for my daughter next spring.

Unknown said...

I love this on you! Trying to decide if I'm too old for the back cutout. Hmm...

Mrs. Micawber said...

That cutout is so cute - gives the dress a very summery 40s-50s look. (Decades, I mean, not personal age.) :)

I've seen that lining method used in old vest patterns, but not the wooden spoon bit. Very interesting technique!

kbenco said...

This dress is so beautifully evocative of summer, I love your contrast lining thriftiness and the clever bias finishing.

Bloody Merry said...

NiceGirl, have you SEEN the newest issue of Burda? imo it's a must-buy issue, full of interesting (& bikeable) pieces

AllisonC said...

So late to comment I know, but I love this dress on you and well done for mastering the famous wooden spoon method!

Kat said...

Beautiful dress! And thank you for the wooden spoon explanations--I always find your clean-finish tutorials and Burda clarifications super helpful and inspiring.

Kennis said...

I read the wooden spoon method section about 6 times. I think I finally get it. Sort of. Maybe not until I do it myself.