Thursday, March 31, 2016

Burda Kimono Dress

I made this dress shortly after I finished my last shirt in the previous post.  I needed a palate cleanser and this dress pattern looked easy.  And it was! Super easy.  It's basically a sack with a drawstring.  I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out although I'm not 100% about the long kimono sleeves.  I might shorten them.  


Pattern Description:  Burda 6732.  A sack dress with a drawstring casing around the waist and deep patch pockets.  One version has long kimono sleeves and a v-neck and the other has a jewel neckline and sleeve bands.



Pattern Sizing:  Burda sizes 36-46.  I made a 42 but I think I'd size down to a 40 next go around.  At least on the top half. I didn't really have any fit issues because again, it's a sack.  The side seam/under arm seam could be closer to the body. 


Fabric Used:  I used a printed linen I found at Joann's.  I picked it because I thought it was the right weight for this dress- not too lightweight but not too heavy either.  And the printed pattern  on it keeps it from being see-through.  And I really love linen.

Alterations/Deviations:  None!  Absolutely none.  Didn't mess with the length.  I didn't even mess with the back neckline after all that fitting I've done on those shirts recently.  The back neckline could use some minor adjustments ( I think I'll take a small dart in the back of the neck next time before cutting out fabric) but nothing I can't live with.  The v-neck is done with a facing.  


Likes/Dislikes:  I like the v-neck.  I love where the drawstring hits. And I love the deep patch pockets even if I didn't sew them perfectly.  You can't tell in the busy print anyway.

Conclusion:  Super easy, relaxed dress with some nice design features- the drawstring, the hem and the necklines.  I made this dress as a casual dress I could wear to work when it gets warmer but I think it looks pretty dressy after all.  I would love to try it again in a fabric with more drape.  I have a rayon poplin in my stash that I have in mind.  I am not entirely sure about the length of the sleeves.  Next time, I think I'll try the version with the sleeve bands but I may still shorten the sleeves on this dress. 

12 comments:

  1. Cute dress! The neckline is very flattering. I do agree that it would probably look even nicer with shorter sleeves. And for all the crap-tastic fabrics at joanns, their linen selection is very nice!

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    1. Yes, I always like to check out the linen selection at Joanns! And I think I'm definitely going to shorten the sleeves. The consensus seems to be that they need to be shorter!!

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  2. Lovely!

    The sleeves might also be nice with a gathered hem. Which could be cut off as easily as a flat hem if unsuccessful.....

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    1. I like the idea of a gathered sleeve! But I think the easy thing to do is chop em' off shorter, which is what I plan to do :)

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  3. I think the sleeves would look cute either shorter and cuffed or loosely gathered but not puffy. Otherwise, dress is great!

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  4. Very cute! I agree, I would shorten the sleeves. I love your fabric too!

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  5. It looks like the perfect summer dress to me; easy, breezy and gloriously cool and comfortable. :)

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  6. it's a lovely dress.. and i like the longer sleeves, maybe stick with them a little to see if they can grow on you

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  7. I too like the dress as is. It looks cool, pretty and comfortable. Great for warmer days.

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  8. that's a fun shape! what if you split the sleeves on the seam instead of shortening them?

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  9. I like this, light and airy perfect summer dress. The drawstring, neckline and sleeves give it shape and style without loosing that airyness. I love wearing linen too, scrummy.

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  10. I love this Japanese style of dress. I have never seen a sack dress look so good! A nice and easy make.

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