Can one label one’s own sewing project a pièce de résistance? If so I would like to give this credit to this particular item in my winter wardrobe a Burdastyle knit dress with a draped bodice. To be honest, the pattern itself is quite easy to make, but I think that the fabric really elevates the dress and makes it into something special. The pattern is from Burdastyle issue nr 2008-04-117, so almost 10 years old. I’m so happy that I hold on to my older Burdastyle issues.
The fabric is a wool mix jersey that has a knitted design very similar to the traditional Norwegian Marius sweater. I didn’t know the design was called this until I was told this on Instagram, but it is really ubiquitous design that has been popular in Scandinavia for as long as I can remember. Since me and knitting never hit it off I’m grateful that I was able to make a garment with this beautiful design without having to go through the (in my case literal) pain of knitting.
The neckline uses a combination of a band finishing and fold-and-topstitched technique that Burdastyle is very fond of for their draped and twisted knit tops. I’ve done a sewing a knit neckline tutorial where I share my version of this technique if you are curious. I tend to harp about Burdastyle not always having the best sewing techniques for knits in the instructions, but I do think that this method is pretty great for a non-bulky finish.
The sleeves are cap-sleeves and they are hemmed before you attach them to the garment. and then the lower part of the opening is finished with a folded strip of fabric. Again the finishing is really nice and neat with no visible seam allowances showing through.
The front drape creates a little pouch around the stomach when you look at the dress sideways. I don’t mind that at all, but I think it is good to know that the silhouette is not really a-line, instead it’s more of a p-line, if that’s a fashion term!
I just love this dress so much! It so comfortable to wear, it almost feels like a night gown, but the construction and the fabric makes this dress feel very special and it could work in a myriad of situations. You can read my review of the pattern over at Pattern Review.
