Burda Sleeveless Blouse

Guess what?!? Making a mini plan seems to have served its purpose so far in keeping my sewing a bit more focussed. Today, I present to you Burda's Sleeveless Blouse... 


I bought this pattern seven whole months ago when I saw Ooobop's retro gingham version and stupidly forgot all about it. But recently seeing Karen's two gorgeous versions (here and here) really got me pumped about it again. I'm not always a huge fan of Burda patterns as they don't include seam allowances, but Karen kindly gifted me a Seam Allowance Guide (read her thorough review here) which made life a whole lot easier. Thanks Karen!

Anyway, this is a pretty simple and neat pattern, which doesn't take very long to make up. I adore the pleated neckline detail which I think you'll agree gives it a vintage vibe. But I really hate the little collar thing...I blindly followed the instructions, but if there's a next time I'll definitely be leaving it out.



I'm not sure how much I'll wear it either. The overall shape is very boxy and not very flattering on my body, but I'm hoping that it will look ok tucked in. Also, using eyelet was a bad idea - this blouse needs a soft cotton with some drape to make the pleats fall nicely.

I'm hoping to give it an airing during Me-Made-May at least, so it's just the dummy pictures for you today!

36 comments:

  1. I have just made this top and the instructions are terrible!! Anyway, I didn't end up with a collar at the back that stands up, it took me a while to work it out but I thought the "collar" was a bit more like a back yoke so it matches up with the front piece (you would have found the shoulder seams on the front and back were a different length?) I know this is a bad description but if you want me to send you a photo to let you know what I mean I am happy to.

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    1. Oooooh, it would totally make sense that way! Haha! Thanks so much for commetning Angela and yes please, a photo would be great if you don't mind! My email address is sklipikish[at]homtail[dot]com

      I agree that for such a simple blouse, the instructions are pretty terrible!!!

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  2. It will look lovely tucked in - it is such pretty fabric, you should definitely wear it!

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    1. Thanks Rachel, I'm going to certainly try it tucked in!

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  3. Yay, you made it! Yes, I think fabric choice can make quite a difference on this make. With my second make, the fabric feels too stiff.

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    1. I did, I did and thanks to your gift it was all the more easy ;o)

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  4. I liked the blouse, just need to partner it with something well and use in that combo from now on. I get a bit of vintage feel from your version- how about a half circle skirt or smth like 50's capri pants with higher waist? Tacking it in will have to be a must. But it will work in the outfit, and knowing your shape you can really make it work, I reckon. Go For It, girl!

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    1. Thanks very much Juliette,, I will try it out tucked in and hope I can find a combination that works!

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  5. I was just looking at this pattern the other night... Love the pleats at the neckline, but I wasn't sure how it would look on me - I tend to shy away from structured looks. The collar thing is a little strange, isn't it?

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    1. Yes, it sure is...though I think I've got it wrong from what Angela above says!

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  6. It's gorgeous, love the pleats/ folds!!

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  7. This is such a pretty color! I really like it!

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  8. After a couple of washings it will soften up for you. I think it's very pretty. Tuck it in a skirt or shorts should look real nice.

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    1. Thanks Gina, I didn't think of that so hopefully a couple of washes will help ;o)

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  9. The fabric is so lovely! The color is soft and delicate, and I love it paired with the pleating around the collar. I think it will be perfect tucked in :)

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  10. Its a shame that the fabric isn't right for the pattern - because its just such a pretty colored eyelet! I've always liked this blouse pattern - never made it up though (I agree, Burda patterns can be such a headache!) I can't wait to see how you style it for me-made-may!

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    1. I will definitely try and find a way to make it work, I'd hate to waste this pretty eyelet!

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  11. I'm sure it will look lovely.
    I agree the pleats make it worth using again. I enjoy making patterns more than once - I have four different blouses from one pattern. It's rewarding (reassuring?) to see how they improve each time!

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    1. Yes, I agree. My tried and tested pattern is the Renfrew and they do get better and better!

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  12. Ooo! This is very pretty. I think it will look really nice tucked in. It's very sweet and feminine. I agree about omitting the collar. The neckline is lovely though. I know you said you don't like the shape of the blouse, but i think you should totally try the pattern again without the collar and maybe experiment with shaping the sides of the blouse a bit? Although, I know sometimes it doesn't seem worth it to spend too much time altering a pattern when you may be able to find another pattern to suit your needs.

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    1. Thanks Becca! I've tried it tucked in and it totally works and I even don't think it looks too bad with jeans. So I'm totally going to wear it. I agree that next time I should just shape it around the hips a bit more and it should be fine!

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  13. Is it feasible to turn the collar to the inside as a kind of facing, and how about some narrow fish darts at the front/back to lessen the boxy look??
    Just an idea. Like Gina says, sticking it in the wash a few times will soften it. It looks like some good finishing going on here and I think a pencil skirt would suit it well.
    Px

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    1. Yep, I think I will turn it in...as Angela above pointed out, I think it was always supposed to be a facing and I just got it wrong?!? Burda patterns confuse me so much ;o) I've never worn a pencil skirt in my life...maybe it's time to try one???

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  14. It might look less boxy belted, or tucked in, as others suggest? On the dummy it looks good though - lovely colour. hope you can rescue it and make it work for you - it's always so disappointing when things don't quite turn out how you'd like them to.

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    1. I will definitely try my best to make this work somehow!

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  15. Aww... thanks for the mention Marie. I had just the same line of though as you when I came to the collar/facing! In fact I remember standing there holding that piece with a furrowed brow for some time!!! Your fabric choice is so pretty. I agree with everyones comments about tucking it in or indeed you could wear it with a belt. It is totally shapeless otherwise. I have considered putting in some darts to shape it a little. But thats just me pretending that I know how to do that! :-)

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  16. Picnick managed to bypass me altogether! I used Photoshop as part of my job. It does everything you could want to do with a photo but it takes a lot of learning and is huuuugely expensive. But Gimp, as mentioned before is a very similar programme that is free and safe to download. We were recommended this programme on a web design course. Again it will take a while to get the hang of but I'm sure there are loads of tutes out there on YouTube etc. For sure you will be able to add any effects you like to your pics and export them at any size you want. But be warned... its mahoosively addictive and you could be spending a lot more time than you wanted to! :-)

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    1. I use Gimp for basic stuff, so I'll have to get stuck in and learn more about it!

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  17. Its great to see it like tis - you can really appreciate the pleats detail. I think ti will look great tucked in, & being such a solid colour could be more usefulthan you think :-)

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  18. When I saw this pattern on Burda magazine, it didn't seem very attractive, but seeing it here, well, yes, it's much prettier. You definately opened my eyes about the pleating: they are indeed kind of retro.
    And I think you're right about the collar: it would look nicer without it. I believe you will wear it a lot-it's sweet and the eyelet is a great choice.

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    1. Oh, I'm so glad that I helped to make you look twice at this pattern! Hope you make it soon!

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  19. Cute blouse, the eyelet fabric is very pretty!

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