Pattern Review: Simplicity 0581 (4364)

Ok, so this is really sort of a continuation from yesterday's post.  When my sister was younger, she got one of those American Girl of Today looks-just-like-me dolls.  Like most girls, she always wanted to dress like her doll, but this never really happened.  I thought since I was making her the New Look rainbow birthday dress, I would use leftover materials to make her doll a matching dress.  For this I used Simplicity 0581:

S4364

Ok, so what is up with the confusing pattern numbers?  I have a pattern envelope that is shiny paper with blue at the top, and it says pattern 0581.  However, on the Simplicity website, the pattern number is listed as 4364 with the pink on the envelope.  So, well, whatever, it is the same pattern I am pretty sure.  The pictures on the cover are exactly the same.  In any case, here is the doll dress I made:

The front!

The back - is a bit too small.

I used a fancy stitch for the hem.

Overall, this was a pretty quick and fun little project.  I used leftover materials from my sister's dress so that it would match, although since the doll is (obviously) a lot shorter, it only used the purple/blue colors from the fabric.

Here is my official review for this pattern:

Pattern Description:  Various 18" doll's clothes.  Includes dress with length options, jacket with sleeve options, and leotard/skirt patterns.  I made the view C shorter length dress.

Pattern Sizes:  One Size for 18" dolls.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Yes, pretty simple.  Working on smaller scale clothing is a bit tricky, but the instructions are easy.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the envelope when you were done with it?  Yes, mostly I think.  I din't make the jacket, but the dress looks pretty good.

What did you particularly like or dislike about this pattern?  I like all of the different options and that it came with a leotard pattern.  I also think the jackets are cute though I haven't made them yet.  I really like the skirt on the pattern I did make.  My only dislike - the pattern seemed a bit too small for my sister's American Girl doll.  I have read that the newer dolls are a bit less padded in the stomach, so perhaps this pattern is sized for the newer dolls?  I may have to add a bit more to the waist circumference if I make this again.

Fabric used:  Leftover polyester chiffon from a dress I made for my sister.  I made a full sized (New Look 6966) dress for my sister's birthday and, despite her being grown up, I thought it would be fun to make a dress for the doll since she had always wanted a matching outfit when she was younger.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  None.  Next time I may make the pattern slightly a bit bigger.

Would you sew it again?  Would you recommend it to others?  Yes and yes.  I think this is a great pattern because of all the options it includes.  Since it is for a doll, there isn't too much to worry about fit-wise, although if you have some of the older dolls the pattern may be just a tiny bit small.

Conclusion:  Good pattern!  I like making doll's clothes - it is quite fun.  I like this pattern, and I would recommend it to others who want to make doll's clothes as well.

Pattern Review: New Look 6966

Due to lack of sewing at the moment - blame skating nationals and the live video feed - another older project pattern review.  This is the first (only) New Look pattern I have made so far, New Look 6966:

NL6966

I have made two views off of this pattern - view B for my sister and view C for myself.

View C - the front.

View C - the side

View C - the back, with my not so great zipper job

I think it needs a belt or something

View B - my sister's dress!

These were some of the dresses I made while I was still very much a beginner at sewing, so overall I think they turned out ok, although I think I could so a much better job if I were going to make them again today.  Also, all of the fabric (with the exception of the lining on the view B rainbow dress) came from a trip to San Francisco, so I was super excited to sew it up after I got back.

Here is my official pattern review:

Pattern Description:  From the Simplicity website: Retro style dress with four bodice options.  I made two of these - view B (the front gathered bodice with the halter style) and view C (gathers at the neckline with straps).

Pattern Sizing: (6-8-10-12-14-16).  For view C I made a size 16.  This was before I knew anything about FBA or pattern adjustments really, so I was going by full bust measurements.  If I were making it again, I would do a size 12 with FBA.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Yes, this is a pretty simple dress pattern.  I did not have a problem with the instructions for either type of bodice.

Did it look like the photo/drawing when you were done with it?  I would say it looked a lot more like the photo than the drawing.  In the drawing the skirt looks a bit fuller, and the neckline a bit higher.  In the photograph, you can see that the skirt isn't all that full, and the neckline is actually a bit low.  I had to remedy this when I was making my versions of the dress.  However, the order of instructions for inserting the straps makes it difficult to adjust the length, so you may want to test this before sewing them in.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I like the style and bodice options.  I liked the instructions because they were easy to follow.  I like that all sizes come in one envelope.  I don't like the limited size range however.  And I wasn't super happy with the fit of the pattern.  Even though I added an inch and a half to the length of the top bodice piece (for both styles), the neckline was still barely decent.  Also, I wish the skirt had been slightly fuller like the drawing and less like the photograph.  The problem is that the skirt lays very flat in the front and back and is fuller on the side, which isn't the most attractive look for me.  It doesn't have this problem on the dress form, but on a person with legs, it seems to do this.  Perhaps it needs a petticoat to give it more shape?  Also, I think the waistline is a bit high as well, which you can also sort of see on the pattern envelope.  I should have paid more attention to the photo when I bought it I guess, but I usually focus more on the line drawings, so I didn't notice until after that the fit in the photo wasn't super great.  I think in the future, I may try to use a fuller skirt with the bodice part of this pattern.

Fabric used: For view C I used some sort of polyester fabric I think.  It was on an unlabeled roll, but it was only $2/yard and I liked the color.  It is really shiny but doesn't photograph super well.  For view B, I used a polyester chiffon (with glitter) over a polyester crinkle satin fabric from Joann.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  For view C I increased the length of the top so it would fit over my bust.  It was something like an FBA before I knew what I an FBA was.  I don't think I did it the "proper" way, but it covered what needed covering.  I also added 2" to the waist length. For view B, I also added length to the bust piece so that it would give more coverage.  I also changed the shape of the skirt a bit so that it would be higher (above the knee) in the front.

Would you sew it again?  Would you recommend it to others?  Well, I might use the bodice top again.  I don't know, I wasn't super in love with this pattern after making it.  I still think the style is cute though, so I might consider it.  If I did make it again, I would change the skirt and probably re-fit and make a muslin for the top before I made the dress again.  Although my sister loves and wears hers, I didn't use mine much at all, and now it is getting too big.  I think if you really like this style, I would recommend the pattern, but only if you muslin first to ensure that the fit is ok and that you are getting enough coverage up top.

Conclusion:  This pattern is ok.  I do like the style, but I wasn't thrilled with the overall drafting of the pattern.  I think the line drawings are a bit misleading, but the photo does give a good indication of the pattern results.  I would cautiously recommend this pattern - I think it could look very cute, but I think it will take a lot of effort to make sure the fit is just right.

So there it is - New Look 6966.  I haven't used many New Look patterns, and I think the fit issues with this one may be part of the reason.  I haven't seen as many people use New Look as Burda or the Big4, so it is a bit difficult to see if the problem is me or the pattern.  The styles people have made up either seem to be very simple or have some sort of odd fit issues.  Is it me, or does it seem that New Look is drafted for a more thin willowy body shape?  Perhaps I just had an unfortunate first experience with this pattern.  Just wondering if anyone with more experience with the New Looks has any thoughts, comments, or ideas...

Pattern Review: Simplicity 2410

Whilest I am in the middle of a few long, intense projects, I thought I would share another one of my early projects, Simplicity 2410.

S2410

I don't often wear skirts, but my sister does, and this was one of the first things I sewed for her.  She picked out the fabric from the red tags at Joann a little over a year ago, and I stitched it up shortly after.  She still wears it, so I guess it ended up working out pretty well!

Here are some pictures of the skirt (pardon the wrinkles - these were snapped after the skirt had been worn all day and, well, it's cotton, so wrinkles are somewhat inevitable):

The front

The back

Zipper - one of my best early zipper insertions

Fabric close-up!

And my official pattern review:

Pattern Description: A-line skirt in two length - one with a ruffle and one without.  I made view B - the skirt without the ruffle.

Pattern Sizing: (8-10-12-14-16-18).  It is nice that all of the sizing comes in one envelope, however, it does limit the size range somewhat.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Yes indeed!  This is from the "It's So Easy" Simplicity series, and it was very simple to put together.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the envelope once you were done with it?  Yes, I think so.  I did use a boarder print type cotton (the edge scalloped with embroidery) so I did not have to hem and this changes the shape a little bit, but overall it looks a lot like the drawing.

What did you particularly like/dislike about the pattern?  I really like this pattern!  I like the overall style, easy of construction, and the results.  I like that all of the sizes come in one envelope and I like both of the styles included in the envelope.  It is a great style for a summer skirt.  No dislikes.

Fabric used:  Embroidered boarder pattern cotton.  I also used cotton as a lining just to prevent the skirt from being too sheer.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  None, really.  I love sewing for my sister - it is so much easier than sewing for myself.  The only real change I made was not hemming the skirt because of the scalloped embroidery on the bottom.

Would you sew it again?  Would you recommend it to others?  Yes to both!  I would totally sew this again for my sister, and maybe even one for myself.  I might even want to try the A view with the ruffle on the skirt as well.  I think this pattern is great and highly recommend it.

Conclusion:  Love this pattern!  I think it is supper cute and easy to put together.  I also think the style can be quite flattering to many body types as well.  Overall, great pattern.

Joann Sew & Save Sale - Time to Stock Up

Joann's is having a sale on sewing notions - a great time to stock up!  The sale will last all week (July 24-30).  A few highlights of the sale are:

-50% Off Notions wall - needles, snaps, etc.  The stuff that gets used all the time, but not as much fun to buy as fabric.

-40% Off Gutterman thread - I have really started liking Gutterman over Coats & Clark (well, my sewing machine seems to prefer it anyway), so 40% off sales are good news to me!

-$15.99 Olfa Rotary cutters - this applies only to 45mm Quick-Change cutter or 5-pk 45mm replacement blades.  Usually around $35, so this is a great price!

As much fun as I have been having buying up fabric all summer, with fall approaching and the summer skating season coming to a close, I should be having more time for sewing and finishing projects, instead of just dreaming them up.

Dance Skating - The Flirtation Waltz

We have arrived at the final World Class dance for this season - the Flirtation Waltz!  Like most of the other dances I have covered, there are several version of this dance, but this dance is only skated in roller, not on ice.  This dance is skated both team and solo, with the ladies steps being used for solo in all variations.

As far as I am aware, there are three version - American, American Junior Team, and International.  Although a majority of the dance steps are the same, the steps on the last corner are different in each version.  In the International version, three running steps, a mohawk turn front to back, then back to front are the only steps before the first large center lobe.  In the American version, the mohawk turns occur first, and then a chasse step is used to push into the center lobe.  In American Junior team, three running steps replace the chasse step.

Further variations occur in the team positions.  In International and American Junior, partners skate side by side, but in American, the partners skate Tandem position, with the man directly behing the woman.

In American and American Junior Team, the tempo is 108 bpm Waltz.  In international, 120 bpm is used.

I cannot resist....

I cannot resist a pattern sale.  It is true.  Last week I got some of the new Simplicity patterns:

Ok, I got the Middleton engagement dress pattern.

Costumes...

More costumes...

And this week I fell into the $0.99 Butterick trap:

Shirts

More shirts...

And yet another costume.  But the skirt is so pretty!

I think I am quite happy with my Butterick and Simplicity stashes at the moment.  I am still waiting to get my hands on the fall McCall's and the new Vogue patterns though.  So I will be watching the sales flyers for those in the coming weeks...

Dance Skating - The Rocker Foxtrot

The next dance I will be covering is the Rocker Foxtrot.  Trivia: this dance was first performed in 1934.  This is one of my favorite dances to watch, when well skated.  It can look so smooth and elegant.  This year it is being skated in the Junior World Class Solo event.  It was skated last year in the Junior World Class team event.  Like many of the other dances I have covered, there exist and American and an International version, and the International version is also skated on ice.

This dance gets its name from the one foot rocker turn that the lady does near the beginning of the dance.  It is a major judging point that she is on an outer edge before and after the turn.  Other than that step, the American and International versions look very different, although the influence from the original International style is apparent in the American steps.  The American version is skated at a 92 bpm foxtrot tempo, while the International version is skated at 104 bpm.  In addition, the American style is a border dance, and thus the steps change location on the floor, whereas the International style is a set pattern and thus the same step repeats at the same location on the floor.

Newslfash - Live Nationals Video Feed!

For those of you who are interested in watching the 2011 Roller Skating National Championships live video feed from Fort Wayne, Indiana, you can see it here:

National Championships Live Video Feed - The Skater's Place

This week (July 17 - July 23) is the national indoor speed championships, and you can get the schedule here.  The Elite sprints are first, followed by the longer races.  Then two and four person relays in the following days (these can be very exciting to watch!).  The Novice (newer skaters) and quad speed are the last few days.

The following two weeks will be the artistic events, which include dance skating, figure skating, and freestyle skating (jumps and spins).  The schedule can be found here.  The most exciting events will be taking place between Saturday July 30 and Tuesday August 2.  Anything denoted with a World Class (WC) or Junior World Class (JWC), or a Junior or Senior level event has quite excellent skaters, and should be very fun to watch.

Also, just a reminder, the schedules are given in Eastern time, the time zone for Indiana.

I will post the link in my sidebar, so it is easily accessible even as I produce more posts in the coming weeks.

Pattern Sales: Butterick

As a heads-up, Joann will be having a $0.99 Butterick pattern sale all week, July 17-23!  The usual sales price for Butterick is $1.99, so this is a great time to stock up or get patterns that you are on the fence about.  Sadly, I don't have any Buttericks in my wish list at the moment, but I might look about the website, just to make sure I haven't missed anything...

Newsflash - August Burda Style Preview Posted

I know that the first preview was posted on on the German website about a day ago, but I prefer to reserve judgement until I can actually see the model pictures and get a full perspective from the garment pictures, the model pictures, and the line drawings.  Luckily, Burda Fashion Italia, as well as the Russian Burda website have the August previews up today!

All in all, I would say this looks to be a pretty good issue.  Burda is continuing their designer series with this dress:

Pretty drapiness!

Here is the line drawing.

Despite the emphasis at the hips, I think this dress is infinitely more wearable than the style they had in the July issue.  Actually, I even sort of like this one, and would possibly consider making it.

In addition, Burda seems to have made an issue with neither a shirt dress nor a sack dress!  Imagine that. The closest they get is this tank shirt:

Slightly sack looking tank

However, Burda makes this up in a nice silky material, and the length is used so that it can be tucked into pants, which actually looks pretty decent in the model pictures.  And since it is only one sack looking garment (not an entire issue filled with sack dresses), they get a pass.

What is in with Burda right now is the draped cardigan style jacket:

Cozy looking

They loved it so much they even made a slight variation for the plus sizes:

Slight variation to the sleeves

Usually, I find that Burda's regular and plus size offerings are very different in each issue, which does make for a better overall magazine, however, often times I find myself coveting the plus sized garments when I am most decidedly too small for that sizing.  I can only imagine that the plus sized ladies must also feel the same about clothes that are in the smaller sizes.  I think it is great that Burda is offering something of a similar style option in all size ranges in this issue.  I hope that they will do this more often in the future, although I recognize the drafting for a large size range of a draped cardigan top is much simpler than say a fitted dress.  Also, as a somewhat parenthetical note, if when I get this issue I probably won't need to also get the new McCall's cardigan pattern I was debating, as the style is very similar, but I usually have a better time fitting with Burda.  Thanks Burda, you just saved me $1.99!

Now, on to the rest of the magazine styles.  I would say that a vast majority of what is in this issue is actually quite wearable.  Mostly it is somewhat loose fitting blouses, some pants, some skirts, some shorts, a few nice dresses, and wonderful wonderful jackets.  Despite a lack of jackets in my actual wardrobe, I have a huge weak spot for them as far as my pattern stash is concerned.  As soon as I saw the jackets I knew this issue had to be mine.  I love them.  So, let's get on with it.

Firstly, I will show my non-jacket picks from this issue.

Simple dress, but I love the neckine

Another simple dress, but I think it looks pretty classy, makes me think Jackie O.

Here is the line drawing - the tie on the back is cute!

I also really like this dress as well.

Here is the line drawing - a bit easier to see.

 I realize the last dress is very similar to the first dress (as in, the same but with a different style at the neck), but I don't care I like them both.

 Now, onto the lovely wonderful jackets.

Sigh.  I love this.  I really really want to make this one.

The line drawing.

This one is very eye catching made up with the red piping and gold buttons.

The line drawing - don't know how I feel about breast pockets.

Ok, made up this is sort of dowdy looking.  I blame the color.

Because from the line drawing, I actually prefer this style to the previous one.

Burda also included a short trench jacket.

Not exactly sure about the ruffles of the sleeves here.

There is also a classic long trench.

Again, not positive about the sleeves.

So, yeah.  Jackets.  Yum.  There are at least 2 I definitely want to make and I am considering the others.  Couple that with the dresses and for me this issue has already been pushed over to the gotta get it category.

Now for the fun stuff!  Time for BWTF.

Except, well, there really isn't too much to make fun of in this issue.  Like I said, I think most of the styles are actually pretty wearable.  Not super exciting, but possible wardrobe staples.  I did, however, find these gems:

Cape with giant pockets!

As has already been noted on the Chanel No. 6 blog, this cape is a great idea for traveling in Europe, the land of only one carry-on.  However, as I know someone who will soon be traveling in Europe, I have already had a request for this cape!  So, well, I can't make too much fun, but I can at least show you the model picture, which does sort of illustrate the point:

Guide book, camera, cell phone, wallet, and still a entire pocket empty!

I suppose thinking of it as a purse/blanket combo it actually does serve some sort of useful purpose, and it would distribute the weight of its contents more evenly than a purse would.  From a functionality stand point, it actually could make sense.  From a fashion standpoint... erm... not so much.

And, also, I want to point out these pants:

What?

Well, maybe point at more than point out.  Point at, and laugh.  The skinny legs and wide ruffle make me think of a duck with webbed feet, and my sister said they would be great for a horse costume.  So, erm, yeah.  I don't think I will be tracing these out any time soon.

Now, finally time for Best and Worst picks for the month of August.

For me, looking through the offerings, the Best of BS for August seems rather apparent:

The jacket on the left - breast pockets and all!

Despite my apprehensions about the line drawing, the black jacket with gold buttons is just too fabulous. I can't deny it as the winner.  Sigh.  I may have compromised my principles, as this is the first time I have chosen based on the constructed garment rather than the line drawing, but I don't care.  I love it.  Stunning.

And now, the moment we have all been waiting for - BWTF for August goes to:

Those pants.

Notice how the girl on the left looks totally ridiculous.  And the stylish sensible girl on the right looks like she is smiling and complimenting the outfit while thinking how stupid it looks.  Yeah.  Not that these pants had much competition in this issue, but still.  Very much a miss for me.

So yay, another Burda down!  Overall impression of this issue - not too exciting, but nothing horrendous either.  Most of the clothes have wardrobe potential, with a few gems in the dresses and jackets.  A definite yes for my growing Burda collection.

Newsflash: 2011 Roller Skating National Championships Schedule Update

For those of you attending the 2011 National Championships, or planning to watch the live video streaming, the latest schedule has been released.  This should be a finalized schedule as all of the regional championships have been concluded.

You can look at the main event page here.

The new schedule is available here.

In addition, the Indoor National Speed Championships (which can be quite exciting to watch) should be starting on Sunday, so I will plan to post a link to the online video streaming closer to the start date.  Indoor speed skating is very similar to the short track in ice, so if you enjoy watching that during the Olympics, you will probably enjoy watching this as well.

The latest version of the speed schedule is here.

Dance Skating - The Fourteen Step

Next up: the Fourteen Step!  This is the most basic of the dances that is being skated at the world level this year.  As the name implies, this dance has only fourteen steps.  This is one of the earliest skate dances ever performed - coming into existence in 1889!  Despite its simplicity, this dance has many variations and parts of this dance can be found in many other dances (like the Ten Fox and the Ten Step).  This dance is skated in the International and American styles for team dance events, as well as on ice (although it is not skated in the higher levels).  Recently (in 2009) a new dance called the "Fourteen Step Plus" was created for and the roller Jr World Class solo division.

The main differences between the International and American dances occur as the woman turns forward at the start of the corner.  In the International and ice versions, the woman crosses her right foot behind the left foot and then does three running strokes.  In American, the woman does five running strokes without a cross behind.  In addition, this dance is skates to several variations of a March tempo.  For American dance, it is skated to 100 beats per minute (bpm).  For the ice and roller International test program, it is skated to 104 bpm.  At the Jr World Class level, it is skated to 108 bpm.  To further complicate matters, the American Junior Team division skates this dance to 104 beats per minute, has the cross behind on the corner, but does NOT use international style for the progressive running steps.

Pattern Sales: Simplicity

JoAnn is having a $1.99 Simplicity pattern sale tomorrow through Saturday.  (Thursday, July 14 - July 16).  I know some people were able to snatch up the latest patterns over the Fourth of July weekend, but for those of us whose local stores don't stock patterns until at least 2 weeks after the release date, this may be the first sale where the new fall Simplicity patterns are available.  Hopefully I will be able to get the patterns on my list...

Dance Skating - The Imperial Tango

The next stop on my tour of dance skating is the Imperial Tango.  This dance is only skated in International roller skating, although it is used for both team and solo dance.  It is being used this year in the Jr World Class team event, and was last skated team in 2008.  It was also skated in 2009 for the Jr World Class Solo event.  It is skated to a 104 Tango tempo.

Newsflash - Fall Vogue Patterns

Vogue has just released their fall patterns, which you can view here.  Overall, I say they have quite a few winners in this round.  There are a lot of patterns I have fallen in love with.

Firstly, so many draped knit dresses!  And I am in love with all of them.  Well, most of them.  Although my number one pick is actually a top and a skirt:

V1259 - Swoon!

I am also loving these dresses:

V1256

V1257

V1254

Actually, the second one - V1257 - I am envisioning cutting down on the length, using 3/4 length sleeves, and making more of a tunic top.  But, well, we shall see.  I have to actually acquire said pattern first.  Also, I am in love with the neckline on the third pattern.  It is, perhaps, a bit mature for me, but maybe I will just get the pattern so I can use it in 5-10 years?

In terms of more practical clothing, I am also madly in love with this shirt pattern:

V8747

This is a "custom fit" pattern, so it includes cup sizing.  Total win.  This is a must buy pattern for me I think.

And another shirt pattern, with raglan sleeves:

V1260

Now for the patterns I am debating:

V8751

Pants!  I know, I know, I buy whole Burda magazines for pants, so what is the problem?  Well, these look an awful lot like the pants I am currently making, V1051:

V1051 - Alice + Olivia pattern

The waistband is essentially the same, and the silhouette is similar.  The pockets are different (no welts!), but really, they are very similar.  Vogue even made some up, so we can compare live models:

V8751 - Live!

As may be more obvious now, the new pattern has a much straighter leg, whereas the Alice + Oliva pattern is a little more fitted through the knee and then has a flare at the bottom.  I actually prefer the fitted look through the knee more (and I even had to take in the V1051 pattern at the knee to achieve this), so I don't know if I am really interested in the new pattern.  On the other hand... I wear lots of pants.  I don't know.  I think if Vogue's sale prices were $1.99 instead of $3.99 I would be more tempted.  But, well, with so many other new patterns I am liking, I don't know how soon I would be getting these pants.

(BTW, if you are wondering about the V1051 that I am making - I have made them before.  I left off the welt pockets before, and I am leaving them off again.  Not because I am afraid of the welts, but because there is a dress code for an upcoming event and I need pants like yesterday.  And, although I probably have more than 10 Burda pants patterns calling to me right now that I am dying to make, I don't have time to test the fit and make up a good set, so I am just pumping out 2 pairs of the V1051.  I will post pictures when they are finished.  Anyway, back to patterns...)

I am also on the fence about this pattern:

V1258

I really like the pockets in this dress, however, I feel like overall, the dress looks sort of sloppy.  Maybe it is the fit on the top - it makes everything look a bit... droopy.  I don't know.  Another pattern to ponder.

This also caught my eye:

V8742

This dress is like the opposite of all of the Burda dresses this year - gathering on the side panels instead of the front.  I have so many gathered Burda dresses now that I don't know how much this excites me.  I think the gathering is much more flattering on the front than the sides, so this might be a pass.

Finally, I debate over this pattern for my sister:

V8749

My sister likes big swooshy skirts, so this might be a good pattern for her.  I don't know, we shall have to see how generous I am feeling the next time a Vogue sale rolls around.

Finally, I want to point out that while I don't really want this pattern, I think Vogue did an excellent job of picking a fabric for it:

V1263

I mean, it is quite a stunning image.  Granted, I know it would look sort of awful on me (take away my waist and I am a box on tree stumps), and yet I feel drawn to it.  Maybe I need a textured purple coat for fall?

Overall, this is a great bunch of patterns.  There is only one real head scratcher:

V8752

Ok, when I first saw the picture I din't think much of it, but look at the line drawing:

V8752 - Line drawing.  Ummm, what?

Er, ummm, yeah.  This may be on par with some of my BWTF pattern picks.  Heck, it probably surpasses at least a few of them.

But, overall, a good set of patterns.  There are some other jackets and dresses and things, but I think I am already smitten with enough new patterns...

Now to wait for the August Burda preview!