Burdastyle 152: A silk feather print shift dress

When the editors over at Burdastyle agreed to let me review one of their patterns for their blog today I was excited that they chose this simple shift dress because it is just the thing that Lily will actually wear. You see, I've made her dresses from vintage patterns which I just love.... 

 But now that she's a a little older she doesn't want to wear these styles anymore. I seem to have lost the kid who just went ahead and wore ANYTHING I MADE!

She was even happy to wear some of my dorkier  creations from when I first got back into sewing after a years long hiatus. Yes, it looks very HOMEMADE.... But I thought it was really good when I made it and she liked it!

This silk bias ruffle dress I designed for her when I was competing on Project Run & Play was beautiful, or at least I still think so. But sadly, she hasn't worn it because we haven't been invited to any fancy events lately. I'm keeping my fingers crossed... We love a good party!

So I have decided to get a little more realistic when it comes to sewing for her. I now ask her opinion throughout the process instead of just doing my own thing. 

And there is still her little sister, my current willing victim.

This is my version of Burdastyle # 152 from the November 2012 magazine issue, a pleated, sleeveless, mini dress with a yoke and neckband. I used the downloadable pattern available here in the pattern store and printed it out, the method I prefer since Burdstyle magazines are hard to find in California and I absolutely HATE unfolding those big pages, searching for all the lines amidst a jumble of chaos and somehow tracing the big mess.

Lily is getting to that age where a lot of the patterns out there are looking too babyish for her. One of the reasons I love Burdastyle kids patterns is because they are fashion forward,  current, yet age appropriate. Lily likes to go through the website and pick out fashionable styles for me to make her. It's a fun collaboration. 

This simple shift dress is chic yet super comfy for an older girl. I sewed it up in a feather print silk charmeuse that I bought on one of my trips to the LA garment district.

This pattern was really quick to sew up. I did make a modification to the pattern at the neckline, making  the neckband wider and cutting it on the bias to create a nice drape.

Some mothers I know online who sew for their kids are nervous about using more luxurious fabrics like silk. My advice is, don't be nervous when sewing with silk for children. They love the feel of it and there is always Oxi- clean! 

This fabric was also made into this blouse as well.

If you are going to take the time to make a hand made garment I think you should use the best fabric you are comfortable in investing in. I love the feel of silk in my hands.

So are you getting ready for your kids spring sewing yet?

If so, you may want to stop by Burdastyle. com

If you would like to see more sewing and craft related posts consider adding Sew Country Chick to your rss feed reader. Or follow with Facebook, Twitter, or Friend Connect!