Wednesday 24 March 2010

Dear Jen,

When I first saw the Jenny skirt pattern on Burdastyle, I clocked it but didn't make a fuss. Having been burnt by unsuccessful Burdastyle patterns in the past, I waited to see if the purchase price would be $7.50 well spent. Then came the variations: dress, skirt with bow front, skirt with suspenders. Yes indeed I could see it's potential, but still I bade my time. Then pictures of members' creations using this pattern began to trickle in, Yoshimi's sleek and simple version, Nikkishell's tangerine dream, and of course Gertie's suspendered delight. SOLD! I'll take it!

However, what I really don't understand is why Burdastyle are offering three variations to buy, yet from what I can gather, each variation includes the pattern pieces for all four styles, yet includes only the instructions for one. If you have figured this out, please leave a comment, it's hurting my brain.

Anyways, I made my first version from the black sateen that dwells in my stash and refuses to decrease in size no matter how many projects I make from it. Not only did I use the same fabric type as Gertie's suspender version, but I also followed her queue to cut the waistband on the straight of grain rather than on the bias.

As with every experience I have with Burdastyle patterns, I had to do quite a bit of fluffing about to get a good fit. I was very honest about my measurements, which resulted in a skirt about two sizes too big, so I took it in, then needed to let it out a fraction... blah blah blah. I also made skirt straight at the bottom, not tapered in to the knees as the pattern dictates. And I eliminated the lining as this fabric is pretty hefty and has a slight stretch which would allow for a great fit if left unencumbered by a lining. Plus Nikkishell didn't line her first Jenny skirt, and if it's good enough for Nikkishell.... I love the eventual outcome of this skirt, it feels sleek and sexy and it gives a great nipped in waist effect.

Having worked so hard to acheive a good fit on the final outcome, I wasn't about to let it go so quickly so I made another is quick succession. Especially as the black version isn't exactly 'day wear' in my present profession. So for Round Two I used up an old blue cotton Ikea curtain I've had in my stash for, oh I dunno, forever. It's quite thick (possibly a little too thick for a skirt but hey!) with a nice canvas-y finish which I thought would translate my current nautical obsession.

I made the waistband narrower this time for a more day time appropriate look. I also included a faux-button stand on which to stitch these cool anchor buttons that I had in my stash. The faux button stand is something I must have learnt about at university, but can remember ever trying. Well it came out really well, if I say so myself! If there is call for it, I may well attempt some sort of 'How-to' on the subject.

This version is lined with this rather awesome navy and white polka dot fabric I was given an eon ago when someone's gran was clearing out her stash. Come to think of it, the curtain this is made of came from a friend's mum who was clearing out her stash. AND the buttons came from my ex's gran's mate when SHE was clearing out her stash! So in fact this is a free skirt! Thanks ladies.

14 comments:

Carina said...

Hi Zoe,

I was pondering the self-same headache-inducing issue yesterday whilst on a lull at work, and it seems that you can grab the instructions for any of the variations by going to that page. I searched 'Jenny' from the front page, went to the page for each variation in turn, and clicking the 'Instructions' tab just above the main photo.

It's a hassle and not the best experience as my first stab at using the website and their patterns.

Your guidance on sizing is very useful, though - thank you - I'll definitely be making a muslin!

I've just picked up some gorgeous charcoal grey drill (though it's so soft it feels like a moleskin!)can't wait to get started on it.

Carina

Miss Lottie Lou said...

Wow both skirts look amazing :) You're attention to detail is always amazing, the complimenting polka dot lining is too cute!
Lottie x

Eithne said...

I'd love to know how to make a buttonband like that. The two skirts are beautiful. I was also wondering would I have to pay again to get the instructions for the rest of Jenny variations.

Stephanie said...

Love your skirts! I think all the blogging ladies are giving this skirt a good reputation after so much fuss on the Burdastyle site. I really didn't want this pattern, but you are making me want it now! I'm also enjoying the Me-Made-March, by the way! Keep it up!

Anonymous said...

Both skirts look good enough to eat. I am almost sobbing with envy. They are sooo gorgeous. I love the buttons. I love the lining. I love the shape of the first skirt. I love the red tights. I love that skirt no. 2 came free. Oh my goodness, I need to start making some skirts...

Dora said...

Huh -- with my Jenny, I actually made it taper in MORE at the knees, because I felt the original version wasn't pencil-y enough and made me look boxy. But your Jennies look super flattering. I guess it depends on the shape of the wearer and on the fabric you use.

I love the BurdaStyle site in general but it's definitely confusing when you buy -- there's a "project" that has the instructions but the "pattern" is what you buy, and there's a different pattern for each variation but all are actually the same... I mean, I can find everything I bought and everything I need, but I don't understand the logic of where they put which bit.

E said...

You look like a bombshell in that first skirt...love it!

Angela said...

Both skirts look great on you!

Bam Bam Creative said...

excellent job on the skirts! I've been pondering getting the Jennie, but I'm still on the fence... Burda pattern instructions can be a little weird.

Jess xx

p.s. I'm your 100th follower! Yay for me =D

Lindsey M Nelson said...

a free skirt... EXCEPT for your labor! Don't forget that your time is very valuable :)

sanjeet said...

It's a hassle and not the best experience as my first stab at using the website and their patterns.
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Roobeedoo said...

I was also confused by the Jenny versions. I gave up and bought the Bella trouser pattern instead which is FAB and fit me really well. But now I see your Jenny and want one or two myself!

Kat said...

Gorgeous skirts! I love the blue one. The polka dot lining and anchor buttons are such cute details.

Linda Wolf said...

Zoe,

What a fun outfit! I love how you accessorize. The orange stockings are a super inidividual touch. Nice work on the skirt, too.
Linda

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