Anda by Burda Style

I am an avid follower of the Grosgrain Blog. If you haven't seen it, you should check it out. Kathleen makes the most amazing dresses, all of her own design.

Quite often she will do a sew-a-long, called "Frock by Friday". The last one she hosted was sewing Anda by Burda Style.

I have been on a bit of a mission to have a few more simple and casual items in my wardrobe, so thought I'd have a bash at making Anda. I didn't participate in the Grosgrain sew-a-long but did check out Kathleen's tips.

This is a very simple frock. I made the size 38, which was the smallest size - I think you can have a bit of leeway with sizing in this dress as it is not fitted. But if you are small-framed, you would need to scale the pattern down. This would be easy though as there is only two main pattern pieces (the front and the back), and each is cut on the fold.

Here is my version in a light-medium weight cotton:

You can make your own bias binding to finish the neckline and sleeves:

The waist is done with a casing that is sewn on the outside, and then a drawstring ribbon. Very simple. Because it is done this way, I would not recommend using a fabric that is medium weight or heavier. I think you'd end up getting some weird gathers going on.

It would look cute in a shorter length too - I went the longest length on the pattern - I always have to do this with patterns - I'm not even that tall (172cm) - but always seem to need the longest length for it to hit the right spot on my legs.

I plan to make more of these - instant gratification sewing at its best - I think it only took a few hours from cutting to hemming. I saw some really lovely soft rayon with retro flower prints at Spotlight this week and was sorely tempted. I think I'll go back for some soon and make another one.

Has anyone else made this frock up?

PS - I'm almost finished my outfit montage for my birthday weekend (next weekend). I'm wearing a full-skirted frock (that I made some time ago and blogged about) to go to dinner on friday night, the Simplicity 2443 racer back dress Saturday to Hanging Rock, and a Project Runway ruffle-y dress to my party Saturday night. Then the following wednesday Michael is taking me to see the Mary Poppins play, and I've made a 50's style frock with 3/4 sleeves and a full circle skirt. Pics to come!