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This project started off as “The Daunting Silk Dress Project” – basically because I have always been so scared of sewing with silk. After hearing many a sewcialists’ tales of what a beast silk is to sew, I somewhat relegated it to the “not for me” compartment of my creative brain. And yet here I am writing a silk dress Burda 12/2018 #109 review post!

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My Vintage Laura Ashley Silk Dress

The embryotic idea of this sewing project started perhaps about 15 years ago. Back in the day – I loved buying and selling vintage clothes. Along the way, I amassed a curated collection of some lovely vintage garments, that I have, alas, been too precious about.

Car boot sale bargain

At one of the Sunday car boot sales I frequented, a woman was selling off a rail of Laura Ashley clothes. Most were too small for me except for this one dress which felt very lovely to the touch. It was 100% silk and I got it for only £2!

It was in excellent condition too! And it fit me! I wore it once for an afternoon, packed it away, then wore it again 3 years ago, packed it away. It has only been worn twice in its 15 year residency with me. Oh, the shame!

Silk Fabric is AMAZING!

So how did I go from being such a silk coward to actually attempting to sew a silk dress? Well, I dared myself to pack one of my “precious” vintage garments to Italy.

Plus I wanted to put silk to the test. I had read about how it is perfect for hot weather and light as a breeze etc.

Read – More BURDA Sewing Projects

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I packed it to go on our annual jaunt across Europe during the hottest summer that Italy has experienced in recent years.

Let me tell you something – the silk performed well beyond my expectations! I wore it to Verona and though it was a sweltering hot day I was comfortable in the dress!

An Obsession is Born – Sewing with Silk

Being in Italy surrounded by all that culture, fashion, and style – (we went to Milan the next day), I got a bee in my bonnet about sewing a silk garment! And the rest is history!

When I was at the Stitchrooom Sewcial, Heather Jacks, winner of the GBSB was saying how she loved sewing with silk and she got hooked after sewing her first silk garment. I get it now.

Since then I have sewn another gorgeous houndstooth dress which I love!

And unlike the vintage Laura Ashley dress – these will get worn!

HOW TO SEW: Burda 12/2018 #109 Dress

I created a sewing video tutorial to show how I sewed Burdastyle 12/2018 #109 dress in silk. It was a fun and surprisingly super quick sewing project that only took 2 sessions to finish.

In the video tutorial, I explain the different types and methods of fusing. For this project, I had to use block fusing. Even though it is a wasteful method, there are times that call for block fusing.

The silk crepe de chine has the most delicate drape which meant it was prone to shifting around.

With the larger pattern pieces, this was manageable. Smaller pieces, such as the neck and armholes facings required more stability. To counter that, I used woven interfacing which worked a treat.

More Indie Sewing Patterns Reviews

Burda 12/2018 #108 Pattern Review

Pattern Description: Simple shirt dress featuring flounce hem with bust and shoulder darts

Pattern Sizing: EUR 32 – 42. I sewed size 38.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? – Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? – I sewed it without looking at the instructions. Its a simple style.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? – The flounce looked like it would create interest in the right fabric.

Fabric Used: Lady McElroy Horsely 100% Silk Crepe de Chine. 44″ Wide. Unfortunately now sold out.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None.

Would you sew it again? Yes

Would you recommend it to others? – Yes!

Conclusion – This dress is such a beautiful classic style. Though it was my first time sewing with, I learned a lot and found the style to have been suitable for silk.

I hope you have enjoyed this Burda 12/2018 #109 review post and that you find it useful. Do you like to sew with silk? Any tips and tricks?

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*Fabric was gifted by Minervacrafts with thanks. All opinions, trims, threads, words, thoughts, ideas, photos are 100% my own.