In December, I came across the Burda contest. The theme was: "my little dress in printed fabric".
So, I decided to sew my own dress following the criteria set for the contest.
The jury's criteria were:
- the choice of fabric
- the coherence of the theme
- creativity and composition
- originality.
Moreover, the presented pattern had to come from the 2019 magazines. That was convenient, as I am subscribed to burdastyle; what was less convenient was that I hadn’t made any dresses from these magazines in 2019, only blouses... So, I got to work to be ready by 31/1 at the latest!

First step: choose the pattern that would highlight my stature as a "petite" lady. I found my happiness in the summer patterns.
To meet the different criteria, I chose a summer dress presented in viscose in the August magazine and wanted to make it a winter dress; after all, the contest is in January and February. With its midi length and my small height, without shortening it, it would be rather long. That suited my idea of making a winter dress well.

Second step: choose an original, rather warm, trendy and modern fabric, in tones that suit me well and that would give me a bit of a sewing challenge. So I set out to find "THE" fabric in physical haberdasheries and especially on the internet.
I completely fell for a pretty velvet on tissus.net. I love the orange flowers that remind me of the colour of my hair. I had never sewn devoured velvet before, it met my need for a challenge... and straight into the basket.
In principle, this dress is meant to be sewn in woven fabric but I thought it would suit this pretty fabric well.

Third step while waiting for the parcel to arrive, copying and modifying the pattern. For those who know the Burda magazine, you have to add the seam allowances.

I had to make stature adjustments. Indeed, due to my measurements, I had to shorten the bodice by 3cm. And secondly, I also reduced the shoulder length and raised the sleeve head so that they would fall well.

My parcel arrived at the very end of the year, so I had at most one month left to sew it; I who wanted a challenge... I was served.

Fourth step: the making

This dress pattern is rather reserved for intermediate to advanced levels because there are quite a few technical points:
- the darts,
- the assembly of sleeves with ease
- the non-tear sleeve slits and the setting in of the cuffs
- making the buttonholes
- attaching the facing or lining
- the hems

not to mention that I had to validate my modifications... I had to make the sleeves twice because I hadn’t made the height adjustment to the sleeve heads for the first ones which did not fall well... back to the drafting and back to the sleeve slits, cuffs... one does not get discouraged. There were 15 days left to redo them and phew enough fabric!

Since the dress is made of stretch knit, I did not put in a zipper because I can pull it on over my head without difficulty.

For the finishing, I chose not to make the facing proposed for two reasons.
The first is that the devoured velvet is quite transparent in some places and the second is that I wanted a winter dress a "bit" warmer. So I decided to fully line it (except the sleeves) with a black stretch mesh that I found at the golden house where I came across a charming saleswoman who gave me good advice.
Another finish I worked on for this dress is the covered buttons which were recommended to me by Vanessa from the Wonderland haberdashery. Indeed, I had never made covered buttons and it is true that it gives a rather chic look to have buttons matching the garment; I will do it again.

Fifth step: the photo session and sending them for the contest. As usual, my darling was called upon for the photo "session". After selecting the three I found most successful, I sent my confirmation email to Burda while crossing my fingers.
And oh surprise, on February 3rd I received the email confirming that my creation was selected among the 20 finalists and that I was expected on 13/02 for the final; what a wonderful birthday gift for me who was born on 11/02!
My heart races with joy and excitement... I can hardly wait!

My first covered buttons

I chose for the photos to accessorise the dress with a belt to highlight my waist.
So, what do you think?

I can’t wait for the sixth step: the final!
I will tell you all about it very soon.