Burda - Meh! and a Merchant and Mills inspired refashion!

I occasionally buy Burda magazine if I see a copy of it in a newsagent, some of the garments I find too flouncy but some of the clean edged ones I like. However the thought of attempting to find all of the correct pattern pieces within the maze that is the pattern sheets and then having to add the seam allowances really put's me off. In a recent edition I loved quite a few of the patterns but thought I should attempt something simple first - hence this blouse:

 There was also was a cute dress which used some of the same pieces, if the blouse went well I thought I would attempt the dress too.

  As expected tracing the pieces and adding the seam allowances was a pain. The pattern pieces didn't match up well with a seam allowance added for the keyhole so I chopped it off, but I think this was a mistake as the keyhole on mine is massive! - I certainly couldn't wear it without a vest underneath!

I like the side curves and the relaxed fit but the back is slightly shorter than the front - weird!

Needless to say I didn't make the dress and am really not sure I can be bothered to attempt anything else.

  On a slightly more positive note I have had this Linen dress in my wardrobe for ages. I love the top half but the weird bubble hem ends mid calf which is a strange length and it basically looks like a huge nightie! - So I have never worn it. 

Inspired by my recent purchase of the Merchant and Mills Workbook I decided a refashion was in order. Off came the weird hem, a deep curve was added to both the front and the back and - Ta Da!! a new linen top!

  The evening sun was gorgeous on the villiage green as I walked my daughter home from her friends house so we took a couple of photos - It was a bit windy for photos really but you get the general idea.

  I really love this and can't believe I have left altering it for so long! 

    Looking at my me made wardrobe throughout May has made me realize my lack of plain basics so I have decided to attempt to create a plain capsule wardrobe using some of the patterns from the workbook I am planning 2 vests, one saltmarsh skirt (maxi skirt) and one pair of stride shorts - I think this should see me through the summer!

 Has anyone else realized that their me made wardrobes are lacking in any areas?

  Thanks for stopping by!

      Su xx