#LadyMSews || WHiT – Inspired Burda Jumper

    Hey gang!  I’m finally getting back to my regularly scheduled programing after weeks of getting settled and unpacking from our big move.  Been dying to share this project as I think it might be one of my new favorite things (bare with my back-logged posts set in NY!)  The second I saw this pattern on burdastyle I knew I had to make it.  I had been dying over this jumper from WHiT’s Fall 2013 Collection, and jumpers have kind of been everywhere lately, so it only seemed obvious I had to add one to my wardrobe.  I think its funny & neat how burda ties inspiration from the current runways into their pattern collections, I’ve caught it a couple times and those are always the collections I like best.  

Right: Burda A-line Jumper, Left: WHiT Fall 2013

    There are so many things I love about this piece.  I am a sucker for pockets, and in-seam ones are just extra spectacular.  I also love the retro-mod feel to it, and it’s versatility.

    There are several adjustments I made to the original pattern.  Most notably, the pattern was made for a knit, so I had to add a center back zipper to get in and out of it.  I also added a leather zipper placket detail (another cute little touch I picked up from WHiT) using scrap leather I had in my stash, which I also echoed at the front pockets.  Aside from adding a center back zip, I also ended up taking the dress in about 3/4″ off the hip and 1 1/2″ off the hem sweep.  I should have noticed this before I sewed the lining in (or I should of made a muslin but I’m too impatient for that) but for whatever reason I didn’t.  Then when I tried it one I sort of felt like I was swimming inside of a bell.  Taking it in really cleaned up the lines and made it look less like the dress was wearing me, and more the other way around.

    I already mentioned how versatile this little jumper is.. but lets chat about it even more because who doesn’t love versatility in their wardrobe?  I love how I can throw it over a tshirt with sneakers to be super casual, a button down and booties for work, or nothing underneath with heals for a night out.  (NOTE: this is where my – ahem – minimalist bosom comes in handy).

    Lets talk about the details – another thing I love about this project is that aside from the zipper, every bit of it came out of my stash.  I just love stash-busting projects dont you?  During the packing and moving I got a rude awakening as to how out of control my fabric collection has become, and am now challenging myself to sew through at least half of it before I buy more -eep!  I used a wool gaberdine for the body which I had left over from a school project.  The only thing I dislike about this fabric is that its sort of a lint magnet.  The leather is cut up from an old jacket I was saving just to strip and salvage.  And the lining is a poly lining also leftover from a school project (same as the black).  

    The whole dress is clean finished with the lining.  I think the red is a nice little surprise on the inside, and a little special when it peeks out from the armhole and neckline.

    For some reason I have these little spots of tension around the hip seam in the front (seen above) and the back (seen below).  I was hoping it would iron out but had no success and gave up when my fabric started to shine.  Its not very noticeable when its on.  My only other imperfection is the leather zipper placket is not completely even on both sides, again not too noticeable unless I point it out, and being leather I didn’t want to rip and re-do it to avoid the holes showing (plus I had stupidly already glued the seams open once I noticed it).

    I am pretty pleased with the overall turn out, and seem to get a lot of compliments when I wear it.  I think I may be obsessed with jumpers – I mean, they are like the overalls of dresses, how could one not be obsessed with them?

    Happy sewing!