There has been a bit of (totally justified IMO) criticism of Burdastyle magazines lately.But it’s not all bad. Some of those boxy patterns actually turn out alright.
Let me show you my evidence
The cute Felicity version
The trial version without the collar and tie for Mum
For a boxy top I say this is a bit of a winner!
Technical Details
Pattern: BurdaStyle 06/2015 #106
For the mum version, I traced off the dress, BurdaStyle 06/2015 #107 at the blouse level
Size: 36-44, I made a 42 for both Felicity and myself. No we are not the same size. It’s boxy- no need for fancy fitting finnanigans
As you can see, I just turned the sleeve hem under. No proper 3 cm hem for me!
Fabrics
Both are from my local Spotlight store. Mine is a Japanese cotton, Felicity’s is a linen cotton mix with very cute embroidery.
I did flat felled seams on the linen. First time. Woohoo! Love my flat felling foot. Might have done them inside out. Oh well. Beginner.
I didn’t follow Burda’s instructions to cut the button band on the bias. I also doubled it for a bit of extra strength for the button holes (but didn’t interface it)
Buttons
Let me tell you about the buttons.
Mine are vintage hand-me–downs from a lovely elderly church friend. She’s English so they could even be from the UK via a wool coat that gone to a better place.
Yes you can see the selvedge showing through on the button placket. Yes I didn’t use interfacing. Yes I am slap dash. It was a trial version… and I excused??!
Felicity’s buttons are vintage courtesy of Portobello Road markets. Sewing souvenirs are the best souvenirs.
And for a trial version, mine has already had a surprising number of public outings.
I think I like this pattern!
He Cooks... She Sews! 
These look cute on both of you…but I’ll steer clear. Short, stout and top heavy plus boxy does not bode well! I remember buying pattern magazines [maybe Burda, maybe something else] quite often through the 80s, and there was a steady diet of this sort of shape…but I was thinner and flat chested then!
Well I’m not short but I am now stout. I thought these would not work for me either.
lol I think it’s the height to wodth ratio that’s crucial! Mine almost match…
For shapeless boxy tops these look so nice! I really like the fabrics you used, especially the colours in yours. And, yes, flat felled seams are a nice touch. I don’t have a flat fell foot for my machine. I actually don’t think I’ve ever seen one! I can imagine it takes less time having that handy attachment to some of the folding for you while you sew.
These fancy feet always seem like an indulgence but I’ve been happy with every one I’ve bought.
The bug fabric you used for your daughter’s top is just so cute!
It’s gorgeous. I’m eyeing of the remnants for something for myself.
v impressed with flat felled seams…
So much fun to do too. In linen especially.
I like the boxy tops too ! I remember them too from the 80s but Burda seems to make them more stylish than other pattern lines and they also seem so ahead fashion wise that I trust they know what they are doing. In any case my last Burda mag purchase was April 2016 and there were lots of boxy styles in that issue too.
Perhaps boxy never really goes out of fashion?
I really like your top. Personally I think this works better as a cropped top with a slim line skirt underneath. The dress could look daggy baggy if you know what I mean.
Absolutely. The dress is a terrible idea on anyone who is not very slender.
You know, I didn’t look twice at those patterns in the mag but I love your versions. Pretty tempted to add 107 to the to-sew list now!
You might be the person that style looks good one (see comment above!)
Both are very cute tops with interesting details. Love the collar.
Thanks. I’m very happy with them.
The tops are lovely. The sunlight looks like one of the very hot days that SA has had, yet you both look impressively calm and cool.
The power of bespoke garments – they even help you overcome the weather!
It looks like a pretty easy pattern too – especially the trial version :). Both are lovely.
Very easy pattern. I really should whip some more up.
Your geometric print is a winner!
Thanks Gail. I couldn’t resist this fabric.
[…] This skirt was made with the same fabulous embroidered linen I’d used earlier for a boxy top. […]