I AM Patterns - *NEW* Barbara
About Barbara
I AM Patterns' latest release Barbara, is a wonderful 'I AM' twist on the classic shirt. It has classic shirt sleeves and collar, cuffs with a slit opening, a back yoke and a centre-back pleat. The front buttons are hidden under a placket. This versatile pattern can also be made as a dress! The design details make Barbara very original: the front and/or back flounces are set in the sleeves, and there are three different flounce variations with or without godets, bringing a truly unique style to each make.
I AM Barbara, is both “in vogue” and timeless, but always elegant. I AM collaborated with the ever stylish Barbara (alias @bee_made on Instagram) for this pattern. Long before Instagram existed, the I AM team followed her adventures on her blog. Barbara is I AM's first collaboration.
You will find a sew along tutorial for Barbara on the I AM Patterns blog.
In an effort to reduce paper usage some pattern pieces overlap with each other, so you will need to trace the pattern on paper or use Cloth Edit’s Vilene Light. It is fantastic for tracing patterns, and you can even sew it, which makes it great for fitting. (Note - the overlapping is neither extensive nor hard to discern).
The packaging for I AM Patterns is beautiful but tricky to get into without ripping the lovely gold card that backs the pattern. Our suggestion is to jiggle the pattern down as far as it goes, and neatly cut off the top of the pattern. You will need to snip off approximately 1.75cm, but take care to steer clear of the pattern itself.
The Fabric
For your Barbara, select poplins, viscose, cotton voile, plumetis, lightweight chambray, lightweight crêpe, lightweight denim, silk, light weight linens etc
The Notions
Iron-on interfacing: 27″ by 16″ (70cm by 40cm)
Buttons of 5/8″ (15mm) diameter
- Shirt: 9 buttons
- Dress: 12 buttons
Sizing
The Barbara covers the size range of 36-46. The image includes measurements for other sizes, but sizes 48-52 relate to the PDF version, only available directly from the pattern company.
Level of Difficulty
I AM Patterns indicates that Barbara is an 'intermediate' pattern. The instructions are clear, with step by step illustrations.
I AM Patterns is a very popular French independent sewing pattern company, owned by two sisters: Marie-Emilienne (founder and designer) and Blandine (marketing manager). I AM Patterns’ designs are modern and push the boundaries, but they also include timeless pieces. I hope you enjoy exploring their range.
