Showing posts with label sewing patterns. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sewing patterns. Show all posts

09 February 2014

Review: Burda Plus January 2014

Russian Cover, English to come....later
And the first issue of Burda Plus in 2014 is out! Yay. I sit firmly at the top of the Burda style sizing and at the bottom of the Burda Plus. It depends on what I'm making. And what material I'm using. BUT, I love having more magazines and patterns to look at and have at my disposal. And this magazine has some very gorgeous patterns in it!

Within are 4 theme sets, two of which are simply reproductions from previous issues. But, once again, as I am new to sewing, I don't mind these reproductions because I don't own the previous issues.

My favourite aspect of this issue, although many patterns are exactly the same, the slight variations; sleeves, length, colour blocking; help you visualize how you can make such alterations for a whole new dress with patterns that you already own. It is like a visual lesson in frankenpattern-ing. Phew that's a long made-up word!

So lets take a look at some of the patterns:

Typically I don't like jackets, but this jacket is simply stunning. I could see making it in a heavy sweater material or a ponte for extreme comfort. And really, BOTH the yellow and the colour blocked version are incredible. I want them BOTh. Such a great pattern. The pants and top though I probably won't make.

Three different versions of the same dress. The only variations between the technical drawing for all three is that some have shading while others done. And two have princess seams to the hemline. (I should have used the other line drawing as its more accurate - oh well). A very nice dress and minus the added skirt on the first dress, a great dress to colour block and use up some of those scraps you have from previous patterns. I have a fair few of those and I'm thinking they'll end up as this dress.

Both of these dresses are beautiful. I don't often think so many Burda patterns are wearable from the same magazine, but there's something comfortable about all the designs. The yellow is a great staple pattern that could work for so many designs. Also, the raglan sleeves connecting in to a yoke in the back is very beautiful. I would love to colour block this dress! And that princess seamed dress with peek-a-boo skirt panels at the bottom add such drama and movement to the dress! I would t use the colours they did, but the pattern is wonderful and I look forward to making it!
This is a lovely side dart bodice dress. Simple and elegant. I'm thinking a simple linen version for summer would be splendid. 

A similar jacket style to the dress above. I like the drama the the circular flounce sleeves create in the photo but I would despise wearing them in real life. Too much drama for my lifestyle. 


This drop waist dress is very on trend. With the recent release of Republic du Chiffon's Viviane dress and Pauline Alice's Malvarosa, this pattern fits right in. But what I do love is that this drop waist dress has a back yoke and button down. I think the length on the model is frumpy, but take it up an inch or two and you have an adorable dress. Or alternatively you can make a sack version like #432.

Three takes on the same shirt: neck tie, collar, collar dress. How simple changes can make an entirely new dress. 

Totally average pencil skirt anybody?

There are a few patterns not included here. But I didn't like them enough to even say blah about them. 

Overall feelings about this Burda plus magazine? Great job Burda! You did a great thing providing non-bag plus sized patterns! Now to get my hands on the only copy that gets shipped to my small city!
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16 December 2013

Review: Burda Style January 2014

The thing about me is that I love winter. Not the numbing cold mind you, but the chance to wear so many layers and anything fleece lined. I actually prefer when the weather drops enough for me to comfortably wear leggings under my dresses rather than summer bare legs. I just love the cozy feeling that thicker clothing and layers provide. Wools, Knits, and a cup of hot chocolate and I'm a happy girl.

So for me, the January Burda Style magazine, with its winter appropriate patterns is one I look forward to. Although this January issue doesn't have too many extreme-warmth looking items, I do think this issue is a winner. But sadly they did include a fur section and once again are trying to pass off a rectangular cut piece of fabric as a pattern. Sorry, that isn't a pattern in my books! And they also included a costume section. YES, the patterns are incredibly adorable and I appreciate the inclusion, BUT not in the January issue; Halloween JUST past, this should be in the August/September issue leading UP to Halloween, not 2 months past it. Bad timing is all.

But lets take a gander at the selection shall we?

Lets start with the GREAT

Minus the applique on the bottom hem I really really really like this dress. Add sleeves and its PERFECT. Nor a winter dress for certain but a dress design that I love. I LOVE turtle necks. FYI.

LOVE this draped tulip shape skirt. I've been waiting for something like this to come up! Can't wait to make it! But that corset...never going to happen. I don't do strapless or corsets. 

I adore these types of pants. I've never personally sewn pants. But I think that if I was going to start than these would be at the top of my list. With a larger waist band. And blending into the fine category is the shirt. Nice gathering. That's about it. I guess I just don't find shirts all that interesting. I don't tend to gravitate towards them to frequently.

I love the included edging on the dress. It is a simple shape, but just adding the extra details make it so much more intriguing to me. I'm not a pattern drafter and don't understand much about it yet, so having patterns pre-made to my liking allows me to sew more easily. Less struggling means more time to sew and be jolly.

I think I like this dress MORE because of the skirt fabric they used. I LOVE all the raised flowers on the fabric. I can't wait to get my hands on some! So this, this pattern is a lovely choice. Nothing we haven't seen before though.


Now we shall move onto the FINE category:

Pretty neat shape and I adore the quilting on the sleeves. But as usual it is very nice of Burda to do it in WHITE and have her crossing her arms? Really? Yes, we don't need to see the details. Don't worry.

This issue has some really pretty plus sized patterns. Forget the baggy shapeless blogs they've been passing off as patterns, This issue's plus sized patterns are all winners; form-fitting, or nice details. I like both the shape of this dress and the colour-blocking paneling. But without a waist seam, I do see the potential for bunching if the fit isn't right between the waist and hip.

The next plus sized pattern is a basic V-neck dress with thick waistband. It is a simple design, but one that can be very flatting. And great for pattern jerseys. Omit that side zipper. it is unnecessary.

And the OK-for-a-Basic Patterns:

Just because it is in a new pattern doesn't make it a new dress. I feel like this shapeless pocketed sheath dress is in every issue now. I won't be making it but it isn't terrible.
Now, as simple as this may be, Made up in that fuzzy looking material gives this simple shape more potential within my wardrobe. Put a belt around it and it could be a go to winter staple for me. Fuzzzzzzzy.


All-in-all I think that Burda is starting the year out right. Yes, I hate the fur section, and I think the Costumes are in the wrong month, but the three other sections are worth it. They have patterns that have risen straight to the top of my to-sew list which is endless. But with Christmas fabric presents heading my way, I couldn't be more excited for this issue to arrive in my mailbox. 

Also, the magazines includes a male shirt and jacket. But I'm a selfish sewing so they are useless to me.
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01 November 2013

More Mail Order Big 4

On a similar note - Christmas has arrived again and I ordered new patterns during a $1.99 sale with ClubBMV. 

Lets check out the newbies:

Warm Winter Leggings (McCalls 6404)


My favourite outfits are dresses with leggings/fleece tights. With the -30 degrees in the middle of winter a soft warm pair if fleece tights are so welcome! 

So I found this pattern after I saw a beautiful pair of leather pants made by beaute J'adore and new I wanted them. Mine all mine! now to find beautiful fleecey material!

Side note: why use black material for the cover as it completely hides the style line variations on the pattern. Doh!

Cascade Dress (Vogue 1344)


This is just beautiful. It is begging to be made out of silk fabric! And another side note about the models dress - busy fabric? Completely hides the cascade skirt and the shoulder gathers. Doh!

Public Lounge Wear (Vogue 1323)

Elastic waist and ankles? I'm in heaven! Make these out of a nice silk or linen and they'll be socially appropriate and comfy. Mmmmm elastic...

Drool

So what do you think of my big 4 mail order purchases? would you buy these patterns?
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