«Burda is for the experienced »
The 5-star reviews are very accurate, but some important issues have been left out, hence my 3-star rating. I have a problem with two things. #1. Unlike the big 4 pattern makers, Burda usually only offers a front drawn image of the piece of clothing. Details are sometimes impossible to see because you only get one side and no detailed written description of the clothing. If you go to the photos of the models, the details can also be very hard to see because the photos are like those in fashion magazines (except poorer quality, so images are not as sharp). Models are posed artistically, arms folded over the chest, lounging across a couch... Often the clothes are in dark colors, where details, again, cannot be discerned. And because the line drawings are so sparse, I simply can't figure out sometimes what, exactly, the article of clothing will look like from pictures.
#2. Instructions are basically non-existent. There are a few written instructions, but huge steps are left out completely, or they are glossed over with a few words. There are no visuals at all except for only one item monthly, which is featured in the section called "Sewing Course."
Burda is for the experienced sewer. You'd better know how to sew before attempting to use these patterns. I've been sewing for decades, and I know how to do most things, yet I don't find using these patterns to be particularly pleasant. Perhaps I'm used to the hand-holding I get from the major pattern makers. I don't always follow their directions, but it's nice to see and read how to do something first.
Here is one portion of the instructions for a jacket in the latest Burda p. 42 issue 8/2008. Patch Pockets - Stitch pocket pieces of top fabric and lining right sides together, leaving a bit of seam open at the top for turning. Turn pockets. Sew up opening. Lay pockets on fronts at placement lines. Stick pockets close to edges.
Although "leave a bit" and "sew up opening" is fairly easy to figure out, I wonder if people less experienced might wonder "Turn the pockets? Left, right, how?" Why not write "turn pockets right side out"? I question whether someone less experienced would do well with these types of instructions. If instructions for a simple pocket like this can be obscure, imagine what instructions look like for complicated items.
However, the styles are flattering to many body types and ages, stylish, beautifully detailed, refined yet hip. And everything all the high rated reviews state is true.
My feeling is if you like to do things on your own and you sew well, Burda is superb. Others, try to get a hold of one issue to evaluate before subscribing.
[Sunday, August 24, 2008]
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«super fun with patterns»
I just received my first edition of Burda in the mail, I'm very impressed! The magazine is very high quality and the patterns are simple to figure out. I'm not the most experienced seamstress in the world, but I feel this publication allows me just enough challenge while gently guiding me through different techniques so that I can explore and develop my own creativeness. I love it's DIY aspect and scope of different projects from babies clothing to home decor to haute couture.
[Saturday, July 12, 2008]
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