I'm very late with my review this month because it took longer than usual for the Russian site of Burda to have the complete preview online, but believe me, we haven't missed much.
I scratched my head when the first partial previews came out, but as usual, I wanted to see the complete magazine before forming an opinion.
This time, I really don't know what to say.
WHAT?! A rectangle? AGAIN?!
What is this overskirt thing supposed to be???
Leaving the patterns aside (which are quite horrible anyway, IMHO) for a moment, what did the stylist of this shoot smoke? Who are these looks supposed to inspire?
An otherwise nice coat LINED WITH A FREAKING FUR JACKET??? What?!
And finally, the garment you just can't live without: a short sleeved faux fur jacket with no closures.
Wait, WHAT?
I know I'm rarely impressed by Burda anymore, but this month was just a series of what-the-f moments for me.
The only patterns I actually like in this issue all come with a "but":
I like this tunic, BUT it's for plus sizes and I don't even want to think how difficult it can be to assemble following Burda instructions...
I like this dress, BUT if it makes a model look pregnant that much, what will it do on a normal person? Or is this supposed to be a pregnancy dress and I didn't get it from the Russian site? (This is also the vintage pattern of the month).
I (moderately) like this dress, BUT I've seen it at least three times in the last few issues. Also, why is the model wearing football shoulder pads? Because those can't be regular shoulder pads, unless they were ripped directly from an 80's dress.
Given the current state of this magazine, please consider giving a couple minutes of your time to sign
Silvia's petition for a better Burda. I don't know about you, but I'd really like for things to change.
Yikes - I've just signed up for a subscription and this will be my first issue! I hope that there are some other hidden gems because certainly nothing there will be making its way to my wardrobe any day soon.
ReplyDelete:D:D:D The photo I like best is the one with the model in the silver suit pretending to be an 80s rockstar and playing air guitar. And the pants look a bit tight..probably because of the 1/4 squat she does but why would I want to sew pants that are too tight on the model who's 6489736934863798 sizes smaller than me?
ReplyDeleteAnd the plus size top looks nice, BUT couldn't they find another way to do the ties other than to leave open part of the side? And what are the two tiny holes above the opening? Ventilation holes? On your boobs? I am definitely NOT going to buy this issue!
I discovered a dutch magazine called "stitched by you" that I prefer at the moment, they have more every day wearable stuff and more jersey shirts (I'm really into jersey shirts lately :)) although the fabric they use sometimes looks very "old lady-ish"
I had not seen the crazy rock inspired photos and I agree, they are really weird. But I saw the other photos coming from the same shooting than the green dress and they are quite good. Especially a burgundy coat I am considering making. I haven't bought last month issue because there was just one dress I kind of liked but I think I will buy this one. But you're right, they should really improve their styling and stop including the square pattern: even beginners cannot be fooled by those, this is a lack of respect.
ReplyDeleteNow about the black dress, I really like that pattern, but the model does look very pregnant! Weird!
I think the same. It's an horrible Burda. And the vintage pattern, is for pregnants?
ReplyDeleteThe black and white dress is like this from Mango: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TqVmHZFwZqk/T1ndMKJsrKI/AAAAAAAAA2U/ly9PSP8ykhE/s1600/4.jpg
I wasted my money this month!
Lately, i think burda plus is much better than burda style...I totally agree with you. I knew that this issue won't be interesting even when i looked the last page in october's issue.
ReplyDeleteOh come on, you don't want to make a shiny robot suit?!?! Hahah! Um. WOW.
ReplyDeletenot feeling the love for this one myself. i used to buy it without really looking at what was in it as there would always be something. recently i have been flicking through and haven't seen anything which has made me want to buy. i like the green dress but it's such a simple style that i could find loads of similar ones in patterns without the whole burda seam allowances/ pattern sheets/ terrible instructions shebang. in fact, i'm a pretty newbie sewist but i think i could draft it myself based on patterns i already have.
ReplyDeleteI love how raging you are! I agree with you, burda patterns are not very innovative anymore.. and not that this is a good reason for this - but imagine how hard it is to come up with cool new designs every month! (but I really do wish they were at least in sync with the current fashions!)
ReplyDeleteI've started buying Burda again over the summer, because they had really nice patterns. I thought it was improving. But this issue I've decided to skip. There's just nothing in it that I'd be genuinely excited to sew. Well, let's see what December brings. More fur?
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you! If I buy a sewing magazine, I always buy Knipmode. It's dutch. (But maybe they don't have it in Italy?) And even they are presenting the same patterns over and over again!
ReplyDeleteKnipmode is not available here, unfortunately! :(
ReplyDeleteYuck, I hope not!
ReplyDeleteI hope they'll do something glamorous (and not tacky) for New Years...
Yeah, I guess it's obvious I'm kind of pissed off... As a subscriber, I feel kind of ripped off.
ReplyDeleteI do get some patterns have to be repeated periodically, but not for three months in a row! I'd rather there were less patterns, but with more interest. And enough with these ridiculous photos, who wants them?!
Completely agree. And I also used to buy it without even looking what was inside, I always used to love at least two or three patterns per issue... How sad.
ReplyDeleteLOL
ReplyDeleteYes, plus size pattern are usually better: more elegant and less crazy. In this issue, though, even the plus size section is kind of ridiculous...
ReplyDeleteWow, that looks almost the same (and I still don't like it...).
ReplyDeleteThe burgundy coat for me is the only pattern worth the issue (maybe the peplum top as well). I didn't include it because of the length of the post, but it's a cute pattern. Good luck sewing it :D
ReplyDeleteI've seen "Stitched by You" on perfectnose, but it's not available here :(
ReplyDeleteYes, the construction of that top looks really strange, and as I wrote I don't know how the instructions are going to help us figure it out...
There a couple cute patterns, but it's definitely one of their best issues.
ReplyDeleteAlso, it depends: I'm trashing this issue but I've heard a lot of people who love it.
The vest from faux fur is very popular this season. And from description at the russian site it is with the closure, you should have a hook for fur. So I don´t agree with you in this point%)))
ReplyDeleteThat's ok! Oops, I didn't notice any closures on the technical drawing so I gave it for granted.
ReplyDeleteHope to buy the magasine this week:) Will try to write my own review%))
ReplyDelete%)) I just read description%)))
ReplyDeleteI wasn't even tempted to buy the magazine this month. Usually there's at least one pattern that makes me want to have it (just in case! lol), but this month not even that...
ReplyDeleteWhat the WHAT?! I don't understand any of these designs! Gross, Burda!!
ReplyDeleteI looked at the Russian site a few days ago. I just could not look at the patterns properly as the amount of silver/metallic and drab colours meant that i could not focus properly on the patterns. Nothing caught my eye. And now it looks like my local newsagent has stopped stocking Burda. Can't think why!
ReplyDeleteI'm really disappointed...the previews on the October issue looked like there might be a few promising patterns. I definitely think that dress is a maternity dress, which makes it quite cute in that case. I can't imagine that girl being able to pose in such a way that it would make her look 18-25 weeks pregnant.
ReplyDelete-Ash P
http://distractedashley.blogspot.com
il primo pi piace tantissimo..sembra comodo, morbido e caldo...
ReplyDeleteNoemi
http://noxcreare.blogspot.it
i don't buy the magazine anymore or if i want to, i always look forward to read your review first. I signed in the petition the last time you blog about it and i am hoping a lot would support the petition.
ReplyDeleteI just got this issue in the mail a few days ago. Actually, I found a some things I like and that I might actually make, which is all I can ask. For example: an a-line skirt with welt pockets, a leather/suede mini skirt; "lounge" pants (which I really need); and a long tunic length tank-top. Basics, maybe, but I seriously need to build my wardrobe. I also kind of like that odd tunic with the slash and ties and there's a flattering plus-size "cocktail" dress. I'm fairly happy with this issue. Admittedly, that inner-fur vest thing is kind of weird though! FYI, I did notice that Burda is not putting all of the models on the previews, so what's online may not be complete the complete issue.
ReplyDelete~Jen
Eh, I've given up on burda long time ago. Making your own patterns doesn't take longer than find what you want in magazines anyway
ReplyDeleteUgh! so disappointing! What is it with these impractical, unattractive and wacky pieces you would never need and these patterns for things that are just rectangles. Every issue these days seems to have a pattern for a top like that, where you wouldn't even need a pattern to make.
ReplyDeleteI wish the makers of burda looked to the sewing blogging world for inspiration! If they looked at the gorgeous things you make it would put them on the right track.
The Russian site should have all the patterns, but I'm not sure. I noticed the German site only released a partial preview and I wonder why.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you liked this issue! I usually don't showcase basic pattern because I've been buying Burda for a long time, so I have quite the collection of basic patterns and always look for the unusual designs. For someone who is trying to build a pattern "library", Burda is a great deal!
Thank you, Ai!
ReplyDeleteThanks again for another oh so funny but true review - I have signed Silvia's petition! I'm forcing myself to sew at least one thing from each issue, so I'm guessing I'm up for a big challenge with the November one.
ReplyDeleteHi!!i'm happy being here for the same reason with you .The unacceptable patterns of BURDA.I am from Greece and the last 2 years this magazine is getting worst every month.My mother collect them over 30 years.the September and October magazines are copies from past years.and the advices for the stiches and fabrics also.(same photos)The worst of all is that they have made 4 burda : plus size,the burda style,burda easy patterns etc and 5.80 euro each.I'm going on petition but i would like to find were i can send my complains with email
ReplyDeleteThat's a great resolution you have, how admirable! There are some "relax" patterns, like yoga pants and comfy knit tops, those can always come in handy. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteGrazie Anna! we have now reached over 200 signatures on the petition...we are half way (unless I decide to close it early) It's a pity for this issue...then again I am glad so I am not tempted to buy more patterns :o) I figured that unless you buy all issues it's not worth subscribing. The last dress (except for shoulder pads) can be good as a bodice block at least...now going to check older issues...I need one!
ReplyDeleteI agree! I also don't feel that they're in touch with what the sewing community wants AT ALL. I mean, it's so EASY to just look around the web and see what people like, we're so upfront about it! I can already tell you that the patterns should gravitate towards a more vintage look, but also have casual patterns (sewers seem to like to be able to sew clothing not just for special occasions. but I'm an over dresser so I don't care.) What do you think?
ReplyDeleteCompletely agree! The reissue of vintage patterns is a step in the right direction, but they really should think more about their target audience instead of keep doing the same thing they've done for 15 years. The sewing community is changing and evolving faster than ever! I feel like I've been saying this for so long...
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on the rectangles and the shoulder pads, but I found quite a lot to like in the rest of the issue. The coatdress, the a-line skirt, and the vintage dress all appealed.
ReplyDeleteI've made a lot more from Burda this year compared to the previous two. I'm glad they brought back the designer patterns and started doing the vintage ones. Wish they didn't keep repeating things, but there have been one or two patterns this year that I've made over and over, so on balance I think it is still worthwhile for me despite the irritations.
I'm really tired of Burdastyle lately too.I've stopped buying the magazine the last 3-4 months!I really hope something changes soon!
ReplyDeleteI'm really tired of Burdastyle lately too.I've stopped buying the magazine the last 3-4 months!I really hope something changes soon!
ReplyDeleteOh, this is the issue I actually liked most for the last five or six month... I even made something from it already. I liked the pattern for the straight trousers. I just made them a bit longer then suggested. But, yeah, that´s also the month I decided to stop buying Burda anyways, cause I have plenty and the patterns are repetitive as you say. I don't really mind the rectangles or other easy patterns 'cause I always thought them to be something good to start with for beginners. I mean, there are many people who never sew anything and just want to get started. Imagine them buying a Burda and just looking at patterns for blazers and detailed dresses. And considering the weak instructions that would be absolutely discouraging. Wouldn't it. I think that's the real strength of Burda: That they have patterns for all sewing levels.
ReplyDeleteI agree it would be a good idea for an absolute beginner, but then again Burda is not a magazine for absolute beginners. Also, the Internet is full of tutorials for this kind of project. I feel this rectangle projects are a bit disrespectful to all the other readers who buy Burda and expect a certain quality in the patterns.
ReplyDeleteBut this is one of the core problems of the magazine (in my opinion): they need to redefine their target readers. They can't address young and mature, thin and plus size, trendy and classic, absolute beginner and advanced seamstress ALL in every issue. They end up with very confusing issues and from what I read in the comments under my posts and on forums, they're losing clients (me included, a two years subscriber who is not going to renew her subscription).
Please sign the petition to help it change!
ReplyDeleteFigurati! Mi fa piacere dare una mano, trovo che tu abbia fatto un gesto ammirevole!
ReplyDelete