I'm so late with this review that I don't even even know if it makes sense to post it, but as I'm writing this I'm home alone, I drank a couple beers (because I'm a lady like that) and I feel like giving some unsolicited opinions.
Moreover, this issue is actually pretty good, so much so than while preparing this review I went out and bought a copy for myself.
Let's get the ugly out of the way first. Because this IS really ugly. Boxy and... I dunno, weird. Ew.
Moreover, this issue is actually pretty good, so much so than while preparing this review I went out and bought a copy for myself.
The first one has lovely sleeves, the second one is a design I've never seen before and the third one is quite cleverly constructed (and it looks so cute on the model!).
I think I've already seen something similar to this from Burda in the past, but it's ok.
Also, the skirt is one to keep on the radar. Too bad you can't see a thing in that black.
This is the designer pattern of the month, and, frankly, I'm underwhelmed. This dress looks heavy, dated and... a bit cheap to me. A straight hem would improve it enormously, imho.
But I know I'll never grade them down, I'm too lazy for that. So... sigh. I'll just drool on them and hope to see some curvy lady making them.
Was I right or was I right?
I think that the best thing about this issue is that even though you might not like all the patterns, the designs are a bit more elaborated and different than the rectangles Burda has offered us lately, and this makes the issue worth buying. Let's just hope they keep this up!
What do you think? Did you reconcile with Burda like I did?
I'm loving the mutton leg sleeve jacket. Love it! that first one is so awful!
ReplyDeleteI did a VERY loud cackle when I saw the first one. There's also another lace dress that looks like a horrid combination of a nightgown and a wiggle dress!
ReplyDeleteIs it just me or does the neckline of the plus pattern where the model is carrying the briefcase look MUCH lower in real life that in the diagram? I think one would need to do a toile of that one otherwise your belly button might be showing!
ReplyDeleteOoh, that polka-dot plus-sized dress is just gorgeous, but I'm like you, I could never be bothered to grade the patterns down!
ReplyDeleteI bought the issue as well. It is a very good one, worth having!
ReplyDeleteWww.made-inhome.blogspot.com
I just wanted to give my two-cents here. I don't mean to be disrespectful, but these pattern "round-ups" that alot of the bloggers are into these days are kind of silly. Don't you think? I mean we can all pretty much judge what we like and what we don't like. Additionally, even though liking or disliking a pattern is totally subjective, I don't feel that criticizing patterns put out by major commercial companies is all that respectful. You have absolutely no idea how much works goes into pattern drafting, grading, printing and to just put it up on your blog as "an ugly pattern" shows really bad taste. Also, nobody ever seems to criticize the independent pattern companies and they sometimes make just as many ugly patterns as cute ones - but yet again, this is totally subjective which is why these kinds of posts are really kind of disappointing.
ReplyDeleteOoh, I totally agree! It looks like a bad costume from a western movie!
ReplyDeleteWell, if I thought they were so silly, would I write them monthly and spend all this time doing it? Obviously I'm not extremely serious about them either, that's not at all the tone I mean to convey, and I had taken that for granted until now.
ReplyDeleteI like sharing opinions on sewing related stuff with other people, and sadly I don't know any seamstresses in real life, so I do it on the Internet. I write what I'd say to a friend, and I always make it extremely clear that it's just my personal opinion, so everyone is free to disagree and start a conversation.
Of course it's subjective! It's the whole point! A post like this one wouldn't have much sense without a personal comment, in my opinion.
I do have an idea, although vague, of the work that goes behind these magazines, I respect it, and despite that, I'm entitled to my own opinion. I do PAY for the magazine, after all. If I go to see a movie and I don't like it, should I say that I do just because there was a lot of hard work behind it?
And to be fair, I'm as honest with magazines as I am with indie patterns. If I don't like something, I will say it. I can't speak for anyone else. It's not my fault if indie patterns disappoint me more rarely.
I'm sorry if you find these posts disappointing, disrespectful and silly. It's only natural that I can't please everyone, but I have fun writing these posts and a quite a bit of people seem to appreciate them. Thank you for your honest opinion.
I just want to say that I live for your reviews. Please keep doing them!
ReplyDeleteI hate how the plus size patterns in Burda mags are always the most gorgeous! Couldn't they just make them sized for everyone!?
ReplyDeleteI completely disagree with this commenter's subjective (and ironically rather disrespectful) opinion. I love these reviews - they're funny, lighthearted and entertaining yet informative, as I can't get my hands on the mag so it's great to see the variety of patterns available. What is a review if not opinion?! If you don't like it simply don't read, don't judge others for enjoying these posts. So please continue with them Anna!
ReplyDeleteI really love the big size patterns too ! The last one is the same one (I think) as the retro dress in the november 2012 issue, so no need to grade it !
ReplyDeleteI've pinned it here: http://pinterest.com/pin/93379392246512215/
I'm afraid the pattern sheets would be even crazier than they are now...
ReplyDeleteHow did I forget that?! Thank you!
ReplyDeletewhat the hay! Since when is it ok for plus sizes to look shaped and stylish? Its an outrage! Those are really lovely, but the rest feels pretty but dated to me.
ReplyDeleteWhat an adorable response. Anna, I don't know you but I'm starting to think you're just as pretty and elegant on the inside as you are in pictures. xx
ReplyDeleteI like these reviews too. I like pattern magazines and I like talking about them and hearing what other people think about the latest issues. I think it's perfectly legitimate to review and criticize any commercial product and in fact I'm surprised anyone thinks differently.
As to independent pattern companies -- I agree that people criticize them less often. It's probably because they feel that a one- or two-person business that's just starting out is more vulnerable to criticism and they don't want to cause damage. Also an independent company has more of a defined look/taste/mission which might just not appeal to a specific seamstress while a business like Burda is definitely trying to cater to the largest crowd so it makes sense to judge them on how successful they are at it. That said, there are a couple of indie pattern companies out there that often make me go "WTF?!!"
I liked this issue as well! So much so that I bought it even though I probably don't NEED it
ReplyDelete(there's no pattern I couldn't approximate with some other pattern that I
already have).
I've been following Burda for 3 or 4 years now and it seems they have a pattern (hah) of putting out sloppy, shapeless patterns in the summer, and then kicking it up a notch in the fall with some pretty jackets and structured dresses.
This issue was a nice surprise to me too. Even in the issues I'm not into there's usually a pattern I like but now and then it has several patterns I fancy and inspire me. And I do like to read reviews, because I like seeing other people's points of view. Reading them makes me see more about what a pattern does or doesn't for a certain type, or how to make them even better.
ReplyDeleteI kinda like that first pattern, but not for everyday wear - it looks like it would be great for some kind of theater costume. I'm not sure who the character would be - princess samurai? Also, I want to know what the crap is going on with the styling in the photo with the pleated dress - the one that is a variation of the peplum top. A red knit hat combined with a shiny satin mauve dress... who thought of that one?
ReplyDeleteJust to say I love your magazine review posts. I'm always interested in your take on the patterns and often you make me look twice at something that doesn't immediately appeal to me. we don't get the magazines here till about 4 months after publication, so it's nice to see more than the previews show.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your opinion and get a laugh over your comments on some of the weirder fashion moments. If I thought it was snarky rather than tongue in cheek I just wouldn't read your blog. Thank you and keep it up!
I was wondering if I should purchase it when I was in the fabric store recently. I had to dash in and out with no time to peek at it prior. I am glad you reviewed it and I did not purchase the magazine. I have some issues from last year that were fantastic and many that are not..
ReplyDeleteReally glad you did review this issue. I'd spotted a couple of the patterns in an email from Burda and thought it looked interesting but hadn't had chance to look in detail.
ReplyDeleteWell I for one love reading pattern reviews, even if I don't agree with the blog post. It's so interesting to read the different opinions, to see which patterns are well liked everywhere, to have someone point out features I totally overlooked...
ReplyDeleteThis time, I disagree with Paunnet - I like nothing in this issue and I really dislike the plus size section this time. My first thought was dowdy and my second thought was that the poor girl looked like someone in her fifties.
I love your take on the issue. I have a dutch version myself and what cracks me up the most is the "styling advice" they offer.
ReplyDeleteYou don´t need to take mag in your hands, you can see all patterns from mag on burda websites.
ReplyDeleteoooh I love the blouses, and the last dress :)
ReplyDeleteYour Burda reviews are so funny and helpfull, you should never doubt to post them! And I love the blouses as well! I might be buying a Burda again since a long time...
ReplyDeleteI love when I have an icky Monday, and then I see one of your reviews, and and happy. Mostly because I usually have tears in my eyes from laughing so hard :)
ReplyDeleteAnd, I agree. This issue looks pretty good! Especially all those bow blouses!
Hey Anna, I love reading these posts - also, it's your blog, you can write about what ever you want to write about. If people don't like it, then they don't have to read it!
ReplyDeleteAnd i just wanted to say that I'm coming to Italy in October!! Starting out in Rome, then to Florence, then Padua (to visit Venice and Verona) and then lastly to Milan. If you have any fabric must visits I'd love to know :) My plan is to buy fabric souvenirs. Also, I'm not sure where abouts in Italy you are, but if you are around any of those places and fancy a meet up, do let me know :)
xx
Jen
I am pretty much with you on this issue -and especially on the plus size patterns.
ReplyDeletehey! you didn't say anything about the one that I've just traced off - it's the blouse being worn under the jacket with the "fake" lapels. I couldn't find a copy of the magazine to buy anywhere near where I live or where I travel to, and I've been told that newsagents here are no longer stocking it. I put a reserve on the magazine at the library, but they haven't got in the July edition yet, so who knows when they'll get the August edition? And then I saw a special discount offer for a pdf to download of the blouse, so I bought it, taped it, and traced it off. I'm thinking of making it in a peacock/paisley print chiffon I have in my stash in aquas, purples and reds. Assuming I have enough (I have three pieces that were remnants when I bought them). Cue the inventive layouts for the pattern pieces.
ReplyDelete