Monday, December 16, 2013

Burdastyle Magazine 01/2014

The first Burda issue of the year is usually a good one, and I'm glad to say that this January issue is really good.
I'm even willing to turn a blind eye on a couple of patterns straight out of the "rectangle magazine" collection, because the rest of the are pretty darn fine.

For once, let's start with the plus size section. I usually leave it for last (simply because it's not as interesting for me, since these patterns don't fit me), so let's change it up.

Beauuuuutiful dress! It's a pity you can't see it very well on the model, but it looks like a stunner. I have mixed feelings about the asymmetrical hem, but it's subtle, so I don't hate it.

Two flattering pieces with interesting details and potential for color-blocking. Great!

The dark side panels of this dress create an optical illusion and give a slimming effect. I'm all for embracing your curves, but really, who doesn't like a little help to look more elongated?
The only thing I don't like here are the kimono sleeves. I don't really know why, I'm just not convinced.

The designer pattern of the month is by Aquilano Rimondi (an Italian design duo from Milan) and it's a stunning, luxurious dress.
I love every little detail of this dress, especially the full skirt and the laced-up back bodice.

 I don't know in how long I haven't said this, but I LOVE this black and white editorial: the clothes, the styling, the makeup... everything!
This jacket is my favorite piece; the quilted shoulders are really gorgeous.

 This dress, on the contrary, is not exactly my cup of tea, but it's still an interesting pattern, and I can imagine a lot of people loving this and making beautiful stuff with it.

This skirt kind of reminded me of the Reese skirt pattern by Named, but it's actually quite a different design. It's really cute, especially if you're not afraid to show a little more thigh.

This t-shirt is on the cover of the magazine and I have to say it's a very smart choice, because it's a beautiful, eye-catching piece. I really want to make it in a similar striped fabric, to accentuate as much as possible the gathers, although I think it would look equally great in a solid or in a more subtle print.

The photo here is terrible (you really can't tell ANYTHING from it), but I really like this loose top. I've been drawn to these more relaxed silhouettes lately, and this one seems adorable. I'd love to make it a very light chiffon.

I don't really like the fabric choice here (the textured rose fabric looks too heavy for that bodice), but the pattern itself is cute.
The man's jacket is also included as a pattern, together with a few other menswear designs, for those of you who might be interested.

I was going to bash this top because it's too simple, but you know what? I kinda like it. It's a beginner-friendly project and an instant gratification for everyone. Not bad, right?
It reminds me of another pattern by Named, the Blair batwing shirt, but I like this one better because of the waistband.

Finally, the January issue also means Carnival costumes, which usually guarantees a good laugh at the very least.
A couple of the costumes in this issue are actually not too bad, like this mermaid one. I would actually consider this for myself, if I wasn't too lazy to make a corset.

... but in the best Burda tradition, some of them are actually pretty creepy. I'm not scared of clowns (thanks, mum, for never allowing me to watch "It" as a child), but I would be terrified if I met this family on the street...


Weird costumes aside, this is a great issue and I'll definitely purchase it. I've actually been stalking my local newsstands for the last few days waiting for it to show up, which is something I hadn't done in ages for Burda!

Let's hope it's just the beginning of a great years of patterns.


15 comments:

  1. i love this issue too.. my favorite is that black and white dress with stripes and flowers.. designer dress is a bit odd to me

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  2. couldnt agree more. i managed to find this on fri at the store & it was the last one so it made me think it was worth it if so popular already. im usually happy with their jan offering though. im all over the cover pattern - cant wait to make it....& see yours of course :-)

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  3. I couldn' more disagree and you know what? It's the first time since I read your reviews we have completely opposite opinions! :)
    I really hate everything, the patterns are really boring, the cover-shirt was in the Burda Magazine around 10 times I think... it' s always the same. Uglyest issue EVER!!! Hope it get's better 2014!
    But we can't always have the same opinion, right? :)
    Stef

    http://seaofteal.blogspot.de

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  4. Silvia - Sewing PrincessDecember 16, 2013 at 9:29 PM

    The batwing top is actually nice if you have print fabric in silk or chiffon. The pink dress reminds me of a pattern from a previous issue. I like the second set of patterns too!

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  5. Polish edition has this hideous huge striped sweater on the cover... >< I really like the Plus patterns and the dresses you mentioned, the costumes are bizarre. (although Nemo is cute! *^v^*)

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  6. Mmm I quite like that relaxed fit peplum top and the draped mini skirt. Not sure if i like them enough to tape together any more burda patterns, but we'll see. Thanks for sharing!

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  7. This is a pretty good lineup! I was really disappointed by almost all of 2013, which is very unfortunate because this was the year I decided to subscribe! I think I might actually purchase this issue. I love that batwing top and the designer dress!

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  8. Great patterns, it looks like a good issue, so goal of the day, buy it! (I still don't like they way the patterns are laid out though) I love the designer dress and as for the clowns, I used to dress up as a one when I was a kid, until I saw IT, hehe! Not scared of them though.

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  9. I kind of like that simple top pattern too... it's a great style to show off a really spectacular fabric. This looks like a pretty good issue!

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  10. Just saw your comment, did you know the library has Burda Magazines? Free to borrow for 4 weeks, then you can just trace off.

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  11. This is a great issue! I love that striped top and the skirt with the gathers. For the first time in ages, I am going to make an effort to track this issue down!

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  12. You're so funny! I don't really get into Burda Magazines, but your descriptions make me laugh!

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  13. I love those plus sized patterns...the trousers are to die for. And it's a sign of the times that here in the UK I can now get Burda from my local Tesco supermarket...not that long ago I had to place a special order at the newsagents.

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  14. The latest bag here!!!

    http://michaelkors.shoplal.com/

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  15. There are actually some really nice patterns here! I love that designer dress so much! ANd the plus sized patterns aren't shapeless, which is a bonus.

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