Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Burda Easy F/W 2012

A little disclaimer before I start this review: I recently realized how rarely I reach for Burda and LMB anymore. My collection of patterns (both commercial and from indie designers) is growing and it appeals to me much more than my magazines. Instructions are FAR better, designs are more interesting and you don't need to lose your eyesight with those super busy pattern sheets. This is why I lost quite a bit of interest in sewing magazines; I'm not at the stage of stopping to buy them altogether yet, but if you sense a lack of enthusiasm in my words, now you know why.

When I started to sew a few years ago, Burda Easy (or Young, depending on how it's called in your country) was a real treat for me. There were super cute designs, very young and fresh, with illustrated instructions. Now, I cannot imagine something like this in one of those issues from 4-5 years ago:

I'm sorry, but this just pisses me off. This is something that anyone could do, without buying a magazine and even without knowing how to sew. It's just lazy.
Fortunately, the rest of the magazine is less tragic:



Apparently, Burda editors like their dropped waistline. As you can see, the dresses above are all variations of the same pattern. It's definitely not my cup of tea: the skirt part of the first dress looks ridiculous, and I find that this silhouette is just unflattering on anyone. You might think I like the third dress, but a peter pan collar is not enough to fool me. Not to mention that those two huge pockets so close together look incredibly cheap to me.


Another variation of the previous pattern (seriously, lazy much?), but at least this time it's a cute, basic top that reminds me of the Pendrell blouse. The skirt is a pattern as well, but it's as basic as it gets.


And speaking of basics, this skirt seems like a perfect project for a beginner.
The top, I hate. Sorry, I just can't stand all those unnecessary seams.

There are a couple cute coats in this issue, although once again they're not exactly my taste. I love the fabric choice and the contrast trim, but the non existent waist + the ruffle-y bottom is not for everyone, definitely not me.

This is the only actual pattern that attracts me in this issue. I don't know why, I don't even know how I would wear it... Do you have any suggestions for me?

In conclusion, I'd say that this issue could be a nice purchase for a beginner who still doesn't have a big pattern library, or for someone who likes dresses with a dropped waist. Here in Italy, it retails for 5,90 euros, which is more than the "regular" Burdastyle magazine and, IMHO, a lot for the number of patterns it contains. What are your thoughts?
I hope I wasn't too sour for anyone, but I like to be honest on my blog.



25 comments:

  1. I appreciate your honest review!

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  2. I agree...drop waist flatters no one...or at least anyone that has hips at all!

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  3. Oh jesus.
    I looked at the recent Burda and just put it straight back down - It's becoming so very disappointing!

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  4. I'm surprised you didn't mention that even the coat has a dropped waist! I agree, it's a style that isn't flattering on 99% of people.

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  5. I also feel like the more I sew the less I gravitate towards Burda - so I completely understand your lack luster review!

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  6. I haven't been happy with the direction that Burda has taken lately. I tend to think that maybe a change in editors is needed. A subscription is such a great deal in the U.S., but I'm thinking about letting mine expire if things don't change before January.
    Jen

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  7. Je suis totalement d'accord avec toi !

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  8. I totally agree with you! I think independent patterns are the best for instructions. A pattern of burda magazine is cheaper but you waist more time to finish it...

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  9. That's because I'm not even sure you can define that a waist... It looks straight, like a sack :(

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  10. I completely agree, I have been saying the same thing for a while. I guess Burda wants to attract more beginner sewists, so they have been incorporating more and more simple patterns, but I'm afraid they don't have a precise target audience anymore, their issues seem so "confused" now.

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  11. I feel exactly like you. As soon as I saw the preview of this magazine on the german Burda site last week, I thought the same thing.

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  12. Thank you for the review and for posting these pics. I've been thinking of buying Burda but I think I will pass :)

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  13. AAAahahaha they stole the round wrap thing from the 'Unique clothes any way you like' or "shape shape" book (Orig. Japanese, revised English version). That book had something similar years ago (but it's very simple stuff meant for beginners to also their version had actual sleeves not just slits XD. Also, going off your pattern mags? Quick, list 'em up for a swap (yea I'm doing one at the mo'- I swapped Patrones with dashingmarmot today)!
    Seriously though I know what you mean-I've been scouring the web for those old burda-easys with coats and other cool stuff in there awmegwerds- someone was selling one on ebay for $45(!!!??)-sheesh wish burda would figure out how much people are willing to shell out for good patterns and jump on it for crying out loud. XD On the plus side-they're very good for a laugh XDXD

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  14. Thank you, as much as I like the idea of a swap, shipping magazines abroad would cost me a fortune... Not worth it, I'm afraid.

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  15. I very nearly signed up for a subscription a little while back and I'm so glad I didn't because every edition since has just been a let down from what I have seen, this one inparticular. I am completely uninspired by these patterns and the drop waist is not a good look. I really love an appreciate you honest review - is it just me or does the burda website seem to have taken a different turn lately? xxx

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  16. I've actually never much appreciated burda magazines, they always let me down, evern if at first glance the patterns seem really nice, when I take a closer look something always puts me off. I'd much rather buy individual ones at burdastyle.
    I love these reviews and I love that you're honest!

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  17. i always like your honesty and sense of transparency in every reviews in your blog. That would also a ground for me if i will buy the magazine or not. Though i am still not a pro in sewing but at least i wouldn't waste my money buying magazine (they are expensive btw) with a pattern isn't fascinating.

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  18. I was actually a little confused by the first photo for awhile. I thought you had added a disgruntled drawing of a smiley face with no smile! Shocking lol

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  19. Molto bello il tuo blog!! ciao Roberta

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  20. Juliette_Sewing_and_StyleSeptember 16, 2012 at 1:45 AM

    love this magazine ( a kind girl from germany posted it to me last week) my plan is for the candy coat for the fall

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  21. Hi!! Nice blog! Do you know the way to buy this magazine in Spain? Is there any on-line shop that you know? Thanks!!

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  22. Nope, I'm sorry! You should try and call or email their customer service.

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  23. Thank you very much!

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