Burda Young F/W 2013

I was a bit shocked when I saw the preview of the latest Burda Young because I hadn't realized it was that time of the year yet, but here it is.

As in any other issue, there are less patterns (with more variations) than in regular Burda, and they are generally thought for a younger, less experienced audience.

I could swear I've seen a similar pattern in an old regular Burda, but I couldn't find it in recent issues.

I'm really, really drawn to this pattern. Obviously, I love it with the peter pan collar, but also without and in blouse form (see below). This pattern alone is making me want this issue...

I remember I had an asymmetrical mini skirt just like this one a long time ago, and, apparently, they're back in trend now. This is a little too short for me and the elastic waistband kind of ruins it, in my opinion. Still, it would look very trendy and modern on those of you with longer, leaner legs!

I've been eyeing batwing tops ever since seeing the Blair batwing shirt by Named Clothing (and Sophie's beautiful version). This pattern here is definitely not the same, but it could be good for experimenting, since I don't know how this silhouette would look on me.

And the pants... Let's just say I'm not a fan.

I really like this dress (and top) with the draped panel, and I'm intrigued by the construction. It looks like an easy, quick project for a beginner, and made in the right fabric, it could look very chic.

I like the idea of the peplum pants, but I don't know how flattering they could be... I certainly wouldn't want to add more volume around my hips, and I would have loved to see how they look on the model. C'mon Burda, we already spoke about your photography, it's time you set yourself straight already!

One thing I almost always like in Burda, is the outerwear, it's their forte. This jacket looks cool and modern, with interesting design elements. Bravo!

I was so disappointed when I saw the technical drawing of this jacket, because the photo reminded me a lot of the Watson jacket by Papercut, that I've been pining over for ages (why are their patterns so expensive? SIGH. SOB.). But no, the capelet is a separate piece. Bohoo. Still, it's a nice jacket.

All in all, there a few cute patterns, and I'll probably won't be able to resist.
What do you say? Did you purchase this issue? Should I?

Bleuet + Bleuet

Pattern: Bleuet dress by Deer and Doe

Size: size 38 at the shoulders and bust, 40 at the waist and 44 at the hips

Alterations: omitted the sleeves and finished the armholes with bias binding

Fabric: Liberty cotton for the left one and cotton with a tiny bit of stretch for the right one. Both purchased locally.

I have already sung my love song for this pattern, but it has now conquered the title of my favorite pattern ever.

As I said in my previous post, Bleuet is ME in dress form. It perfectly express my style and what I want to convey about me through my clothes. I can wear it during the day to walk my dog and to go grocery shopping, and at night to go out, and feel equally comfortable in it. It's modest, but it doesn't make me feel too covered up, so it's perfect in any situation. It has a high neckline with a collar, buttons and a bow. My idea of perfection.
If I had to wear one dress forever, after this Summer, I am sure it would be Bleuet.

Oh, yes. I could write an epic poem on our love.

Anyways, this floral version with contrasting collar and bow was made at the beginning of the summer. I would wash it and wear it again as soon as it was dry, so I figured I needed to make another one. 

Enter this beauty in a Liberty floral print. I'm always nervous to cut into Liberty fabrics, even though I'm lucky enough to find them at a ridiculous price thanks to a local seller (I think they might be remnants, but I'm usually too busy screaming "Please, TAKE MY MONEY!" to actually ask them why these fabrics are so cheap). But Bleuet and Liberty? I was absolutely certain it was going to be a perfect marriage, and I was right. Throw in some cute rectangular shell buttons and you have the perfect dress.

I have been wearing these two dresses all summer and I think I'm not done yet with this pattern. If it wasn't that I always want to try new patterns, I could happily sew me a whole wardrobe of these guys.

As I said before, constructing this dress takes some time and patience, but it's completely worth it. Did I convince you to try it out? The world needs more Bleuets in it!

La Mia Boutique 09/2013

After the summer break, LMB is back with a new issue and Silvia of Sewing Princess and I joined our forces once again and had a chat on these new patterns. Just like last time, half the patterns in this issue are reviewed here and the rest is on Silvia's blog.

Shall we dig in?

Anna : Oh my goodness, this is so cute ! Perfect for a formal occasion, elegant and very feminine. The only head-scratcher for me is the fabric choice : it’s what they call «tessuto tecnologico » (litterally « technological fabric »), a stretch, syntetic fabric that does not unravel (so there are no hems and seam finishes). I’m afraid this type of fabric could be quite hard to find, especially here in Italy.

Silvia : It’s adorable! And I am not even so keen on pink normally. But when I saw it I started looking for fabric and ordering samples. There are several German online stores that sell jersey lycra (the UK equivalent is http://www.myfabrics.co.uk/. Living in Europe gives you many countries to shop from), Minerva Fabrics sells Lycra not to mention Melissa has recently listed a few suppliers that include a wide jersey selection. I believe you need to look for matte jersey similar to thicker dancewear fabric.

Anna : Gorgeous outfit. I love the cowl neck and the inverted darts on the skirt, the overall effect is elegant and modern. I’m also drooling on the fabrics here, they’re just gorgeous.

Silvia : The picture, colors and patterns are perfect. It’s by far my favorite outfit on this issue. I would love to make the three patterns!

Anna : Another gorgeous top. It’s such a pity they didn’t photograph the back, because as you can see from the technical drawing, that’s where the main feature is.  This goes straight to my to-sew list.

Silvia : It’s been added to my sewing list too! Another great pattern.

Anna : A classic pantsuit with very clean lines. Not for me, but I’m sure it can appeal to many other women. It’s one of those basic patterns that can always come in handy.

Silvia : Love the jacket… clean lines are something I love in a pattern… my list is getting longer… I will have to skip the high-waisted pants. Though I love skinny pants they don’t look right on me. 

Anna : What a gorgeous, gorgeous dress. I’m afraid this might not look as stunning on a curvy lady like me because of the vertical tucks, but I might be wrong.

Once again the fabric choice leaves me a bit perplexed (although I love this color), but you could always use a very « dense » lycra to make this dress.

Silvia : From a design point of those pleats are very nice. Certainly if I run out of projects I will make it!

Anna : First of all : I hate the styling in this photo, I think it totally spoils two otherwise cute garments and makes them look cheap. And I do look both of these, although there’s plenty of patterns for Chanel-inspired jackets around (especially on Burda) and I don’t know when I’ll feel like going through the trouble of making a pair of jeans.

Silvia: I am not into skinny jeans but that looks like a nice pattern. I made a pair of jeans and it was very rewarding (though time-consuming).
Boucle fabrics are something I like on others but I could never picture on me. And  it’s the perfect three-piece sleeve pattern to join the French-jacket sew-along starting  in October organized by Inna.

Anna : Meh. I don’t know. I like the pleats on the top (although together with the waistband, they make it very boxy) and pants are perfectly fine, but I’m not overly impressed by these two. Yawn.

Silvia : I actually love this outfit. It ranks second from this issue. I am planning to make pants this winter and would love to give them a try.

Anna : Yuck. This jacket is so 90’s and not in a good way. I don’t like the length, the pocket flaps and the fabric choice really kills it for me. Maybe it’s for a more mature audience?

Silvia : If I look at the photo where the jacket is worn unbuttoned I am drawn by this pattern. I like it a bit less all buttoned up. I guess you could even shorten the hem and turn it into a shirt pattern. Is it too much office outfits that got to me or am I getting old?

Anna : Yay! Pajama patterns! There are so few of these around! Unfortunately for me, these are for knit pants, which I find a little dowdy. Not that I care about looking all that glamourous wearing pajamas, but I try to stay away from this type of pants. Still, I’m happy they included these patterns, and the top is cute.

Silvia : Ok, I don’t like pink pajamas. They remind me too much of my childhood.

But they are your typical Italian pjs so LMB is true to its Italian Fashion strap line!

But if I find a suitable black knit I will make it…and they come in handy because my mom asked me to make her a pair recently!

Anna : Now, it’s a whole other story when it comes to men pajamas. I hate them, to say the least.
If women can look frumpy wearing PJs, men are bound to. They remind me too much of hospital wear. Thank goodness my boyfriend sleeps in his underwear (TMI?).

Silvia : If you wanted to know what pjs Italian men find in the stores…you now have the answer. That’s probably why not many people wear them. I remember having a hard time finding a flattering pattern for my dad when I was younger. That’s probably why many men wear a T-shirt and underwear.

So, what did you think?

You can find the rest of the patterns in this issue in Silvia’s post.

She’s also giving away two copies of LMB, so if you want one, go ahead and comment over there!