Burda magazine July 2016

Burda definitely keep up with the seasons, but I still kinda miss the reliable rhythm that the issues used to have back in the day - January had loungewear, March was always the wedding special (the only one they've reliably kept!), some menswear in April, May had tons of dresses, August was the Fall fashion previews (and usually maternity, too), cocktail dresses every November, and evening gowns in December. But my least favourite was always the summery beachwear in the June and July issues, because there was pretty much nothing I could wear in an English summer, where it rarely gets about 70-75F (25C)! But in recent years Burda have been mixing things up, and the old scheduling has given way to more unpredictable features, which I think gives more variety and appeal to a wider rare of sewists. This issue certainly has a lot more than I'd usually like from a July!

Burda definitely keep up with the seasons, but I still kinda miss the reliable rhythm that the issues used to have back in the day – January had loungewear, March was always the wedding special (the only one they’ve reliably kept!), some menswear in April, May had tons of dresses, August was the Fall fashion previews (and usually maternity, too), cocktail dresses every November, and evening gowns in December. But my least favourite was always the summery beachwear in the June and July issues, because there was pretty much nothing I could wear in an English summer, where it rarely gets about 70-75F (25C)!

But in recent years Burda have been mixing things up, and the old scheduling has given way to more unpredictable features, which I think gives more variety and appeal to a wider rare of sewists. This issue certainly has a lot more than I’d usually like from a July!

The first feature is all about “tennis whites”, and I utterly adore this dress with an asymmetric cutaway neckline. The back is cleverly all one standard piece, meaning it’s less likely to shift around while worn. I think it looks great in a solid, but it’s also shown later in the magazine in a busy print, too.

burda0716_neckcutoutdress

This shirt (or dress) features a really cool woven fabric detail that I’ve not seen Burda do before. If you’re unsure about fabrics weaving, have a look at misterdomestic on Instagram for some amazing examples of what can be done when you mix weaving with sewing garments…

burda0716_woventop_pleatedskirt

This is the petite pattern this month – again, a summer dress with some amazing asymmetric strap details at the neck, and a kangaroo pocket in the A-line skirt, too.

burda0716_bandedneckdress

The coloured, illustrated instructions this month are for shorts (in two lengths) with vintage-style scoop/patch pockets. These look really quite wearable and flattering, and particularly summery when made up in a seersucker!

burda0716_shorts

The fabric makes me gag and I don’t know what’s going on with that floof at the hem, but the chevron woven fabric at the neckline is just divine! Luckily, this one also has illustrated instructions this month, because those pleats could be straight out of Pattern Magic!

burda0716_wovenneckdress

The kids patterns this month are all for tween girls (quite a rarity for Burda!) with the concept that they’re easy enough for her to sew for herself, like this cool asymmetric zippered skirt.

burda0716_tweenskirt

And again, for tweens, a cropped knit shirt and one-piece leggings (but with a gross casing elastic waistband rather than my preferred method).

burda0716_tweentopleggings

The Plus section this month is, IMHO, one of the best ever. There are a lot of very wearable separates, and because the photoshoot is of a mother and daughter, you get to see two different versions of (most of) the patterns and on two different models. I think the trousers here are amazing but also very likely to get overlooked – they have vertical seams front and back with an offset, inseam zipper. Vertical seams make for much easier fitting – they’re like princess seams for your legs!

burda0716_plustrousers

Also in the Plus section – a very cute surplice wrap top that could be really flattering on curvy figures.

burda0716_plussurplicetop

I’m pretty sure I saw a similar design in a Burda Easy magazine, but the geometric binding neckline is really striking! Instead of cutting away the fabric, here the effect is achieved with thin strips zigzagged around the neckline.

burda0716_pluscutoutnecklinedress

And finally, two different variations on the classic wrap dress for Plus sizes!

burda0716_pluswrapdress

What was your favourite from this issue? I think mine might be either the first dress with the asymmetric slit, or the Petite one with the asymmetric neckline strapping – but I’m not predictable or anything!!

8 Comments

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    • 2
      melissa

      ha! I didn’t even notice that! I think it’d look cool to have straps of different coloured solids (or prints!) with a black dress, which should take care of the sling effect… 😉

  1. 4
    Susan Perzanowski

    Some of these styles have already posted on the Burda website. I love the cutaway dress and wish it was in the plus sizes. I agree with your assessment of the plus size offerings though. I love the trousers, and have already “favorited” all of the patterns on the site. Often times the Burda site will present a collection (kit) at a special discounted price. They have not done this with this Plus size collection, and it’s a disappoint.

  2. 5
    Linda (aCraftyScrivener)

    I know it was a hassle for you but I enjoy your blog even more now that your pictures are bigger-I view through bloglovin’ and since you did all that work on your blog, it is much better 🙂

  3. 7
    skaapie

    The first thing I noticed was that so much of the issue was shot in Cape Town! Burda shoots a lot of their stuff here, I’m always recognizing places. Such fun!
    Unfortunately this issue will only be hitting the Cape Town shelves in August but since it’s winter here, I’ll happily wait til then – it looks like a good one.

  4. 8
    catherinedaze

    The plus section was great this month. I wasn’t so keen on the first dress from the tennis whites section though. I think that overlay would drive me mad. But the petite white dress is a winner.

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