The latest issue of Manequim magazine is here (well, latest to its international subscribers, anyway – it takes a while to make its way to me), and even though it’s not a hugely fantastic issue, it’s still better than the last few Burda magazines IMHO, which have been in a real slump this year! But let’s take a look at my picks for this month, where there’s hardly a ruffle in sight…
There are only three Plus-sized patterns in most issues of Mannequim, but the selections this month look really wearable – a casual day dress, a tunic with gathered sleeves, and a versatile trouser pattern.
Instead of the usual “Patterns in the style of X designer” section (maybe they’ve run out of iconic designers?), this month we get 1950s-style patterns instead. I’m not hugely interested in this decade most of the time, but I love this sleeveless blouse with the gathered bust seam and tie neck. I think I have a piece of silk or two in my stash that may be perfect for it, too!
Now, I’ve been subscribed to Manequim for a few years now, but this is a first in all that time – lingerie patterns! Squeeeeeeeal! Mostly the patterns are for lounging or pyjamas, like this robe and pyjama set, but I think the camisole might be nice on its own, too. I need to do some comparison with the Seamwork Savannah camisole pattern (which I already own), and not just because the two magazines have vastly different idea of what their readers want to see in a lingerie model!
Carrying on with the lingerie feature (of course!), we have patterns for both a bra and boxer shorts. Though I’m not sure how helpful the bra pattern actually is, since they’ve given it a regular pattern size (38) instead of a bra size (say, 30D). So I guess you’d have to compare the pattern pieces to your own bra draft, by which point you might as well just make your own pattern…
Two interesting patterns here, but neither I could particularly see myself wearing as-is – I like to idea of little sheer panels in a shirt’s sleeves, but I very rarely wear this sort of button-down shirt. And you need to look closely at the trousers, but they’ve got a really cool pleating feature going on at the waistband, which I’m interested to apply to a TNT trousers draft to see how it looks since I’m definitely not into the wide hems! (Also, is it just me or does Madalynne have a Brazilian doppelganger??)
And finally, there was a feature chock full of blazer patterns, but as I don’t really wear those very much, I was more interested in the handful of patterns they paired with them, like this stripey, strappy vest top. Unfortunately, they covered it up quite a bit in the feature, so I’ve pasted the photo from the “Mix and Match” bit at the back so you can see it a bit better.
