Magazine

Burda magazine May 2018

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And just as I thought this review would bring me up to date with the latest Burda, they go and release the June issue (which I have already, and will hopefully be reviewing soon!). As with March and April’s reviews, I’ve included links to the PDF versions of each pattern here so you can still get it if you really like a design, as I realise that the magazine itself may not be available anymore.

First up, Burda is trying to convince of some weird non-trend of wearing a soft bra overtop of a shirt. No one is doing this, Burda. No one. (Apologies for the terrible scan quality, but I didn’t care enough about this horrorshow to redo it)

In this issue the Plus designs are mixed in with the standard-sized designs which is a nice start, but I’ll be much more impressed when they start offering all the designs in the full size range like KnipMode have done for the past few years! But back to this dress – I picked this one out because I liked the little cutouts around the neckline, and because raglan sleeves aren’t very common in woven dress patterns. [Dress PDF]

This is a great wrap dress design, and I just love the way they’ve played with the stripe direction on the different pieces! And of course, if you were making this for yourself, you could do an FBA and make the bust fit a lot better, too. 💅 [Dress PDF]

I’m not entirely certain why I like this little sheath dress so much as there’s not much going on here, but in this fabric it really reminds me of something out of Mad Men. The collar is lovely, the waist tie really gives it some interest, and the princess seams make it easy to fit, too. I guess I just see a lot of potential in it! [Dress PDF]

In the kids section I thought these shorts were just adorable! The stripes here are used perfectly to show off the front seams, and the jacket would be great in some sweatshirting with fancy cuffs, too. [Jacket PDF] [Shorts PDF]

At first glance, this is just a basic, boxy jacket. But look deeper and omg there is so much going on here! Even in a solid fabric this would be a winner, but man, Burda are just killing it with the stripes this issue! [Jacket PDF]

And again with the stripe placement! It is just freaking expert-level on this bustier! 🙌 Much respect to the seamstress on this jumpsuit! This pattern also has illustrated instructions, too. [Jumpsuit PDF]

I normally shy away from nautical designs* because, well, when you live on a boat you’ve kinda already maxxed out on everything nautical, but this Petite-sized sailor dress is just freaking adorable. I believe you can remove the collar, too, which would make the dress even more versatile. [Dress PDF]

*okay, except for that time I made a sailor costume to run a fancy dress half marathon…

Ick to the fringe trim but I see a lot of potential in this short sleeved, boxy sweatshirt tee! This is pretty much the perfect top for English summers, and for some reason I always end up with weird not-quite-a-metre offcuts of sweatshirting which I’m pretty sure I could squeeze this out of… [Tee PDF]

So what did you all make of this issue? Anyone start tracing any designs yet?

10 Comments

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  1. 1
    Susan
    Reply

    Burda bills this on their site as the “We Love Dresses” issue. I think most of them are boring. I do love the sheath dress though. I like the boxy tee shirt. I also felt the same about the fringe…but it’s kinda grown on me. I think I would like to make the shirt as it is pictured in Burda! The fringe adds a fun element without going over the top….

  3. 3
    Nancy K
    Reply

    It would be nice if they offered a full range of sizes but I’ve never found Burda to particularly care what the customers want. Some women on PR were complaining about Burda not offering the smallest sizes. I was bored by this dress issue. That and the fact that I really don’t want fitted dresses for summer here on LI. The real problem is that my taste runs to minimalist with a little edge. Not really Burda’s thing

  4. 4
    AllisonC
    Reply

    I loved this issue (with the exception of the crazy bra on top of shirt situation) and June’s even more so – my list of things I want to make is getting a bit overwhelming (not a complaint!). So far I’ve made the kimono jacket 119 from this issue and have traced that knot front sheath dress.

  6. 6
    eumama
    Reply

    I do agree it would be fantastic if burda offered all the patterns in every size and I don’t understand why they’re not doing it. And the crazy bra on top… at last here in Spain it is not trendy and I hope it’ll never be (I don’t like it either)…

  7. 7
    Lauriana
    Reply

    I understand that it seems attractive if a magazine and/or pattern company offers designs in a huge size range… However, if they do, they usually accomplish that by simply grading up and/or down further, in a linear way. That might work for some stretch garments but it simply doesn’t work for most clothes. At size 46, the proportions of the body are just very different from those at size 36. The usual way around that is to offer styles with a loose fit or use stretch in everything (which is what happens in RTW too) but that can only go so far to solve the fit problems.
    I haven’t sewn from Burda in years but if they can get the fit right for a lot of their customers in the existing size ranges, I think we should be glad they won’t be tempted by the trend towards “everything in all sizes”

  8. 8
    Alice
    Reply

    I am a plus size and see a few good designs in every issue that Burda could rework into plus size for the next issue instead of giving us some four year old designs like in the last issue of burda plus 2018–1. I am a 54 do resizing from a 44 is too great without creating real problems. And burda’s plus Patterns fit well so they are not just tracing up to get them but starting with a plus basic. They need to plus size their favorite regulars expecially those with princess seams so pluses can customize for different busy cups.

    • 9
      Jane
      Reply

      I think it should work both ways as I think a lot of the better designs are in the Plus section these days and it’s frustrating when you’re a petite size. I can resize some of the skirts but couldn’t be bothered to do dresses.

  9. 10
    Dani
    Reply

    On the page with the bra over the blouse there is a yellow maxi top in the lower part of the page… does anybody know where I can find it or how?

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