Burda Style - English ed

NOTE: This is the English language version of the magazine.

Burda Style is really a beautifully laid out fashion magazine that includes all the patterns so that you can make everything shown in it yourself.

Each issue has at least 40 regular size clothing patterns for women. The patterns have to be traced and the seam allowances added in, but you can easily modify them this way and it is still easier than drafting them yourself. Burda patterns are the most fashion forward and best fitting patterns available and Burda is much more technically advanced than the American pattern companies.

Unique fashion accessories and home decorating projects are presented in a DIY format in every issue. The magazine ventures beyond sewing with original crochet, knitting, and craft project patterns. Recent issues of Burda Style for example featured a rug that you can crochet, a blanket and pillow to knit, a Fair Isle ski sweater to knit and smocking techniques for a pillow.

All the sewing patterns are rated by sewing expertise. Every issue presents one pattern in a sewing course format to teach techniques and another pattern in a fully illustrated sewing lesson for beginners.

The patterns are feminine with a definite European flair, and even sportswear is more girly than sporty. The magazine is beautifully photographed and the fashions are smartly styled on the most gorgeous models, and of course using the most luxe fabrics. The accompanying fashion copy gives helpful sewing hints, fabric tips, and styling ideas.

I have been using Burda magazine patterns for several years. The plus sizes are actually made for plus sizes and not just graded up. The patterns fit real women, not just models. The instructions assume you know sewing basics, since they teach sewing in Germany in school, not like the States--the only drawback. But they do have one pattern per issue where they walk you thru--so if you are a beginner or need a refresher course, you can start with that pattern. You do have to trace out the pattern from the center sheets before cutting, but you have to do that with all sewing magazines. The photos give you several looks on real models, not just sketches, so you have an idea how the item will look when you are done. Try to get the magazine in your native language, because there are sewing hints even next to the photos, to help you achieve the look, including the fabric and trim they used. Some times they have crafty items--not my cup of tea. January 2011 has small children costumes. Each Burda Style magazine has lots of women, some plus sizes and some children sizes.--no preteen or teen sizes. Once in a while there will be a mens section. There was some knitting in December 2010. I think they were way off base throwing that in.

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I am a huge fan of Burdastyle. My husband got me this subscription, and although it is a bit pricey for a magazine it is really worth it for the amount of patterns you get every month. I think the magazine does a pretty good job of presenting wardrobe basics, as well as giving patterns for more trendy items. I always find several things I want to make in each issue. The patterns I have tried have always turned out great, although the instructions are not as good as you get with individual patterns like Vogue, or Simplicity. With that in mind I think Burdastyle is probably more for an intermediate to advanced level sewer who has the experience to overcome sometimes poor/vague instructions. If you are serious about apparel sewing Burdastyle is an absolute treasure.

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This was renewed as a gift, for an avid sewer, and she requests it each year because the patterns are very stylish, clearly written, and even when the article is complicated, she learns a lot about sewing from it.

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I love the up to date patterns that are for all types-child,adult,plus size and more. I look forward to each edition to keep up with trends and inspire my work.