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From: KATMOM
Date: 05-26-2006, 04:37 PM (1 of 22)
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Hi There...just Wondering What Everyone Out There Thinks Of Burda Patterns, I Have Never Used Them Before And Am Wondering If Anyone Out There Would Recommend Them. Or Have Suggestions For Me...as I Am A Beginner...the Question Is - Are These To Hard To Follow? Thanks For Your Input. Katmom |
User: KATMOM
Member since: 11-30-2005 Total posts: 27 |
From: Skye
Date: 05-26-2006, 08:12 PM (2 of 22)
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I really like Burda patterns. I like their style and fit - especially as I am a C cup in the bust and I usually do not have to do a full bust alteration on Burda patterns. Their downfall can be that the instructins can be a bit on the short side however having said that they do have some good simple sewing patterns with good instructions - the degree of difficulty is clearly shown on the patterns. The other plus is that each pattern comes with all the sizes. I usually check out the Burda magazines too - a bit more work tracing out the pattern and adding seam allowance - the instructions that come with the magazines are minimal and probalble not the best for a beginner. Skye |
User: Skye
Member since: 09-28-2000 Total posts: 233 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 05-26-2006, 08:50 PM (3 of 22)
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Commercial patterns of most companies leave out all sorts of info, expecting that we must know certain things or we wouldn't have gone out shopping for patterns. They're way off on that assumption though in a lot of cases!! Looking back over my learning curve, I can think of a number of pieces I might have made better if I'd known to interface something when the pattern never mentioned it, or would have found easier if I'd done a different technique than the one suggested in the instructions. The instructions are rarely comprehensive--Unless you pick a pattern that purposely tries to be comprehensive; The Sewing Patterns For Dummies series by Simplicity adds a bunch of info that a beginner might overlook. And for intermediate sewers, (it this it's) Vogue (that) has couture how-to series that adds in more info about fitting and finishing techniques that most patterns would omit. Here's alink to an ebay article (http://reviews.ebay.com/A-Beginner-apos-s-Guide-to-Choosing-Sewing-Patterns_W0QQugidZ10000000000013712) about how to select a beginner project. This second link will give you more practical considerations (http://www.ehow.com/how_5221_choose-sewing-pattern.html) for selecting the pattern and purchasing supplies for your project. Good luck!
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: KATMOM
Date: 05-30-2006, 11:02 AM (4 of 22)
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Just wanted to thank both of you for your feed back... I was kinda thinking they might be a little tricky for a beginner...I will hold off on trying one of their patterns....I so far have not seen any of them that were marked for beginers...but, I was looking on line only so they might actually have them in the stores... I think I was really tempted for the reason you stated they are very nice looking.... Thank you for the tips...I am really trying not to go over my heed before I am ready and I have found I have a habit of doing that. Many thanks again, Kat |
User: KATMOM
Member since: 11-30-2005 Total posts: 27 |
From: Shellymoon
Date: 06-03-2006, 07:04 PM (5 of 22)
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I love Burda patterns. The fit is phenomenal on their plus sizes compared to the Big 3 American patterns. Their pants fit me especially good. But, you are right, they are somewhat lacking in the instruction department. I would suggest trying out a few of their easy patterns, such as a T-shirt or a simple pair of pull-on shorts, to start with, then working your way up to the more complicated things. Shelly Moon
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User: Shellymoon
Member since: 05-27-2001 Total posts: 240 |
From: KATMOM
Date: 06-05-2006, 01:44 PM (6 of 22)
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Shelly - Thanks for the suggestion...right now I need to make a dress, to go to a wedding....so that is what I must work on....I thought I might try Butterick- There is the See and Sew (they're easier patterns). What do you think about this one - overall??? The pattern I am like is an Aline Semi fitted Pull over style, dress to the knee... the number is B3880. While I am slightly concerned on the semi fitted description - I figure I can work through it. My main concern is that the back of the online envelope said on it Border Prints and Scalloped Fabrics Only? Can you tell me - Or anyone tell me what Border Prints and SCalloped Fabrics are? In the picture it shows the botttom of the dress with a little border looking style but, really it is hard to tell because the dress is all in white... Maybe one of you seasoned sewers out there can take a look at it and tell me what you think.... www.mccall.com double click on BUTTERICK and it is page 10 on the Yes it is easy see & sew section. Suggestions - Please let me know...thanks,katina |
User: KATMOM
Member since: 11-30-2005 Total posts: 27 |
From: Shellymoon
Date: 06-05-2006, 01:56 PM (7 of 22)
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See & Sew patterns are also very good on fit and have great construction instructions. My main problem with McCalls (and Butterick and Simplicity) has been proportion. The neck and shoulders are always huge and I finally got tired of adjusting the patterns. Now I just buy the brands that fit. I am about a size 20. This may not be a problem for those of more normal size. Border prints are fabric that has a pattern printed across one of the selvages. The goal is to have that border fall in a certain area on the garment, usually the bottom of a skirt or a shirt. The only real example I can think of is those shirts with the flames on them that men like to wear. Look at one of them and notice how the flame print is generally anchored across the bottom of the fabric. Scalloped fabric is the same principal, although it's usually lace that has a scalloped edge, rather than a selvage. Go to the fabric store and ask an employee (if you can find one!) to show you a border print and a scalloped edge. A picture is truly worth a thousand words in this case. You can use a pattern that calls for a border print to make a regular garment. Shelly Moon
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User: Shellymoon
Member since: 05-27-2001 Total posts: 240 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 06-05-2006, 02:06 PM (8 of 22)
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You just line the pattern up against the grain with the border along the edge of the pattern where you want it. With that pattern there will be a layout to use for a border print if that is what you want. If you have fabric without the border there will likely be a lay out diagram for that too. If not you can lay it out the other way -- using the border diagram. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: KATMOM
Date: 06-05-2006, 02:09 PM (9 of 22)
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Shelly - I am actually a little bigger than you are so I would think that will most likely be an issue for me as well..... This is one of the reasons I wanted to get back to sewing so I can actually have some nice looking garments that fit in a nice way... Sounds like your fabric store is alot like mine....I sometimes get a wild idea and go there but it isn't that pleasant for me...there really isn't anyone that can help you- they have a person checking and a person cutting and I always feel so bad bothering them and then I leave with out buying anything and I come back and harrass you kind people on this sewing board. I also have a young/active child which makes it difficult to sit and go through the catalogs and shop for fabric - which is why I am not starting to do some of this on line....it seems alot easier. Thanks again Shelly!!!! Have a good one..Katina 
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User: KATMOM
Member since: 11-30-2005 Total posts: 27 |
From: paroper
Date: 06-05-2006, 02:21 PM (10 of 22)
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There is nothing all that magical about the border prints. Often you'll find that you seem to use less material (not always). There are several fabrics you'll find that have scallops on the sides. Besides lace, you often find eyelets (and there are others). Sometimes the pattern will have you save the scallop from lace to apply to other parts of the pattern that did not have edging because of the way they were laid...like around the neck for example. Vogue patterns in particular may do this. If done properly with a scalloped edge, you may not have to hem the dress. You're right, it is hard to tell that A has a scalloped bottom! The longer dress sure doesn't look like a border print but it too is quite possibly an eyelet design. I don't anticipate any problem with these. It'll be a lot easier to do a border print on a pattern that is meant for border print because the grainlines will be correct on the pattern. They are very nice, clean dresses for a summer wedding! Have fun!!! pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: crafteelady
Date: 06-05-2006, 03:07 PM (11 of 22)
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Katmom, I am a retail size 22-24 and have been using Burda patterns for years. I LOVE them because I don't look 'home-made'. Their styles and cut are great for full figured people. They do have 1-2-3 beginner patterns. As with any pattern, you need to sit down and read the directions through before attempting to cut and sew. I do it before I even choose a fabric!! I like 2 of their patterns to make for dressy affairs. #8234 view a is a favorite. I use crepe back satin. I use the satin for the top and turn the fabric around (crepe) for the bottom. Adds a nice interest. I have to wear sleeves!! (otherwise me and my five friends wave goodbye - if you get what I mean, LOL). The other pattern has a nice neckline, #8379. Nice and flirty for spring/summer parties. If you have questions on patterns you can do research at sewing patterns.com. It can be helpful when you need to shop online. Good luck and give it a try!! |
User: crafteelady
Member since: 09-09-2004 Total posts: 3 |
From: KATMOM
Date: 06-05-2006, 04:27 PM (12 of 22)
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APPRECIATE EVERYONE'S IN PUT HERE....MOSTLY THE ENCOURAGEMENT.... As I am a beginner, I only read a pattern about ten times before I start - 8234 &8379 both very nice....good taste! We will see how it all goes with the future dress...let's hope I do not wimp out and go to sears... thanks Katina |
User: KATMOM
Member since: 11-30-2005 Total posts: 27 |
From: Pitfall
Date: 06-05-2006, 05:35 PM (13 of 22)
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I also have a young/active child which makes it difficult to sit and go through the catalogs and shop for fabric - which is why I am not starting to do some of this on line....it seems alot easier. Thanks again Shelly!!!! Have a good one..Katina [/QUOTE]I'm not able to get out and do the in-store catalog thing either, Katina, for similar reasons. I also don't have any nearby fabric stores other than Walmart and one that caters exclusively to quilters. I just ordered my first pattern by using your link and am looking forward to taking a shot at it. I just love the Vintage Vogue patterns! Even though it will probably be a year before I have any place to wear it, I broke down and bought this one: http://store.sewingtoday.com/cgi-bin/voguepatterns/shop.cgi?s.item.V2671=x&TI=20006&page=2 Of course, it will probably take me that long to finish it as horribly rusty as I am. Now the big quandry will be finding fabric. I've also broken down and subscribed to the Burda and Vogue magazines in hopes that they will make the pattern-shopping procedure a little easier. I'll let you know how the magazine thing goes. Happy Stitching, Robin |
User: Pitfall
Member since: 05-21-2006 Total posts: 18 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 06-05-2006, 10:58 PM (14 of 22)
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Katmom I think the pattern you're looking at B3880 has a scalloped lace sewn around the bottom of the dress that gives it that look. I could be wrong but that's what it looks like to me. Also, ladies, if you buy a pattern for a dress or blouse by your high bust measurement (not full) the neck and arms will fit but you will probably have to do a full bust enlargement. Before I had my bust reduction surgery that was a standard process for me if I made a dress, jumper, etc. Now, not so much since I'm a standard size C. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: paroper
Date: 06-05-2006, 11:15 PM (15 of 22)
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I think that there is no doubt that you could use scalloped lace or edging on the pattern but this particular one calls for scalloped fabrics or border print in recommended fabric remarks. If you choose to change the direction of the fabric you'll almost certainly need a different yardage. I do think it odd that they didn't show the dress in something that was clearly a border print though. I don't quite understand the advantage of having a cross cut pattern in this case except there are no center seams so there is probably quite a fabric savings. Otherwise for at least the larger patterns you'd have to buy 2 dress lengths to make the dress. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: dlc471
Date: 06-06-2006, 01:37 AM (16 of 22)
| I am making a logan green wrap dress out of Buda. I am almost done with it. |
User: dlc471
Member since: 01-30-2003 Total posts: 6 |
From: KATMOM
Date: 06-06-2006, 08:57 AM (17 of 22)
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Pam- I would never have thought about that...I think I better take a serious look at this pattern before I purchase fabric....I did order it yesterday and excited to get going with it....I like to get all my material at once....it is such a pain to go back to the fabric store.... Patsy: I am concerned about the possible full bust alteration...what I was reading last night was you might need to fix the problem when cutting the fabric, if it needs to be increased.....I have my grandmother's older instruction book, it refers to the Bishop Method....does that mean anything to you. It was short on pictures so I am not really sure what they talking about all the time. I will be reading it again and again to see if I can figure it out... I did order bases on the full bust size, I was planning on cutting the 22 but will take a look at the 20 as well to see which one is better for me....The word alteration always makes me nervous.... Pitfall: That is a beautiful dress the neckline is great and those gathers in the front and back .....I hope you will let me know how it goes and how it turns out....How exciting for you..I have never used a Vogue pattern before...I think I better practice on the easy ones for a while first... Have you order fabric on line? I was thinking about it...I will wait for my pattern so I can figure out what I need to do put, I am still thinking it would be so nice to order it on line....with my little guy bouncing off the walls.... Thanks for all your input...I have already avoided more than one mistake and I haven't started yet....thank you thank you thank you Katina |
User: KATMOM
Member since: 11-30-2005 Total posts: 27 |
From: KATMOM
Date: 06-06-2006, 09:00 AM (18 of 22)
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Hi there! Did you find that this was a hard pattern to use so far? Are you a beginner or more seasoned? Is this your first Burda project? Logan Green Wrap Dress...that just sounds beautiful! Fill us in if you have some time... Have a great day...Katina |
User: KATMOM
Member since: 11-30-2005 Total posts: 27 |
From: MissTaraTara
Date: 06-06-2006, 12:53 PM (19 of 22)
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I've also broken down and subscribed to the Burda and Vogue magazines Robin I have been a subscriber to Burda World of Fashion for several years. I have yet to attempt a Burda pattern for my daughter or myself but I, too, like the look of their patterns. There are so many offered in each monthly magazine. I have some older Burda patterns from long ago and I am especially happy that they have added seam allowances to their patterns in recent years. |
User: MissTaraTara
Member since: 01-24-2006 Total posts: 227 |
From: dlc471
Date: 06-08-2006, 01:09 AM (20 of 22)
| No i bought it at the drug store where they have fabric. |
User: dlc471
Member since: 01-30-2003 Total posts: 6 |
From: born2bead
Date: 06-13-2006, 01:27 PM (21 of 22)
Robin - too fun on that vintage Vogue dress. I love vintage everything. I bought this one http://store.sewingtoday.com/cgi-bin/voguepatterns/shop.cgi?s.item.V2902=x&TI=20006&page=1 and had quite a time finding black & white cotton material. I would've thought it would be everywhere this spring. Finally found some that would work but need to get the lining material now. You'll have to let me know how yours is going once you start. Just getting back into the swing of sewing clothing after about 15 years and having a lot of fun doing it!.  Good luck! Tamara |
User: born2bead
Member since: 04-14-2006 Total posts: 1 |
From: MrsSnuggly
Date: 06-15-2006, 11:06 PM (22 of 22)
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Okay, so I love that pattern. I look at it (and it's beautiful little sister pattern) every time I go to the fabric store (which is fairly often). I have the opposite problem of some of the women on this post - I'm a lollipop (stick with a head....) and finding clothes that fit, or are flattering, is almost impossible. I now know why models always look good in things no one else would wear - people pin it to them(thank you Project Runway.....) Anyhoo - I haven't bought it because I'm terrified it would accent my lack of chest and hips in an extremely Non-Audrey type way.....it is pretty though. If anyone makes it please share pics. Oh and so glad to read this thread and get the info on the different pattern types - I thought I was just missing something with some of my finishing things. Nope, you're just supposed to know that already.... Brandy~ |
User: MrsSnuggly
Member since: 05-21-2006 Total posts: 104 |
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