Customer Rating:      Summary: It's in there Comment: Please understand, this isn't a catalog of patterns you can order, the patterns are IN the MAGAZINE! There's a thick paper section in the middle that has the patterns printed on it. They are printed over top of each other in different colors and you have to trace them, plus they do NOT have seam allowances, you have to add those, but they are right there, multisized, and in different size ranges.
I have subscribed for many years, and now whenever I want to make something, I snuggle up in my rocking chair with a pile of Burda magazines, find what I want, and start. I made a skirt for my daughter when she was a teenager - let her pick a picture, compared her measurements to the pattern measurements, traced one size for the waist, another for the hips, cut and sewed, and it fit. She loved it. I'm making myself a cute jacket now, and there are several skirts and vests I'm looking at.
There are basics, like a pencil skirt, and more dramatic designer fashions, like fancy draped and folded skirts, everything from formals to bathing suits to workout wear to suits. There are always some plus size outfits, often things for children or men. At one time some of the directions were in German, but everything's in English now (as long as you get the right edition!). There are crafts sometimes, and reports from high-fashion runways often.
If I never made anything from it I would enjoy it, but I do use it for sewing, and so I enjoy it even more. Highly recommended.
Customer Rating:      Summary: Good but bad Comment: I just received my first BWOF magazine and I love the clothing, but there are no pictures to go with the pattern instructions like the Big 4 have. I am a very visual person and I need pictures that show how to do the steps. There is one pattern that has pictures with the instructions but the rest have cryptic instructions and no pictures. I am very unhappy about this. However, I will continue subscribing because I am just going to depend on sewing books to help me with the steps.
Customer Rating:      Summary: Where has this been all my sewing life??? Comment: I have sewn on & off for 15 years since I was a little girl. I have really started sewing a lot finally the last 2 years & started using patterns the last year. This is a German based magazine & the sizing actually MATCHES the measurements. That was what sold me on it, plus the fact that you get tons of patterns for CHEAP!
Its $80 for a 1 year subscription that includes 12 issues... that's $6.66 an issue which is CHEAP if you consider how many patterns you get & the variety of sizes!!! I was looking at simplicity patterns at Wal-mart & they are up to $8 & $9 for 1 or 2 pieces in 4 or 5 sizes... plus I HATE tissue patterns!
For those who haven't used European in the middle of the mag there are large pieces of newsprint with different colored pattern pieces printed all over them... this is how they get all the patterns in one book! Then you use tracing paper... or I prefer parchment paper from my favorite art website, but you trace over just the pieces you need. These means that you make all the sizes & don't have to worry about loosing pieces! From what I can tell & what I have made the one thing Burda does do differently then most euro patterns is that they include the 5/8 seam allowances for you.
This book has a wonderful variety of patterns! I have even ordered a few back issues because of some of their great patterns. This is a must have for women. The also offer a few plus size issues as well if you contact the company.
They have great customer service... I went to the Mags website & emailed them about a subscription since you don't have a sign up place on the website. Anyways they got back to me right away PLUS the send me 1 few issue to try before I committed to the $80 sub.
I have found them so far to contain about 40 DIFFERENT patterns in each issue, mostly women, but a few children's. They have formal to casual wear with everything in between. Back issues many used... sell for $10-$25 on eBay cause they are sought after mags & many people are unsure of the $80 subscription. It works out to about .17 a pattern!
I would highly recommend to all sewers out there!!!
Customer Rating:      Summary: Okay, "World of Fashion" might be an overstatement, but it definately rates a major continent... Comment: About 11 years ago I discovered Burda magazine almost by accident, and have loved it, and sought it, ever since. Granted, you can just as easily buy a Burda pattern from a fabric joint, but you don't really get to experience the highs and lows of customizing a pattern for yourself. I typically like the section where they give gifted amatures the oportunity to show thier stuff with a published pattern of thier own design. Those have always helped my little (and some not so little) projects along over the years. The only semi-problematic part is tracking down extra large tracing paper (use artist's rolls...never the sheets), but a big art or craft store in your area can carry (or order) that for you pronto. Other than that, it is a fabulous publication with the added plus of giving you the option to take your design muse out for a spin every time.
Customer Rating:      Summary: Ditch those "American" patterns and go for Burda! Comment: After many years of struggling with "big 4" patterns (i.e. McCall's, Simplicity, Butterick, & Vogue), I turned to Burda World of Fashion magazine. If you want fashion forward patterns that actually fit with minimal alterations, then look no further! Each issue has about 35-40 patterns in it that you trace off onto your own tracing paper and add seam allowances too. Yes, the task might sound daunting at first, but I assure you it's so simple! Plus it's so much easier to make alterations on a pattern when you don't have seam allowances to contend with. Most of the fashions are for ladies, but there are also a few plus size and children's patterns in each issue. Throughout the year, Burda also will occassionally add a few men's fashions, maternity fashions, and costume patterns to various issues. And even if you never sew a thing from Burda WOF, you'll still have yourself a great fashion magazine with the up and coming trends!
|