Tuesday, May 20, 2008

They'll Have to Pry BWOF out of My Cold, Dead Hands

Some Burdaphiles try to make something out of each issue before the next issue is published. Many are successful and I salute them. But, that has never been my goal. I was satisfied when I made an outfit from the Spring/Summer 2008 Burda Plus Fashion before the Fall/Winter 2008 issue came out 6 months later. My next project is a milestone for just the opposite reason. This blouse is from my very first issue of BWOF - July 2004 – the oldest issue in my collection. Styles have changed in four years but not that much. Blouses are more fitted these days. But, with my midsection, I can’t wear fitted blouses anyway. Besides, I've never been a trendy fashionista. Even though I don't make something out of every issue, I am definitely getting my money's worth. Of the patterns I've reviewed on PR, 62% are either Burda World of Fashion or Burda Plus Fashion. I try to use other patterns – I really do. I always look at other pattern company's catalogs whenever I'm in JoAnn's. I've made several Burda envelope patterns. I like Vogue patterns, but one Vogue pattern costs more than one issue of BWOF (even with first class postage rate). Butterick used to be my favorite pattern company, but even Butterick doesn't excite me the way BWOFs do. There is nothing for me to do but continue to anxiously wait for BWOFs to arrive every month and make sure I always have tracing paper on hand.

12 comments:

  1. i love bwof but not every issue excites me, however they always are on the ball with the trends so i keep getting it

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  2. A'ight Elaray Heston! I have BWOFs from 2002 and 2004 that I am still holding on to because there was something I liked.

    Even now, I'm working out a Patrones pattern (whose styles I love) but they are not as simple to fit me as my beloved Burda.

    I think I need to get a sign on my door that says, "In case of fire, three years worth of BWOF in the sewing room. Please save!"

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  3. This post just happens to be the perfect segue for my Fun Friday poll about favorite pattern companies. Watch for it!

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  4. I agree - back issues of BWOF are like gold!

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  5. I'm with you! I have issues back to 1997 that I can't seem to let go. Even though the styles are a bit dated in their presentation, when I look at the technical drawings & style lines I see how forward-thinking Burda really is. I can see that a simple tweak here and there will bring some of style right back up to date.
    -Nneka

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  6. I keep all my old BWOF and I just made a dress from a 2004 issue to wear to a wedding. Every now and again I go back and look through them and I often see possibilities I didn't see the first time around.
    They are a great resource!
    Carol

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  7. If it works for you, I say go with it! 62% that is quite a number!!! Can't wait to see your next Burda creation!

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  8. I'm a new subscriber to BWOF, but have used Burda patterns for many years. They have some unique silhouettes that you don't see in the other pattern catalogs.

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  9. Elaray, great post. I so agree with you, I have been sewing more and more BWOF items.

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  10. Well, I say the same; 90% of the garments I make are from BWOF. I've learned how to sew with BWOF.

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  11. I am new to BWOF (ie I have subscribed now for a year)and I am over the hump in terms of tracing patterns, adjusting the fit.
    And now, I am starting to like the styles that puzzled me a year ago. (I am not a true fashionista- it takes effort for me).
    And the value! There are SO MANY more patterns for the money spent. Yep, I am a budding BWOF devotee. I like Cidell's comment!

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