As part of being awarded one of BurdaStyle’s Top 50 bloggers, I’m now getting occasional goodies. Fun!
The latest that turned up out of the blue was a copy of BurdaStyle’s Wardrobe Essentials book.
It’s a hardback, spiral-bound book with 21 patterns included (they are still nested, like regular Burda patterns, but fewer are nested on one page than usual so it’s a little easier to see what’s going on). There are an array of skirts, dresses, blazers and tops, many of which are really lovely.
This tweed cowl-neck dress got my attention when it was in the magazine: so chic!
I love the lapels on this blazer..
And the curved side seam panel and hidden pockets on this coat are really cool.
However, cue sadface: none of them are in plus sizes. They only go up to a 44, which is a 39.5 bust, 32.5 waist and 41.75 hip (and some go to a 42). My curves scoff at your 44. But, what’s bad for me is good for you dear readers, because it means one thing: giveaway time!
So, if you’re smaller than a 44 and fancy winning a copy of this book, leave a comment below on why you’d like to win, together with your email address (if you don’t leave your email address you won’t be eligible for the draw). If you’re bigger than a size 44, leave a comment on why you think Burda should publish patterns that go into plus sizes in their books and I’ll… pass it on.
Due to shipping costs for this rather weighty book, this is open to US residents only (sorry!). Entries close on Dec 10 at 11.59pm EST. Good luck!
I would love to win a copy because I’ve never sewn a Burda pattern and that cowl neck dress is really pretty.
Love this book! I have been transitioning from easier, less fitted clothes to tailored, and this would be a great resource. robindemaree (at) yahoo (dot) com
I’d like to win because, like Bobbi and probably many others here, I’ve never sewn a Burda pattern before. I could also use a collection of wardrobe essentials, since the smattering of patterns I currently own are a mix of dress styles that don’t flatter me and costumes. I love a good a costume, but I think even my laid back office would give me the side-eye if I came in dressed like an Irish maiden going to the faire.
Thanks for sharing the goodies, and best wishes bringing equality to Burda sizing.
I would love to win because I am getting back into sewing and this book looks like a great resource.
peachgirl07 at gmail dot com
Count me in! I was just flipping through this book at my local bookstore over the weekend, and I saw a pair of pants in there that would be a great addition to my wardrobe. I’m not sure which pattern it was, but it was part of a red pants suit.
It’s definitely a shame that the patterns don’t come in plus sizes, but thankfully pattern companies are starting to take notice of this! No doubt due to bloggers like you and the rest of the Curvy Sewing Collective. 🙂
What a generous offer! I could really use this book to help me sew more “staple” items for my wardrobe. (I have a bad habit of making dresses and tops that I never actually wear). My goal for 2015 is that all of my apparel sewing will be functional, and this Burda book would be fantastic. Thanks! awesome5147 at gmail dot com.
I would love to win this because I’m relatively new to sewing so any book with good advice and step by step techniques would help me! Plus the cloths are pretty. Schurch100@gmail.com
How wonderful of you to share your good fortune with us! I’d love to win because I’m new to Burda patterns and they look more creative than the standard patterns from our U.S. big 4. clbauden@gmail.com
I would love a copy of this book. I have only made one Burda pattern with not so great results. I love Burda pattern styles and hope the books instructions might help me get a better finished garment. Thanks for the giveaway! joengreen@yahoo.com
Since my 7 yr old received a mini Singer sewing machine for her birthday, I’ve been getting back into sewing. I’m focused on just basic garments so, this would be perfect. Also, my birthday is December 10 so it would be a great present. lstennis83@yahoo.com
They have a plus size magazine and plus size patterns in all their regular magazines so of course they should have books that cater to us too! Also, I hate tracing their patterns (admittedly I havent bought an individual pattern from them yet, just US and foreign mags) so books like this are the way to go
I took the plus sized magazine for years, and still have all of my copies – Burda Patterns never seem to go out of style, and THAT is why I would love to win!! tfitzh20@gmail.com
I would LOVE to win this give away. Just busy transforming our attic into a real sewing room for me, combined with the fact that I will have more time to pick up sewing again. Also I have been brought up with Burda patterns. Somehow they just fit me. I am a 42 size, but also when I was younger and (much) slimmer the Burda patterns always fitted me without any adjustments.
love, Arianne ari.atari at gmail.com
I am well over a sz 44 and often lament about how all the nice stylish patterns only go up to a 44, or maybe a 46 if you are lucky. I was a devoted Burda WOF, then Burdastyle mag purchaser and I LOVE Burda patterns. I have all the mags going back to 2005 but have recently stopped buying it as the plus-size patterns are awful apart from the odd copy now and again. What’s with the shapeless sacks and the bloody ruffles? Who ever though it was a good idea to add more fabric when you are plus just in case you don’t look big enough? Why not just do bigger versions of the trendy stuff? Well I suppose that is my rant for the day over. 🙂 xx
I would love to win this for my daughter, and give it to her for Christmas. She just recently got married and said she wants to get into sewing. YAY.
jmajne@gmail.com
I like Burda designs, but find them intimidating so this would be a great start. Count me in please! lloontjens at gmail.com
I’d love to win! I have the Burda vintage book and just love the versatility if their patterns! I’m hoping to sew more work clothing!
Mrsrachelsbooth@gmail.com
Oh I would LOVE to win this book. I have been sewing since I was 12 (made my whole wardrobe that year) and I am eager to introduce my 4 granddaughters to the LOVE of making any and everything you can imagine.
Please, Burda, give us plus sized gals who love your patterns something nice to work with! sarah@forrussia.org
I have just recently started looking at Burda patterns as something I could actually sew. I’ve been a little scared of them but I am feeling much more brave. The book seems much more user friendly. I’d love to try it.
caroljohnson1963@gmail.com
I would love to win a copy because my wardrobe is in sad shape and could use a boost! Thank you! Mary mdeeter@hotmail.com
I love burda patterns! I used to subscribe but stopped when I got pregnant. Figure I will resubscribe once my body evens out haha. (i’m in va)
I would LOVE to win this book – I have it on my Christmas wish list! I am right at the top of their size for the book, so I just barely slip in there. Thanks for the chance to win! rtrittel at yahoo dot com.
I recently learned about Burda patterns and love their style, but have yet to buy a pattern. I used to sew quite a bit and want to get back into sewing again. Getting a book like this might be the jumpstart that I need. Thank you for sharing your good fortune. Kim – txkickerbelle (at) gmail (dot) com
I would like to win because I love skirts and always like to have plenty of inspiration and patterns for making them. dawnm1993 at gmail dot com
I would truly appreciate winning this book. I love Burda patterns both the magazine and the ones I purchase but then I get overwhelmed by the directions. Since the book has more detailed instructions I feel this could solve my problem! Finleyray@att.net
I would love to win this book because a.) I love Burda patterns. b.) I am newish to garment sewing and I think a book would help me along more than purchasing individual patterns. I have added this to my “wish list!” Thank you!
I would really like to win. I could finally sew something for myself. I have been sewing things for the kiddos for the last couple of years! alisonbragg829@yahoo.com
That cowl neck dress looked familiar- then I remembered..I’m no skinny minnie, and I had to perform a tortuous FBA and redraft [which is not my thing at all] but managed to make a rather nice version in an interesting floral-fabric-with-chinese-dragons print. Here’s a pic of me in it from a year or so ago http://www.thesewingforum.co.uk/photoplog/index.php?n=8584
I would enjoy reading this book, and sharing it with my daughter-in-law. I taught her to sew household goods last Christmas, when I gave her a sewing machine and some books, and we’re going to try some garments the week after Christmas this year!
I’d love to win this book because I need to work more classy pieces into my wardrobe. basyaspiliakos@gmail.com is my e-mail address.
My wardrobe needs some serious help! dinoraar@gmail.com
Dear Jenny,
I am not writing for the giveaway, I just wanted to say, that I fell in love with your blog. At this time I consider myself a knitter who spins and crochets (when it comes to crafts), but I have a sewing machine and big dreams 🙂 .
Reading your blog from the beginning and seeing your evolution is really inspiring. So much, that I feel I must sew a bit, as soon as I can (the girlie allows me to) (but unfortunately, most likely only after Christmas…).
I’d love to try some burda patterns
thanks for the opportunity.
solely4blogs (at) gmail (dot) com
I would love to get this book! But I think Burda needs to realize that ALOT of women are in the Plus Size range. I know I am, I think that making us feel like a plus size when in honesty more then 65% of at least American Women are considered a plus size. I will scale up the patterns in the book. But is a shame that they make us do that
I would love to win this book and will pay my own shipping from my bff’s in Georgia. I am a curvy gal, but I can *just do burda sizing with a fba, prominent bum adjust, full thigh adjust and a swayback… so perfect!
I’d love win because 44 is my ‘base’ size, although i do have to do a few adjustments, like a fba…. And since I work in a law office, these patterns would be perfect for my wardrobe. karindelinw(dot)gmail.com
I would love to win this book. I just started sewing and thorough instructions would be very helpful. I also never used Burda patterns.
first off! you blog is such an awesome blog for curvy ladies. Secondly, I would LOVE to win a copy because I have all but one sewing book in my arsenal and it so happens to be a Burda pattern book and I have learned so much from following the pattern instructions. one important step I learned is to iron as you go! and you know … not play lazy and sew the garment up then do an over all iron, which is less than acceptable for home sewn garments. Also I love how pretty the finishing on Burda’s garments are. they are very very inspirational. They also motivated me to sew in a small space although I have to use a single writing desk for cutting and stitching. ok ok i’ll shut up now.
Thank You 🙂
eep! theyoshinocherry@gmail.com is my email 🙂
Looks great. I’d love to win it but haven’t been able to comment! Sewanneuk.blogspot.co.uk
It is a shame that Burda doesn’t accommodate plus sizes. Plus size women tend to sew more because they do have so many fitting issues with ready to wear. Thank you for bringing this to their attention.