My professional steam iron has broken. After 5 months use. I know I use my iron quite a bit, but 5 months?! It got good reviews off Amazon, so I'm hoping I just received a dud. It also has a 3 year warranty, and the company is sending me a brand new one by Fed Ex, so hopefully it will be here sometime next week. In the meantime I bought an inexpensive iron at Target to have as a backup. It unfortunately has auto shutoff after only 30 minutes, no matter if you are in the middle of using it or not. Not fun. I am in the midst of making that simple skirt I mentioned in my last post, but it is taking longer than usual thanks to my iron issues.
I have renewed my Burda subscription for another year. The September issue isn't the thrill of my life, but it does have some very interesting designs that I plan to make up.
Skirt 106 B is simple but slightly different. I like the small hemline slits on front and back as well as the dropped yoke. Maybe I'll finally bite the bullet and make something out of leather. Fabricmart.com does put their leather skins on sale 50% off from time to time...
I think this next blouse, 109 C, is really pretty and elegant. Perhaps in a crepe back satin with the yoke, collar and cuffs made with the satin side.
Fitted, interesting design lines, not your run-of-the-mill style, skirt 116 has my name all over it. They've included separate lining pieces so you don't have to piece that all together. Love the back interest as well, although I think I'll put a vent at both back side seams to make it symmetrical. I'll also probably shorten it to the knee.
Dress 122 is THE REASON I renewed my Burda subscription. I've got to have this dress! Although I am not at all fond of those armhole bands - they're just not me. This dress is made from wool jersey, which I happen to have the nicest cut of dark gray wool doubleknit in my stash to use for it. It'll need to have long sleeves, though. And also shortened to the knee. Oh, I'm in love.
There's a new feature in this magazine that looks like it will reoccur monthly called "Styling Suggestions". Burda will present suggestions for teaming the latest garments in the same or previous issues, and they'll have a different theme each month. This month it's "Charming Gathers" and there's 4 romantic looks pulled from this issue and the July issue. I think it's a fun addition, and gets you thinking about pieces that can be worn together that you might not have thought of.
So, did I miss any of your favorites? I know this isn't the most jaw-dropping issue ever, but if I can find 2 or 3 designs to like, I'm usually quite contented.
Oohhhhh...now I am wishing I had renewed my subscription. I think I still get one more before it completely runs out. I really love skirt 116.
ReplyDeleteAmanda
ReplyDeleteI found that a auto-shutoff iron doubled the time I needed for everyday pressing and significantly increased the amount of time during sewing. I gave it away. It was cordless too and therefore extra expensive. Ever since I've refused to have an auto-shut off iron. I'll buy an oldie at a garage sale first!
You always pick the things I like. I adore the dress and skirt 116 too, and bought the magazine especially for those. I'm in between subscriptions but will renew as I just enjoy getting the magazine too much, even though I don't sew a lot and the patterns aren't always that great. It's not too expensive here as I can buy a voucher (with a discount) to use for the subscription.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely going to make that first skirt - actually I passed over the photos but as soon as I saw the line drawing I really liked it. I think your version of the dress will be stunning - the style is very you and gray doubleknit will be perfect - very elegant.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite is the skirt 116, too.
ReplyDeleteYup, those were my picks too...and I'd also shorten the dress and skirt to knee length. I like the leather jacket (107) and the wrap blouse (103).
ReplyDeleteStill waiting on my baby too :)
Yup, that cover dress is my favorite. DH saw it (got my Burda yesterday) and commented that those "flanges" looked like someone attached collars incorrectly. I think I can understand the directions enough that they are completely non-functional, as well as non-attractive. Love the seaming on the dress and the skirt.
ReplyDeleteI too love the dress and am hoping I can just leave the flanges off. The ONLY thing I like about my auto shutoff iron is that I don't have to worry about whether or not I turned it off.
ReplyDeleteLovely picks! But please don't use leather (be animal friendly! :-).
ReplyDeleteYour picks look like you! I especially like the first two. My Burda is still making its way to me.
ReplyDeleteThe skirt is pretty much all I like. I have too much going on in the belly and hips to wear the dress, but I think the skirt will be ok. I'm having a vision of it in denim...
ReplyDeleteI love how you add that first line just to get it out of the way. Pretty funny. :)
ReplyDeleteI really like that first skirt. Looks like my kind of silhouette. That dress will be perfect for you!
Hi Amanda, love your blog and your sewing, which is impeccable. I think I've always been a "neat" sewist, but you have inspired me to really pay attention to finishing. Sorry about your iron. It's a pain to have to keep turning it back on--guess I'm used to it. Love your picks from September Burda. I'm with you about the dress, ie, changing the sleeves. They look like they should be on a Star Trek uniform, but the rest of the dress is lovely. Hope the baby comes soon!!
ReplyDeleteI've been torn about whether to subscribe to Burda's magazine. It's great to hear your feedback about their latest items. Thanks for the excellent review.
ReplyDeleteMNStitch.com
Hello, Your attention to detail is brilliant. The finished work - stunning. I feel as if you create for http://katherinehooker.com.
ReplyDeleteAssuming you have invaluable books on hand for reference and tips, could you please suggest your most helpful ones? I am an ok 6/10 sewer - need to work to a 10/10.
Many Thanks...Ruth
p.s. trust all goes well with the labour and delivery.
I just bought my first ever Burda mag today - this issue. I need to make that dress, I love it!
ReplyDeleteI like the blouse as well but I haven't found the perfect fabric yet
ReplyDelete