When I was still living in Germany I used to buy Germany's famous "Burda style magazine" which is published monthly. The story behind that magazine is actually a really interesting part of German publishing history. I don't want to bother you with too many details but let me just tell you this:
There is this woman, Aenne Burda, who after World War II decides to publish a fashion magazine, known as "Burda Moden" (= Burda fashion). Soon after it was launched in 1950 this magazine became famous for adding sheets of paper with patterns for clothes. She had the perfect idea at the right time: the people in post-war Germany were able to create stylish and modern clothes even without having to invest a lot of money (which they didn't have to begin with). During the next 15 years, Burda Moden should become the worlds bestselling fashion magazine! Oh and did I mentioned that in 1987 it became the first western magazine to be (legally) published in the former Soviet Union? Not bad, huh?
There is this woman, Aenne Burda, who after World War II decides to publish a fashion magazine, known as "Burda Moden" (= Burda fashion). Soon after it was launched in 1950 this magazine became famous for adding sheets of paper with patterns for clothes. She had the perfect idea at the right time: the people in post-war Germany were able to create stylish and modern clothes even without having to invest a lot of money (which they didn't have to begin with). During the next 15 years, Burda Moden should become the worlds bestselling fashion magazine! Oh and did I mentioned that in 1987 it became the first western magazine to be (legally) published in the former Soviet Union? Not bad, huh?
My German Burda style magazines...
So anyway, when I moved to the States I started to focus more on the tons of patterns I already had since I thought Burda style was not available here. By the way, yes, my Burda style magazine collection moved to the US with me, so I still have plenty of patterns to choose from, BUT: for my birthday which was in December, my lovely husband gave me a subscription of Burda Style - the English edition!
It's basically the translation of the German edition - now I like to hang on the phone with my mother and we talk about the variety of patterns of the current edition, me browsing through the English and her through the German one :-)
It's basically the translation of the German edition - now I like to hang on the phone with my mother and we talk about the variety of patterns of the current edition, me browsing through the English and her through the German one :-)
 I like this magazine because it is very well structured and clearly arranged. I am going to show you some of the sections it has, so if you are thinking about getting a subscription, here's where you can get a sneak peek :-) Of course the main part of the magazine is devoted to new sewing patterns, so you will find a lot of pages like the one above where you can see models showing the fashion. Each item has a small technical drawing and a number, which leads you directly to the sewing instructions in the middle part of the magazine. |  Here are the instructions for the blouse you can see on the left. Most of the instructions don't come with pictures, so for a beginner of sewing it might sometimes be a bit tricky to understand what you have to do. As an advanced beginner it shouldn't be too hard to follow the instructions though. |
 And... the good news for beginners: There is usually one "sewing course" in the instructions section of the magazine which comes with lots of pictures! |  You will also find an "easy sewing" section with one project especially made for sewing beginners. This one is a "balloon top" which is fairly easy to make and there are a lot of pictures which show you exactly what to do. |
Right in the center of the magazine you will find two large sheets with all the sewing patterns (in this issue there is a total of 53 patterns!). I admit, it looks a little wild on the first glance. Before I copy the patterns I like to use a pen or marker and trace the lines of my pattern, so they are better visible when I put my tissue paper on top. Of course, if you copy them with wax tracing paper it should be easier. I don't even know if you can buy Burda tissue paper in the US?
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More sections in the magazine:
 Patterns for plus sizes which come in German sizes 44 - 52 (14 - 42 in the US). |  There is a huge chart with all the size conversions which is very useful. Also, I find the sizes being rather large, so before you start cutting out a pattern and sewing something you might want to check the size chart with your own body measurements. |
 Usually towards the end of the magazine there are sections about current fashion trends, home decoration, designers or various other things. |  Overview on all the different styles you will find the patterns for in this magazine. Quite a few! |
If you're thinking about subscribing to the magazine, here's where you can find more information about Burda style and the current rates. You can subscribe for three months, six months ore a whole year (the rates per issue get cheaper the longer you subscribe of course). The magazine is published monthly.
All prices are subject to change!
All prices are subject to change!
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