Sew Inspirational

Burda Plus Sized Patterns

There’s a major buzz in being able to put together fabrics, trims and accessories and sew beautiful clothes for women with all sorts of body types, emphasizing curves rather than the sizes on the dress tags and styling garments that range from funky to elegant.

Women who sew are able to very fashionably lead the charge beyond the great size divide that limits them in ready-to-wear. When you sew you have complete control and nothing should stop you from the woman you want to be.

I don’t believe that fashion should be restricted to a size. The key is getting a great fit and learning what looks good on your body. It’s about finding what’s right for you.

I based my summer wardrobe on simple shapes and a classic colour palette. I played with the fabrics in my stash and searched out great partners from my favourite fabric shops to personalise my collection. I like to dress in pieces that mix together and go back to pre-loved staples that have been in the wardrobe for years. It’s about being really pulled together, but also being comfortable. My advice is to start with a few really great, comfortable pieces in fabrics that feel good next to your skin. It’s about feeling beautiful.

And so this summer I was overjoyed at the superb new selection of Plus Sized patterns in the Burda pattern catalogue. Stylish, classic and profoundly simple in both design and construction, the entire collection fitted perfectly into the ‘this goes with that’ scenario and went together effortlessly. The final result was a wardrobe for every occasion over the long, hot summer holidays ahead.

The Burda Plus range goes from size 18 – 34 Australia/NZ sizing or 44 – 60 European sizing system. The range is not only sized for a womanly figure but styled with a European understanding of sophistication and elegance. The garments softly drape past any possible problem areas and focus the attention firmly on every womans’ best feature – her face.

The pants are all easy fit or elastic waisted and drafted from the European block system. This means that the front crotch seam is fairly short and the back crotch is longer and deeper. This caters well to a mature or fuller figured shape and offers good fit and comfort.

All Burda patterns now have seam and hem allowances and good, comprehensive diagrams and instructions in English, French and Spanish.

Women have been taught to look at themselves, see what they don’t like and try to hide it. They function in the negative, instead of saying, “I love my neckline and I want to emphasize this feature.”

A piece of clothing can support that and can make you feel better, but in the end, the clothing can’t do it all, you have to feel good in yourself.

Just remember the slogan that I saw at ‘The Body Shop’ a while ago – ‘There are 3 billion women who don’t look like supermodels and only 8 who do.’
Push the envelope and above all, always wear a smile on your face!

Burda Pattern 7801 – Very loose fitting top / Capri pants
Size range 44 – 60 European or 18 – 34 USA / Australia / NZ
This wide asymmetric poncho-top looks best over narrow Capri pants. Together they both make an airy and uncomplicated ensemble for hot summer days.

Burda 7803 – Shirt / Jacket / Pant
Size range 18 - 34
A casual pant suit. The shirt jacket with collar and reveres and cuffed sleeves is quick and easy to make, either in hip length or thigh length with patch pockets.
The comfortable pant also comes in two lengths and has a figure flattering and comfortable side elastic section in the waistband.
Suggested fabrics: Linen and linen blends.

Green - Burda 7806 – Dress
Size range 18 - 34
This sporty dress is nicely shaped by curving section seams and has small tucks on the pocket openings. If you choose a plain fabric, like this green, the front panel with cord lacing will really stand out, but the fine fit of the dress still requires a back zipper.

Leaf Print – Burda 7806 – Dress
Size range 18 - 34
This dress has been made in a lightweight, transparent fabric, with an underskirt that peeks out at the hem.
Suggested fabrics: Crepe, linen blends, viscose.

Burda 7808 – Dress
Size range 8 – 20
This airy summer dress emphasizes the coolness of linen. Make it sleeveless for those really hot days or with a 3/4, cuffed sleeve for a dressier, caftan look. Can be made collarless, with a stand or flat collar with an inserted jabot front, V-neckline and gathered front section.
Suggested fabrics: Linen, cottons, crinkled fabrics or viscose.

Burda 7809 – Jacket
Size range 18 - 32
This comfortably wide jacket has two possible treatments for its large integrated collar. Either letting it fall softly, like a flounce or with the points knotted.
Suggested fabrics: Linen, crepe, crinkled/crushed fabrics.