Burda Style sends out regular emails on new styles and the Karen Cardigan really appealed to me. Until I got to the instructions. Now, I don't really need the directions, but I do like to see the pattern pieces. It gives me a much better idea of how this is supposed to go together. I was trying to figure out how they expect you to finish the front edges. Finally I went back to the list of pattern pieces and apparently there are facings. Do you interface these facings, how big are they? Who knows because they don't show them nor do they mention them in the very abbreviated instructions. I really like the design of this cardigan, minus the strange belt, which is easy to leave out. Those of us who sew BWOF patterns from the magazine very often complain about the poor directions. Unless they give you more in the printout, these are about the worst I've seen. I will probably buy this, it's $4, but the question is do I print it out myself or take it to the copy shop? It seems to be more of a pain to put this together than tracing from the magazine. Have you had any experience in downloading these patterns? Sewing them?
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I've sewn quite a few Burdastyle patterns, and the instructions are REALLY hit or miss. Sometimes they're taken directly from Burda envelope patterns so you get full, illustrated step-by-step instructions with fabric layouts and technical drawings and all the rest, and other times, well... that men's teeshirt pattern in particular just had no information whatsoever. Like not even how to create a neckband, if I remember correctly.
ReplyDeleteAs for the printing, I always print mine at home and tape together. It takes all of about 10 minutes, which is faster than it'd take me to even get to the nearest large format copy shop, and since we've got a laser printer at home, the cost to me is negligible.
I'd say if you like the pattern, go for it. And think of it like a Marfy, but cheaper. ;)
Nancy, I was just looking at that pattern and wondering similar things. From the looks of the photo, it doesn't seem to have facings. Let me know what you discover if you decide to purchase.
ReplyDeleteWow, I don't see any facings in the picture. Crazy. Those edges look just raw to me. Maybe they used a felted merino knit or such. How frustrating.
ReplyDeleteFacings on a pattern like this? The front should remain as "swinging" as could be imho. I would use a very narrow edge finishing if needed. But certainly no facings. Nice pattern though, I never downloaded one, too much fuss printing/taping.
ReplyDeleteHave no idea about the pattern issues but I like the sweater!
ReplyDeleteI've made one BurdaStyle and printed it out myself. Not terrible. Just watch your percentage when you print it out. Make sure you are printing at 100%.
ReplyDeleteI've printed & sewn several Burdastyle patterns - I loved it when they were free. I print them at home on my laser printer, and find a glue stick the easiest way to attach the pieces because it gives you a little more wiggle room than tape. (I don't mind working with the paper because my other hobby is scrapbooking, so I have the paper trimmer for the edges). Overall I've had pretty good luck with the instructions. Most of the time I've been able to figure it out.
ReplyDeleteI've got several Burdastyle patterns printed & waiting to be sewn.
I have nothing to say about this particular pattern as I don't sew knits.
I can't be asked to print, tape, trace, and cut. Plus, the one set of directions I used for a pattern were a hot mess.
ReplyDeleteI tried several Burdastyle patterns when I first started sewing garments given that they were free. I don't mind the printing/taping, but the directions are fishy in a lot of them. I recently tried one of their skirts which has always gotten really great reviews. Not only were there like 8 million pieces to this thing and yes the interfacing/not interfacing was really confusing, but all of the markings seemed WAY off as my pieces did not fit together properly even though I was extraordinarily anal when I cut this thing. It was not obvious how to finish seams and the directions made it even more confusing. It ended up being a big time wadder.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the process of making some Burdastyle patterns (Amanda, Kristen and Kathrine, all in the plus sizes) and I agree with the other commenters that the instructions are a mess. I've been making clothes from patterns for yers, and I have never been so confused. Their terminology is inconsistent, and there is a great deal of prior knowledge expected. in the case of Amanda Plus, there is an entire pattern piece missing, along with the instructions that go along with that (the waist casing).
ReplyDeleteHaving said all that, now that I know how the pattern works, I'll be making it again I'm sure. I need to justify the hours spent trying to decipher what theywere talking about, and the pattern is a good fit, and it was only $3, so ...
Good luck with whatever you do!