Prima pattern pics

Well as promised here is a view of the very easy Prima sundress. I think it would be ideal for a beginner sewer - or someone like me who just wants instant gratification ;P The weather is heating up here in Melbourne and I'm hoping to whip this one up real soon - though maybe  I would make two shoulder straps rather than the halter neck-tie so I could wear a bra underneath :)

I have included the Prima sizing chart so you can get an idea of what they mean by "size 10-20".

BTW I was looking for a website which had pics of the Prima pattern designs on it to link to - if anyone come across one I would be very grateful if you could drop me a line!

Hello from Melbourne

I know I know its been ages since I last posted :( but I have finally landed in Melbourne and have my laptop set up again!
The last few months have been crazy with packing, a long planned holiday to Perth and organising the move, but finally the new house is more or less unpacked (if you don't count all the boxes stacked up in the spare room) so DH and I can now return to Life As Normal - aaaaah!
In order to make up for my slovenly-ness in posting I though I would share my latest magazine discovery (thanks to Mia's sewing friend Di in Perth), that those in the sew might be interested in :

http://www.magazinesubscription.co.uk/subscribe-to/Prima-Magazine.html

Prima is an English "women's" magazine and the cool thing about it is that each issue comes with a clothing pattern insert ! Usually there is only one garment to make (for women) but from what I can see they are fairly simple and CUTE !
the edition which I currently have (August 2009) features a "Easiest -ever sundress or top" designed to be made out of jersey fabric. Sizing is quite generous (size 10 - 20 UK) and the simple design would make it ideal for beginner sewists.
The bonus for me is that I now I can finally buy a "women's " magazine without feeling like I am wasting my money and as the magazine is from the UK it covers different topics from the ones we have here. Also it focuses more on "lifestyle" than "gossip" so the articles are a lot more substantial - if you like reading.

I brought my copy for $6.50 from a newsagent in Karrinyup, Perth. Not everyone will have this magazine but usually if they have a collection of other overseas magazines you are in with a chance and its definately worth a look.

As soon as I can find my camera USB cable (probably in one of those spare room boxes) I will try and download some pics of the pattern, so you can see the design in all its simple purdy-ness:)

The good, the bad .....and the nineties.

After flicking through my "new" bundle of circa 1990's sewing magazine I realised that most of the projects therein could be divided up into the above categories.

So without further ado I give you:

The Good

Some examples of the reason why I like to keep an eye out

for older sewing patterns/ magazines when op-shopping.

Some of these patterns would still look quite fashionable today.

A rather nautical styled 1 piece bathing suit pattern from Burda June 1993. Made all in black it could fit right in with the recent trends of Grecian styled dresses (the ties around the waist) and deep V/ slashed necklines. As to whether it would suit me without alteration is another thing...

Below you can see a nice simple jersey dress.
Unfortunately the English instruction booklet was missing from this June 1992 edition of Neue Mode, however as the pattern is quite basic it shouldn't be too hard to "wing it" without.


Two bustier patterns. Bustier on blonde- Burda June 1992. Bustier on Brunette from Neue Mode May 1992- it appears each pattern was only available in select sizes in the Neue Mode. This bustier was for a size 36 only.


















Another 1 piece bathing suit, this time with asymmetrical top, from the same June 92 edition of Burda as the bustier above.
















Next up we have:

The Bad

Now I don't really care much for cherry sprigged seat covers even with matching red piping!I think if you can afford a sport car you would not be making these babies yourself. .

Next to continue the horror we have a lovely matching floral set that looks more like it would be at home in a bedroom (covering pillows maybe?) than on this model. Still it was the nineties and Diana magazine seems to be catered towards the more frillier aspect of that decade.


Luckily this pattern by Burda Spring/Summer 1993 didn't catch on as a fashion must have. Who would have thought that terry towelling shorts- with front pleats- would look baggy and unattractive in reality?

Finally did anyone actually look at this photo before deciding to run it in the Jun 1992 edition of Burda? This child is obviously unhappy people! Was this truly the best shot they could get- or was the budget limited to one shot per shoot only?








And lastly we have...

The Nineties

Yep in all its pastelled, puffed and padded glory.

You can betcha I wont be using any of these stylings in the near future!

Wow how bouffy is that hair, teamed with a ruffled and square padded shirt it somehow reminds me of "Dallas".


Despite the overall hideous-ness of this ensemble from Diana (complete with matching handpainted scarf!), the white camisole underneath actually doesn't look too bad.

Is it just me or does those shoulder pads make this girl look like a quarterback? And the peter pan collar.....










Finally


It's interesting to note that Burda used to also publish a "Miss B" magazine, obviously aimed at the younger (teen?) sewer. I would love to look through one of these if I ever get the chance.


Also look at how much information you got in this 1992 Burda magazine- step by step instructions for tricky areas on all patterns! It appears they stopped doing this around 1993, a pity as some of the modern Burda magazine instructions still really need it.