If you can judge a book by its cover… this issue will be great. Makola, the Italian designer we met in May is back with her patterns. And that is a good sign!

But there’s more to it than just retro patterns…let’s dig in for our world-famous joint review with Anna from Paunnet (ok, I’m clearly exaggerating on the world famous…just checking if you were reading 😉

You can view the other patterns on Anna’s blog

 

Silvia: This little black dress with its princess seams and squared neckline is so cute. It reminds me of the Couture dress I made as part of Susan Khalje’s Craftsy class

Anna: I’m so happy they have featured Makola once again! This is a perfect sheath dress, so very chic!

 

Silvia: I love a-line dresses and this one is no exception. Though I am not a fan of beige, I like being reminded of the color-blocking possibilities. A great pattern to have.

Anna: Love it as well. I don’t love the color either, but it has a lot of potential, for variations as well.

 

Silvia: I am in love! I know it’s just a detail but isn’t that bow so cute? The a-line sleeves are a great variation. Simply adorable.

Anna: I squealed when I saw this little coat! The collar, the bow and the silhouette… Perfection!

Silvia: I am not a fan of capes nor of fur, but I know many of you are. This would certainly be a great quick project…no fitting required really.

Anna: I love the idea of capes but they’re too impractical for me. I like the faux fur, I think it looks adorable here.

 

Silvia: I really like the classic blazer design. The three bust darts are great. My only concern is the shoulder width. This is supposedly an 80s pattern. Remember: this was the time when huge shoulder pads were the ‘thing’ [80s trivia: did your bra straps get all damaged by shoulder pad Velcro straps, too??] Before venturing on this pattern I’d wait to see one of the next issues: maybe they include a more fitted version.

Anna: This photoshoot is called something like “There’s no escape from the 80’s”, which sounds a bit like a menace to me, considering I don’t like 80’s fashion at all.
I agree with Silvia, it’s a cute blazer with nice lines, but those shoulders are huge.

Silvia: Certainly the perfect wide-legged pattern…again perfect for 80s style. Too wide for me though.

Anna: Agreed. You need to be 2metres tall to pull off these pants.

 

Silvia: This blouse reminds me of a pattern from July issue. I am totally drawn by the fabric design. The simple style leaves plenty of room for customization. I would probably take it in a bit at the sides

Anna: I’m always drawn to blouses with pussy bows, but this one is not that special. The neckline is too low and it ruins the effect of the bow a little bit.

Silvia: This is one of the patterns I am drawn to on this issue. I particularly like the dart placement and the front closing. Can you help me making the right choice? The shoulders also seem very wide and I wouldn’t want to be wasting time on a blazer I’d never wear

Anna: It’s a very cute jacket, but like the previous pattern, watch out for those shoulders!

Silvia: I would have chosen a different fabric to showcase these pants. I am not a fan of mixing prints and I don’t get those studs on the shoes (but I guess that’s not our focus).  All in all, I like the slim fit and low waist on these pants…pity my legs are half those of the model!

Anna: Ahah, I have the same concern! It’s a cute pair of pants, but I didn’t look at them twice because they would look horrible on me.

Silvia: Black makes it hard to see the design, but this series really puts sweatshirts and pants under a new light. These pants are slim with an elastic waist. I like how this pattern looks dressy while being comfy. Great for lounging at home.

Anna: I’m really happy they included these loungewear/activewear patterns. Burda does them rarely but I never like theirs. These look like something I would wear and would actually take the time to make.

 

Silvia: For all the hooded patterns lovers out there…two great numbers. It’s no secret I like grey but I would go for slimmer pattern 18.

Anna: I love these two patterns and I will definitely keep them on my radar. I recently started running, so I guess it’s just a question of time before I start sewing my gear!

Silvia: Plenty of pattern choices for sweatpants. I’d love to wear those slim fits but I’d have to go again for the straight legged. I really like the pocket design on the purple outfit. Out of the three it’s my favorite outfit

Anna: Mine too! I actually like them all, and as I said, I’m extremely happy they included these patterns.

Silvia: I wouldn’t go for fur and use regular wool instead. It would look great with Loden wool

Anna: I like the fur collar, but hate it on the sleeve. All in all, a really beautiful pattern.

 

Silvia: Such a cute shirt. I adore the wide cuffs, the neckline and collar. Pity it doesn’t come in my size.

Anna: I don’t like it, instead, especially the neckline. I’m a sucker for classic, manwear-style button-ups, and not a fan of these variations.

 

Silvia: Nice blazer…I would have loved it in my size. The diagonal button placement is so cute. Plus you don’t have to sew buttonhole! Yeah. The skirt has a nice yoke feature…pity you can’t see it unless you look at the line drawings.

Anna: I really like this outfit. The buttons on the blazer are really special and I love the French pockets of the skirt.

Silvia: It seems they still haven’t found a male model…and it’s a pity because the patterns are elegant and classy. The coat is just fabulous. Real Italian style. Imagine your partner in a 2000 dollar suit like Zegna’s  and an Armani coat…sexy!

Anna: It’s a real pity that they lacked a model. But yes, these are wonderful men patterns, a rare commodity in sewing magazines!

All in all, this is a keeper issue…and since I loved reading your comments on the previous issue, I thought it would be great to get your feedback again. I put together a little survey for you (it’s anonymous). I’d love to do some number crunching again and post the results here. Yes, I am a bit of a geek like that!

Disclaimer: Silvia received this copy of La Mia Boutique for review. The opinions expressed in this post are 100% mine and Anna’s.