[UPDATE 11/8/2012] – Congratulations to BurdaStyle member Lillyella for winning this giveaway!
Comment on our blog for your chance to win a copy of New Dress a Day: The Ultimate DIY Guide to Creating Fashion Dos from Thrift-Store Don’ts by Marisa Lynch.
Based on her wildly popular blog of the same name, guerrilla seamstress Marisa Lynch shows you how to easily (and affordably!) transform your wardrobe from frumpy to fabulous! With just a snip here and a stitch there, your basement bargains will rival anything in designer collections. Yes, with a little imagination—and DIY tools like needles, thread, and safety pins—you too can update an outdated castoff. Inside you’ll discover how to:
• ace the sewing basics (remember: safety first!)
• create DIY designer look-alikes
• cut Flashdance-inspired sweatshirts
• make an old, tired muumuu a smashing must-have
• give bridesmaid dresses a second life
• dye your way to a vibrant new wardrobe
• whip up accessories in seconds
• style the same dress seven different ways
Complete with colorful before-and-after photos, fun sidebars, and even a groovy sewing song playlist to get you in the zone, New Dress a Day proves that you don’t need a sewing machine or a big budget to turn unfashionable trash into stylish treasure.
Click here for purchasing info on New Dress a Day: The Ultimate DIY Guide to Creating Fashion Dos from Thrift-Store Don’ts
For a chance to win this fun and creative book, please answer the following question in the comments section below: What is your favorite BurdaStyle dress pattern and why? (Please include the link to the sewing pattern as well.)
The deadline for submissions is Monday, November 5, 2012 at 5 p.m. (EST). One lucky winner will be chosen.
Good luck!
The BurdaStyle Team
Nov 3, 2012, 11.02 AMby Sewing Your Style
My favorite Burda pattern is http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/long-sleeve-seamed-dress-082012 these days ‘cause it’s very chic, gives a great sleek look and has a great versatile potential. I already sewed it and intend to make more versions of it since my first attempt turned out great’ :D
Nov 3, 2012, 10.56 AMby krunamagiar
My favorite dress pattern is the drapé dress : http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/62010-drap%C3%A9-dress. I always love the drapes,… any type,… simple yet elegant!!!
Nov 3, 2012, 05.56 AMby rita61
My favourite is Alberta Ferretti Dress 04/2012 #147 made out of a tiny printed flowery chiffon over a light weight stretch charmeuse. Great for hidding any figure imperfections. I can wear it in the office, or I can wear it for dinner! It really is awesome made up in lovely fabric! http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/alberta-ferretti-dress-042012
Nov 3, 2012, 05.34 AMby LizS
My favourite Burdastyle dress is the long sleeved seamed dress – http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/long-sleeve-seamed-dress-082012. This is such a flattering shape and a really classic style that won’t date. The sleeveless version is a great option for formal or summer wear. Looking forward to making both soon.
Nov 3, 2012, 01.38 AMby ninachan
My favourite dress is the Panel Dress from 5/2012. http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/panel-dress-052012 I love the take on the center contrast paneling and mod simplicity of the design!
Nov 3, 2012, 01.31 AMby Sue Bremner
This dreamy romantic Strapless Wedding Gown 3/2011 #101B takes me away into a fairy land. http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/strapless-wedding-gown-32011
Nov 3, 2012, 01.08 AMby suzeb
My new favorite is this cowl neck dress. So perfect for the fall and winter: http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/cowl-dress-102012
Nov 3, 2012, 01.07 AMby Lillyella
Definitely the gathered dress with cap sleeves:
http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/022011-dress-with-gathered-rectangle-skirt-and-cap-sleeves
I think it’s probably the best thing burda has done so far and there are several reasons for it:
First because it is comfy, but still awesome to all body types, because it showcases your assets, without being too sexy and hides your problem zones – literally all dresses that were created and uploaded here made the owner of the dress look like a goodess.
Second because it is not too difficult to sew, which means again two things: - Beginners don’t have a too hard time and still get an awesome result and - Advanced sewers can instantly incorporate different fabrics while still ending up with a classic shaped design. Which leads to the third point: Due to it’s classy design it works with all kinds of occasions- date, dinner or business event.
I think it perfectly does what sewing is all about: Giving everyone a good time while creating it and wearing it.
Nov 2, 2012, 11.25 PMby Marusya Grace
My favorite is this swing dress: http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/swing-dress-082012
I think anyone, anywhere, and at anytime looks great in this kind of dress! Also, I think you have lots of options for fabrics and prints!
Nov 2, 2012, 10.25 PMby cathiemaud
Adore this dress: http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/reversed-pleated-dress-102012
It’s like something Duchess Kate would wear! Also, it’s simple and classic, and I’m always hoping to add pieces of the sort to my wardrobe.
Nov 2, 2012, 09.53 PMby SueBE
The Ikat Dress is my current favorite! http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/ikat-dress-102012
Nov 2, 2012, 09.10 PMby Christine Khermik
I love this one: http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/012012-sequined-cocktail-dress – with the properly chosen textile, it looks and fits perfectly. Simple but stylish, it inspired me to sew again after several years of only repairing cloths for my boys and investing my fantasy into creating jackets for my dog. ;) After spending some times in the local shops in attempts to find something affordable worth buying, I finally find the model which would make me wearing it with proud feeling of wearing self-made dress again, just like it was several years ago. Thnx for making me feel inspired to sew again!
Nov 2, 2012, 08.21 PMby slanoca
Theresa dress is my all time favorite! It’s girly, summery, good for a day walk around town, good for a night out: just perfect! http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/theresa-dress
Nov 2, 2012, 08.05 PMby ali0423
I love anything that is a throwback to vintage and this dress does: http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/50s-halter-dress-072012
Thanks for the giveaway!!
Nov 2, 2012, 07.59 PMby annsunny
The Anda, http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/anda, because it’s so versatile, and can be played around with.
Nov 2, 2012, 07.53 PMby colordelasuerte
I love the Alberta Ferretti Dress. It was love at first sight! I like it´s drape and the tulip-shaped hem. When I get enough experience, I will sew it up for a wedding or a party, and I´ll probably choose the same color than in your picture. http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/alberta-ferretti-dress-042012
Nov 2, 2012, 07.02 PMby caiti-cat
I love this princess dress! http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/princess-dress-012010 I can’t wait to modify it to make a grown up size medieval version in plumb purple velvet and with hand embroidered ivy around the hem, neck line and sleeves.
Nov 2, 2012, 07.01 PMby lag21479
I like the looks of the jacket with a standing collar. I haven’t made it, because as a vertically-challenged person, I always have to alter the length of patterns, reduce the armscye, etc., in addition to the FBA that is required, even on the plus size patterns. So I look at many of the patterns on burdastyle, and sigh. Wishing I were taller, slimmer, and didn’t have to make all these alterations to have clothes that fit. http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/092011-jacket-with-standing-collar-plus-size
Nov 2, 2012, 06.53 PMby wanderingmuse
My favorite dress pattern is the Dress with gathered rectangle skirt and cap sleeves. This style with a natural waist, fitted bodice and full skirt is such a flattering style on all body types. It was in an ‘Italian Style’ section of the Burda Style magazine, and having lived in Tuscany for nearly a year, this is the perfect summer dress for a jaunt through the countryside!
http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/022011-dress-with-gathered-rectangle-skirt-and-cap-sleeves
Nov 2, 2012, 06.47 PMby capncornbread
My current favorite dress right now is the long sleeve maxi dress (http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/122011-long-sleeve-maxi-dress). As the weather is getting colder, I’m starting to realize I need more dresses with sleeves to add int rotation. I also love how the cut offers warmth and coverage while still looking feminine and defines the figure.
Nov 2, 2012, 06.42 PMby Caoilinn Byrne
Hmm.. Tough question! For me, it’s got to be the sabrina dress! It’s just so cute! :) And quite versatile, worn with a turtle neck underneath it works for fall, or without and it’s a nice sundress! http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/sabrina
Nov 2, 2012, 06.23 PMby ANR
My favorite is the Dart Dress (plus size). It has a classic, femenine silhouette with super modern details and a perfect fit. I started with a cotton floral in the original pattern. Then I followed that with a wool crepe with exposed zipper and changed the neckline to boatneck instead of V shaped. So quick and easy to sew! I want to make one for every season.
http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/dart-dress-plus-size-072012
Nov 2, 2012, 06.05 PMby stitchybritt
Definitely the Danielle dress – I made one in fun prints for my Xmas Day dress a couple of years ago and it still gets lots of wear
http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/danielle
Nov 2, 2012, 05.46 PMby littleharvey94
Love the Godet Dress! Very twenties chic. http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/godet-dress-072012
Nov 2, 2012, 05.15 PMby elisabetsy
The Coffee Date Dress! It’s so versatile and fairly quick to sew up. http://www.burdastyle.com/patterns/coffee-date-dress-multisize-sample
Nov 2, 2012, 05.12 PMby Claire Cooper
My Favourite dress is this http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/seamed-dress-082012. I loved it when I first saw it in the magazine. It looks great in the shimmery fabric and sleek in something plainer. a truly versatile pattern.
Nov 2, 2012, 04.53 PMby camelia db
From the dress patterns that are here on the site I will have to choose http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/burda-style-magazine-022010-low-back-dress , I made this one and is a very easy pattern to sew, very feminine and sexy shape, love the V back, love the seams on the back….But if I should start about the favorite dress…mm there are so many I love from Burda :), xxx
Nov 2, 2012, 04.51 PMby ReinaMurase
I don’t tend to wear dresses very often, but this shirtwaist dress casual enough for regular wear. It’s cute and light, and I love it! :) http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/shirtwaist-dress-092012
Nov 2, 2012, 04.48 PMby nouvellegamine
It’s hard to pick just one! But recently, this is my favorite~ http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/tucked-dress-082012 Why? the shoulder tucks, puffed sleeves, creative waist sectioning, and fitted back are all hallmarks of what I love best in patterns. I have a lot of basics, but a pattern like this, with it’s abundance of details says “pure quality.” And because it’s retro without being costumey!
Nov 2, 2012, 04.45 PMby gege13
It was hard to choose only one pattern, there are a few that I really like a lot. Finally I chose this one: http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/022011-dress-with-gathered-rectangle-skirt-and-cap-sleeves. It is simple, but very useful. Depending on the fabric I use, I could make with it a fun, floral printed summer dress, a nice office dress, and I also could make a great casual dress.