Farewell BurdaStyle, Love alisondahl

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Hello BurdaStyle members, it is time for me to say goodbye, as BurdaStyle faces structural changes, I will no longer be the Creative Director and Editor of the website. I have been a part of the team intermittently since 2007 and it has been such a fruitful experience. I’ve created a bit of a retrospective of my favorite projects and experiences and would like to bid you farewell…

When I first visited the BurdaStyle offices in 2007 I was immediately drawn to the energy of the team, co-founder Nora Abousteit, and the then-creative director and co-founder Benedikta Karaisl von Karais. Like me, Beni was formally trained in fashion design and had experience in the industry. We instantly bonded over the BurdaStyle philosophy of offering open-source, copyright-free resources for people who enjoy to simply sew for the experience. Feeling a bit jaded from the fashion industry after a production nightmare, joining the team was like going back to my roots, I remembered why I had begun to sew and design in the first place, and the experience was uplifting.

I thought it would be fun to say farewell with some of my favorite projects I worked on over the years:

Peacock print dress: This dress, designed by Benedikta, was all about exciting the simple shape with a vibrant print. The lovely peacock print was a designer remnant I found at MOOD.

Boho Bag: Benedikta & I worked on this bag design together with our pattern-maker Larisa. The idea was to recreate + make modern these small Moroccan or Indian hippie purses we had when we were younger. (Looking back I’d use a skinnier strap, and cut the bag from a solid moleskin fabric), but the design still sticks.

Tailored Jacket: This shoot was really fun. We originally made this jacket for Carol (our PR girl) and for the shoot I styled my friend Sasha (an occasional BurdaStyle model) in it with high-waist Balenciaga trousers and a hand-made hat from Denmark.

Liberty Art Frocks: This was the first time I created a dress for my niece Louisa (and a coinciding one for me) and I will forever cherish these photos.

Alison Swimsuit: This project, respectively named after me, was not my first attempt at swimwear patterns, and I admit, it’s not that simple! After much frustration, I love how the final suit came out and the model looks lovely it—I too made the same suit for myself and still wear it on occasion when I’m feeling retro!

His + Hers: This was one of my favorite projects ever. Pendleton Woolen Mills gave BurdaStyle some signature wool to create projects with—and I made “his and hers” coats for myself and my fiance. We occassionally do capsule collections together as Dahl & Dane. For this shoot, we set up a tripod and automatic timer in Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn and modeled against the cold air + wind.

Heidi Dress: Another example of a dress pattern with subtle details, making for the perfect go-to pattern for a loud + fun print. The photography duo (and two wonderfully fun men) Trujillo Paumier took these photos (and the two above) + I love them…

Springtime Frock: I photographed my friend and model Sasha in this Liberty Arts frock one gorgeous spring day in New York City. We stumbled upon a cherry blossom tree and just starting shooting—we loved the results.

Polka Dot Coat: I love the Nadine pattern but always thought that it would be nice as a longer coat cut from a light and quirky fabric (like Marni), so I created this variation for myself and always get compliments when I wear it.

Tomato Red Shift: This was my second-to-last project for BurdaStyle and I wanted to use this tomato red silk which I used in my latest collection for my clothing line Dahl. This dress is so versatile and fun to wear I can see the pattern being used over and over again.

Fabric Covered Shoes: I thoroughly enjoyed creating this tutorial and like that those who can’t yet sew on a machine can recreate this project at home. I’ve made 3 pairs thus far and counting!

The BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook: Being the creative director and writer of the BSHB was an experience for which I will be forever grateful. I designed the 5 patterns (which come with book) as classic shapes from which countless variations can be created. It had been a dream of mine to write a DIY sewing book so that other people could be inspired and learn how easy it is to sew, once you’ve learned the basics. Nora and I are proud to have this book on our shelves!

-———-
My passion for sewing may wax and wane, but it is something I cannot live without, and when inspiration comes pouring in, there’s no stopping. I’ll be continuing as head designer of my clothing line Dahl and have some exciting projects coming up in the future. Please keep in touch with me (I’ve met and have been utterly inspired by many of you and you’re wonderful) by visiting my facebook page where I’ll be updating what I am up to.

Feb 17, 2012, 08.41 PMby pixelink

what an amazing contributor to the sewing world, will miss your posts and inspiration – all the very best ;))

Feb 13, 2012, 10.18 AMby shavlin

Good-luck Alison – enjoy your new ventures whatever they may be … you will be forever remembered in my family for inspiring me to use the Twisted Bubble Wrap dress pattern to make bridesmaids dresses for my son’s wedding – thank you :)

Feb 7, 2012, 12.18 AMby cyndi-de-crafti

Good bye Alison. I really enjoyed your work. Best wishes to you!

Feb 6, 2012, 03.35 PMby metropolitanfrock

Much success to you Alison. Thank you for sharing your beautiful talent with us.

Feb 5, 2012, 11.16 AMby brisehuus

Goodbye Alison Thank you so much for sharing all your beautiful ideas. You will be missed. All the best for you!

Feb 3, 2012, 04.33 PMby Testosterone

Thanks Alison! You have added so much to BurdaStyle and the sewing community. Wishing you tremendous success and complete personal fulfillment with your line of creations.

Feb 3, 2012, 01.36 PMby Browlia

So sorry to see u go. You have been a real inspiration for me and I am now finishing a degree in fashion and textiles because of you. all the best for the future.

Feb 3, 2012, 01.00 AMby rshelly13

I have really enjoyed your projects. You are very talented!

Feb 3, 2012, 12.34 AMby Pendleton Woolen Mills

Hey Alison! Best wishes in the future and thanks for such great creative energy. Loved what you did with our wool! from your friends at the Woolen Mill Store

Feb 2, 2012, 03.52 PMby sewingfan1

Aww, you’ve done a great job with the site and some wonderful posts. Hope you have success and fun with whatever your next venture is!

Feb 2, 2012, 08.15 AMby cands2010

Allison you will be missed, Happiness for you and yours for the rest of you lives!!!

Feb 2, 2012, 12.02 AMby kknight

Allison, you will be missed! Hope this means you’re on to new and exciting things.

Feb 1, 2012, 05.58 PMby pink-cornelia

thanks for everything you’done in Burdastyle. much luck in the future :D

Feb 1, 2012, 03.48 AMby caramia-made

All the best in your future endeavours! You will be missed! xxx Caramia

Jan 31, 2012, 10.23 PMby nehapatel

Thanks for all of your lovely work and good luck for the future :) xx

Jan 31, 2012, 09.47 PMby gedwoods

Thanks for all the great work you’ve done, and good luck with your business as well!

Jan 31, 2012, 09.30 PMby mlssfshn

Good luck! You will be missed. I hope you will stay active on the site.

Jan 31, 2012, 09.08 PMby Laura Bolčina

Your work was always a great inspiration to me, Alison. I wish you all the best!

Jan 31, 2012, 08.31 PMby wzrdreams

It’s been a pleasure to work with you Alison! I will miss your presence on the sight, but I’ll be keeping tabs on your future endeavours. Good luck!

Jan 31, 2012, 07.54 PMby kaitui-kiwi

Aww it’s sad to see such an important member of the team leaving, best of luck with the next part of your journey and I hope we hear more from you.

Jan 31, 2012, 07.46 PMby patti-r

May your new venture bring success, good fortune, and happiness…and everything that is most meaningful to you.

Jan 31, 2012, 06.07 PMby bttn

Good luck, Alison and I wish you all the best for the future!

Jan 31, 2012, 05.57 PMby lienepien

Good luck for the future!

Jan 31, 2012, 04.53 PMby nouvellegamine

good luck Alison! you’ll be missed :(

Jan 31, 2012, 03.47 PMby Ruth Meiland

Good Luck Alison! All the best for the future!

Jan 31, 2012, 02.22 PMby ajtak7171

Thank you for everything and all the best for the future!!!

Jan 31, 2012, 01.59 PMby mixtlii

Bye bye… You will be missed. Good luck!

Jan 31, 2012, 01.25 PMby anajan

You had such a fruitful experience in Burda Style, all the best to you in the future endeavours! It was nice meeting you in person, I hope our paths will cross again :). Good bye!