Burda Style For people who sew

Choosing fabrics is one of the most creative aspects of decorating. Want to combine fabrics like the designers do? Think of it this way. Decorating a room is much the same process as making a movie. When casting a movie, actors are carefully selected to create the perfect ensemble. Fabrics are like actors playing a role; each is carefully considered for what it brings to the project. Basically, a room can be beautifully put together if you choose one star fabric, one or two “supporting cast” fabrics and a “special appearance” or accent fabric.

Our friends over at the American Sewing Expo are putting out a call for designers. The deadline for entry is July 1, 2010.

Enter the 4th Annual ASE Passion For Fashion! design challenge. It’s a live challenge that lets you show of your skills as a seamstress and designer. Contestants are given a secret scenario and have 24 hours to design and produce an outfit. After the final fittings, garments are walked down the runway by professional models and judged by industry leaders.

Prizes include but are not limited to: A Trip to New York City with the ASE Tour, Baby Lock Espire Sewing Machine, Baby Lock Imagine DX Serger and more!

Find out more and how to enter at AmericanSewingExpo.com
Deadline to enter is July 1, 2010. All skill levels welcome!

Connect with BurdaStyle on Facebook and Twitter for your chance to win amazing products from Sock Theory!

Always a heated topic, the fashion industry’s minimal use of realistically proportioned models creates an ongoing discussion…

BurdaStyle is giving away two pairs of free tickets to the upcoming Maker Faire in San Mateo County, California!

It’s not very often that my husband sends me articles about sewing. We don’t follow many of the same blogs (aside from my own, I don’t know that he reads any sewing related information), so when one of his favorite sites discusses something crafty he makes sure I know about it. Most recently he sent me this article from GetRichSlowly which discusses not just how to save money by sewing, but a few, simple tips for the beginner. Have more tips to share? Leave a comment here on how you save money by sewing!

We love hearing about how fun and rewarding our BurdaStyle Sewing Clubs around the world are to their members. Recently, I asked sewshaggy, leader of the Lakewood, Ohio BSC to discuss how her recent first meeting went.

Here’s what she had to say about it:

No matter where you live, whether it is a one-room studio apartment or a mansion, your home should be a reflection of you. The biggest question before starting any decorating project is usually “Where do I begin?” It might sound odd, but decorating really begins with you and your innate sense of style—not with the color of the walls or the fabric you choose (that will come in time).

You are probably more aware of your fashion style than your decorating style. Just as your fashion style, your sense of decorating style has also developed through your life experiences (and it will continue to evolve throughout the years). Decorating comes from your personal perspective, and this individuality should be stamped on every room in your home. This is your “signature style,” and it’s what makes your home unique.

1. Where are you from and/or where do you live?
“Long story short …. I was born in London, England and spent my childhood in a small community in Essex, not far from the Thames coastline. My parents emigrated to the west coast of Canada (Victoria, B.C.) when I was ten and I grew up in a tiny rural community outside of Victoria, again near the sea. In my early twenties, I left Victoria and crossed the country to study science in Quebec City … but I got married here and got a job as a university professor doing research and have never left. I love Quebec City – I live and work in French but I’m not really cut off from the English world either.”

BurdaStyle is known for featuring downloadable and printer-friendly sewing patterns, a unique concept to many patternmakers and seamstresses. Now, we want you to learn how to make digital .pdf patterns yourself!

It’s time for spring cleaning! This not only involves dust busting and cleaning out your closet, but freshening up your house with some new decor. The Sewing Republic brought to you by BERNINA has great project ideas to spruce up your home. For example, check out the loop curtain tutorial. This easy project is perfect for even the most beginner sewer. It can work as a statement piece that brings a splash of color to your room, or add subtle sophistication using vintage linens or cottons. Check out this tutorial and transform your room today!

This shoot was so much fun, especially this look. It’s not often that we are so serious around the BurdaStyle offices.

See the photos or get the pattern!

Enter for your chance to add some amazing fabric from Red Rooster Fabrics to your existing stash!