1. Where are you from and/or where do you live? I'm from a very small country called the bridge of the world and heart of the universe: Panama. (Not Panama City, Florida haha). I was born and lived here my whole life, although people usually think I'm from some part of Asia!

2. What was the 1st thing you made? How did you start sewing? It’s kind of a funny story. I used to watch my mom using the sewing machine a couple of times to repair or alter some clothing, but I NEVER paid attention to it. Some time later, my sister who is 5 years younger than me, told my mom that she wanted to learn to sew and asked me to join her in the classes because she didn’t want to do it alone. My mom asked a friend who is a dressmaker to give us some classes and she agreed. So within the first classes I began to fall in love with sewing. Unfortunately we had stop classes because of school and college. The funny part: my sister now doesn’t like sewing! My very first project was to do a simple black pencil skirt with my own pattern. I enjoyed doing it so much just like every piece I do now.

3. What role does sewing play in your life? Believe it or not, it relaxes me. My career sometimes can be very stressful, so I try to take some time to sew. I like to create and make things with my hands so I do have other hobbies that I love; like doing mosaics and stained glass, though sewing is a very useful and fulfilling hobby. I'm trying to always have a new project to do and dedicate some time of the week for it. I think there are two things that keep me sewing: my love for fashion and BurdaStyle. Since I discovered this site, I've improved a lot.

4. What is your favorite and what is your least favorite thing about sewing? My favorite part of sewing: planning the project, choosing the fabric, assemble the pieces, see the whole project taking shape and of course wearing it or see it being worn or used. My least favorite part: cutting the fabric, TRANSFER the pattern’s marks and iron, but anyway those things have to be done!

5. If you could make something for anyone who would it be and what would you make? Definitely, a gorgeous prom dress for my sister, yes the one I mention before; she is graduating this year from high school and I will love to make it for her; also a shirt for my boyfriend (well, that could be my next project!) and for me, I will love to do a flowery vintage dress.

6. What are you looking for on our site? What do you think should be improved and what do you really like? Inspiration, ideas, and new things to learn. Everyday I have the habit to check my emails, my Facebook profile, some blogs and BurdaStyle. What I love? The constantly new things you upload to the site, and the community. Everybody here is so supportive, encouraging each other and sharing their ideas, opinions and doubts, that’s what I really like. Improves? Pretty much nothing, but I would really like to receive a notification or something when somebody writes a comment or opinion about my creation.

7. What is your motto? Maybe. “Be grateful”. Usually we are so “busy” and we forget to pay attention to those little things that make us happy, those things that we have to be grateful for: be able to watch a sunset, good health, the people that care about you, being with your family or be able to eat three times a day (or even more!!). Many of us are very fortunate and we need to live being grateful for those things, not regretting all the time for those things we don’t have and certainly, we usually don’t need. Yeah yeah, I know that I might sound corny but it’s so true.

To see Karencilla awesome creations click here Make sure you see her incredible skirts and bags! Her fun, pink JJ shirt is something not to be missed. She also has pictures of some incredible beaches on her profile, these will warm you up on the coldest rainiest day.

We all know you need to measure twice and cut once, but what happens when you measure, cut and sew …. and it still doesn’t fit right? Alterations are an option, but if you've cut in to expensive designer fabric, ripping and re-sewing may not work very well. Mary over at Sew, Mama, Sew! has a great piece on making a muslin when you're sewing a new garment. I'm kind of an instant gratification gal, but after reading her article, I'm really interested in taking the time to make a muslin so I can perfect a fit before I dive in to my fancy fabrics.

Nora and Benedikta are back from Germany and have finally recovered from jet lag. While in Germany they had the opportunity to hold a press lunch attended by a number of publications. Even more important, it was attended by our recent Featured Member: Fashion1. She had a chance to meet with Nora and Benedikta and to talk with the German press about how much she loves BurdaStyle and what a great community we have here. She also told them that, although the language barrier sometimes makes it hard for her, she loves the experience of having people all around the world connecting through their creations. In fact, she even said that BurdaStyle helped her make the decision to switch careers from physical therapist to pattern maker. How great is that! She brought in some of her creations and we were absolutely blown away by the quality of her work. It made us realize how rare it is that we get to connect with our members in such a personal way. In fact, meeting with her made such an impression on us that we've decided to have a meet up for our members here in New York! This is for all of you in the area who would like to see where the magic happens. You can check out our offices, meet the team and catch up with other members; all while eating some delicious snacks (cookies and fun gum will be some of the food provided). We don’t have a date yet, but keep your eyes peeled for the details. Keep up the great work and we'll see at least some of you soon. The BurdaStyle Team

1. Where are you from and/or where do you live? I have resided in Southern Maine for my entire life (all 16 years of it)! Naturally, I love the ocean, sailing, and lobster (yum!).

2. What was the 1st thing you made? How did you start sewing? When I want to learn how to do something, I dive right in! The first thing I ever made was a set of purple patchwork quilts that were just the right size for my two dolls and their bunk-bed. I was 11 years old and would accept no help! My Auntie Dana has always been my sewing inspiration. She does custom upholstery and home design; I owe my natural abilities to her! When I was younger she used to make me clothes, and one I specifically remember was a blueberry print dress. She loves that we share an interest in sewing, and whenever I need assistance she is my go-to!

3. What role does sewing play in your life? Sewing is my creative outlet; it gives me a sense of accomplishment when I can create something beautiful out of something that had no distinct purpose before. It also fulfills my need to be unique! When I make something, I know that no one else has the same dress, bag, or skirt. Sewing sets me apart from the rest, and lets me express my style.

4. What is your favorite and what is your least favorite thing about sewing? Let’s start with my least favorite, since that’s easier to answer! Marking the fabric, hands down. I can never seem to get it all, and it stops the flow of creating something when you have to worry about your seams matching up! If I had to pick a favorite, I would say that initial feeling of inspiration. I get that every time a new pattern appears on the site. I also love being able to say “I finished!!!” since the last few touches can be a struggle for me!

5. If you could make something for anyone who would it be and what would you make? I would LOVE to sew an elegant evening dress for myself, and actually have a party to wear it to! I love vintage clothing, so something 40’s inspired would be lovely.

6. What are you looking for on our site? What do you think should be improved and what do you really like? When I found this site I was looking for a place with patterns and helpful tips. Boy, did I get that and so much more! There couldn’t have been a better site for me, because the support and inspiration that I have received from everyone involved is invaluable. My two favorite aspects of the site are the sense of community and the awesome patterns! Something that I would love to see is more variety in the kinds of patterns. Like everyone, I love the Charlie bag and would love to see another accessory or bag pattern.

7. What is your motto? I have learned that life can be so exciting when you do something unexpected, say what’s on your mind, and use your imagination. As Miss Frizzle from the Magic School Bus always says, “Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!”

To see Nuiwida23’s incredible creations click here! Also check out her profile

Hey everyone! The cherry blossoms are in bloom, the lilacs are gorgeous and the trees have leaves. Yes, spring has finally sprung here in Brooklyn and we at BurdaStyle could not be happier! There is something about the spring air that just inspires us. Everywhere you look the energy is just buzzing around, even the pigeons have a bounce in their step. Because the air is sweet with the smells of spring, it’s good time to talk about the Mother’s Day Eye Mask How To that we posted on Friday. Filled with rice and exuding the smell of lavender, it just relaxes away any worries. Because it’s simple, functional and elegant, this eye mask is the best kind of gift. Now I know you all want to get started on this, so the Marcel pattern is now our featured pattern of the week. Enjoy! We know that whomever is lucky enough to receive this will appreciate all of the work that went into it.

Happy Sewing and Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at BurdaStyle!

Mother’s Day is coming up fast. Every year it’s a struggle to come up with that prefect gift to show her how all of her efforts have not been in vain. As we all know, moms can always use a way to wind down and relax, that’s why we have the perfect Mother’s Day How To! This eyemask, made from luxurious fabric and filled with lavender, will speak only of serenity and relaxation. So check out the how to to get the idea and we will post the pattern on Monday. Have a great weekend!

1. Where are you from and/or where do you live?

I am from New Jersey, USA, originally, then lived 12 years in New York, which is kind of the same thing— unless you're a born and raised New Yorker, then New Jersey is another hemisphere. Now I'm in Los Angeles, which is another UNIVERSE.

2. What was the 1st thing you made? How did you start sewing?

My first sewing project was a big old pig made in my home economics class, I think it was the 5th or 6th grade. I chose pink taffeta, naturally… you would think with that choice, my pig would have been frilly, but he was actually quite huge and sleek with sharp seams and WAY overstuffed, there was no cuddling with this pig. I mean, you could have used this pig as a chair for a small child. Home ec was only offered one year, and I pretty much stopped sewing except for the odd (and badly executed) hem here and there. Oh, and the prerequisite pair of slashed up-the-legs jeans in high school. Am I dating myself? BurdaStyle has really got me sewing again, with the help of some fancy sewing items landing in my lap… a featherweight 221 from my parents, and a dress form from my mom in law.

3. What role does sewing play in your life?

It keeps me sane and makes me happy! A friend told me that if I was going to live in LA, I had better have something to do that had zero to do with “the business”. I thought that was sort of dramatic… I have loads of hobbies anyway… well, she was right, people eat sleep and drink the biz here and that diet is really not for me. I've found that sewing has stuck more so than my other hobbies, it has the perfect combination of order and creativity. BurdaStyle definitely has a lot to do with my continuing obsession, as there’s always something new & cool to work on.

4. What is your favorite and what is your least favorite thing about sewing?

Those first few seams where you can see your creation taking shape and you know you're doing it right is awesome. also pressing seams puts the universe in order. my least favorite thing is FITTING. I just want to finish it and put it on for the first time and have it fit like a glove. I would save myself loads of time if I would just try the damn creation on once or twice before triple stitching those side seams, but it takes away from that little dance of joy at the end if you've already had it on before it’s completely done! but, if it doesn’t fit… no dance of joy. Rock and a hard place, eh?

5. If you could make something for anyone who would it be and what would you make?

I was warned: once people know you can sew, there’s no end to the “minor” requests made… I've been asked to make a jumper for a chihuahua, a man’s blazer out of a baby blanket, a pair of jeans… I think people really don’t know how much time goes into it. (and they are a bit delusional about my skill level). So if I could make something for anyone, I guess I'd make them understand what they're asking! If I could make something for someone… I would make the perfect suit, and the someone would be my husband. Skill-wise that’s a pipe dream, but if we're talking fantasy here, there it is!

6. What are you looking for on our site? What do you think should be improved and what do you really like?

I visit pretty much daily, looking for new creations and using all of the great information and generally stalling on doing the things I am supposed to be doing. I really like everything about the site, and I know you all are improving things constantly. I love the community here— no one ever gets touchy or offended, everyone is so incredibly supportive of each other, and as far as online communities go in my experience, that’s an anomaly. I mean, I got in trouble because I introduced myself to 2 yahoo sewing groups at the same time… good lord, I think their world would end if they saw the double posts in our forum. Oh, I guess that is one area I'd love to see improved, heh heh, now that I mention it… but seriously, this site rocks.

7. What is your motto?

Hmm. I'm not sure I have a specific motto, though I could very well see myself walking around with theme music playing constantly. THAT would ROCK. through living in Los Angeles, I've become very aware of how important it is to be true to who you are as much as humanly possible, and to have fun doing so. This town is sort of more fiction than fact, and it’s easy to get swept up in that. So I guess my motto is be true, to thine own self, and whoever comes your way, or whomever. You know what I mean…

To see Oonaablloona’s awesome creations click here! For more on Oonaballoona and to see more of her work check out her blog.

Hi everyone,

As you may have noticed, BurdaStyle is now on MySpace and Facebook. We have loved getting all of your friend requests, it has totally been making our day. Thank you to all of you who have left comments on our pages, it’s so nice to have members who are so involved. For all of you who have yet to be our friend, there are links on the homepage that you should check out. We love getting the requests so keep them coming!

Whether it’s in the forums, through answers or on our wall, all of you have such great ideas about how to improve the site. We have created a survey so, not only can you tell us more about the site, but more about you as well. We are interested in knowing more about you because knowing more about our members will help us build the site in the right direction, after all without you, BurdaStyle would be nothing. As a little incentive, 3 of the people who complete the survey will be chosen at random to receive $50! Pretty great huh?

Speaking of great things, we have a new member generated pattern this week. The design for this playful skirt came from our very own kasia26! Great for summer fun, this skirt features gathering of the pocket backing and bold bib-front buttons. Try using a contrast for the pocket backing for some extra punch!

Keep up the great work!

BurdaStyle

If you are looking to add a little interest to your neckline, check out Christina’s latest project over at Assorted Notions. Inspired by a tutorial she saw on Sew Intriguing, she gave her tee a twisted neck band. The effect is subtle, yet really cool.

Hi there! Heidi is now almost 6 weeks old and she has grown so much, time is flying by. Now rather than time dragging by like towards the end of my pregnancy my weeks seem to go by in a flash, usually with me accomplishing only half the things i've wanted to. I promised myself that i would take some time out once Heidi had arrived so i have decided to take some time out from writing my column for BurdaStyle. I love working on BurdaStyle and have done so for over a year now! But, it takes up a lot of my time, i spend many hours sewing and then 2 evenings a week writing and editing my posts which leaves little time for anything else. I'm going to spending my time looking after and playing with my girls, trying to keep my house relatively tidy and start some of the many things i have lined up that i've been wanting to do for myself but have just not had the time. Basically i'm getting back to basics, making making time for the small things and doing them at my own pace.
For now this is just a break for me from writing my regular column and i will be around on the site uploading my creations, participating on the forum and organising the sewalongs and you'll also be able to see what i'm up to on my own blog.

PS. How cool is it that Heidi has a dress named after her!?