Burda Style For people who sew

Hi guys

I feel like a total numpty. Is it just me or are the instructions for the Talea coat, impossible to understand in parts? I feel like it must be me as I have searched through the forums a bit and it looks like Im the only one asking!!

Usually, if I read the instructions over and over and over again, it goes in! But no. I ended up sewing the blasted collar on before the facing, as I thought that is what the instructions told me to do.

I am really grateful for the pattern and realise it was free, but the instructions really could do with making clearer. Different terms are used interchangably and I realise its not for an absolute beginner, but I think it could confuse the best of sewers!

Im stuck on the facing bit (part 10) which is also called trimming in the instructions. Could anyone help me as to where it is supposed to fit? Im feeling a bit clueless.

I would so appreciate it. Im desperate to get it finished and it was looking alright up until this mishap.

I dont know if its possible for the instructions to be updated but the collar part is really tricky. But again – its probably just me!!

Thank you so much in advance guys xxx

Jul 13, 2010, 04.19 PM by charlsfarls

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  Jul 13, 2010, 07.05 PMby charlsfarls

  Well, I figured it out. Staring at it and fannying about with it for the past four hours, I fathomed it! Now to figure out how to sew a lining! Lol the joys of sewing! Ill whip throught my next one now though, got some nice cashmere for that one! Surprised no one came to my aid though, I know there are quite a few people who have had great results with the Talea coat pattern. Wonder how many, if any, have had problems like me?

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    Jan 7, 2013, 07.02 AMby ReinaMurase

    Would it be possible for you to post a brief instruction on how to do this? I know it’s been a while since you originally posted, but I’ve been reading it over and over but cannot understand it at all. They really should make the instructions clearer, shouldn’t they :S

    Thanks so much!

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  Aug 1, 2010, 12.30 AMby lexicooks

  I’m just starting my first Talea now and have read through the instructions – not sure how I’m going to work it out on my own! They really don’t make much sense to me at all in some parts. Hopefully though playing around with it I’ll start to get it? I hope so, because I’ve cut it out in some gorgeous wool that I don’t want to waste!
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  Jan 24, 2013, 11.14 AMby charlsfarls

  Argh! So sorry I have only just seen these questions! I got past the collar bit and ended up giving up! The coat was sat on my dress form in my kitchen for ages, and when I finally mustered up the energy to tackle those diabolical instructions again, I discovered the coat was covered in baked bean splatters (thanks Lola!) and I thought – I cant be bothered anymore!! So it ended up in the bin! Really need to be more persistent next time. I have a few hard copy coat patterns and the instructions are much better in there. It has really put me off getting anymore burda patterns. I cant remember whether I paid for the Talea – Im thinking it was free – but I dont think I will pay for a pattern if the instructions are like that! I know Im not an expert by any means but come on? Really hope you both have had better luck than me!! Would love to hear how you have got on x
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  Jan 24, 2013, 03.25 PMby sewingfan1

  Have they maybe updated the instructions a bit? I didn’t read them all the way through but the bits I did see seemed to make sense and they had illustrations too which helped.

  It’s really annoying if they’re not clear though – i’ve sometimes had to make up my own way to complete certain bits of projects before now as I couldn’t make sense of the instructions on patterns (not just Burda ones) and I’m never sure if it’s my inexperience or publishing mistakes. The more practice you get the more easy it is to realise if it’s the publishers that have written things wrong rather than you not understanding though which is good.

  I tend to look up tutorials to make sense of instructions and get understanding as to have full instructions on how to do each process of making something like a coat would take up too much space (eg princess seams are not as straightforward as they sound. There are lots of little extra processes needed to make them work properly). I remember making a towelling robe and the attaching of the hood just didn’t make sense from the instructions so I looked up tutorials on how to do that kind of thing too.

  Shame you didn’t get to finish it though and that no-one seemed to spot your query when you first posted it :-(