Considering the summer styles are usually when Burda patterns seem to drop off in complexity and I start to lose interest, I was pretty happy with the variety in the May issue. Let’s jump right in… My favorite dress from this issue was this v-neck raglan sleeve dress with contrast bands along all the seam lines. Unfortunately for me this was a tall pattern and I don’t know that I have the enthusiasm to shorten it.

This pieced dress was shown in strapless and cap sleeve versions. I can’t quite tell in the second photo, but I think the pink version is a mini skirt length? If I made it I’d probably combine the longer skirt on the left with the sleeves on the right. The description says it has a two-way zipper in back which I’m assuming means a zipper the full length of the dress.

Burda gave us another bomber jacket pattern this month, and this one has some interesting lines along the raglan sleeve line. I also really like the diagonal welt pockets with snaps on this version.

The bust line of this dress is quite flattering, although maybe a bit low. It’s the same bodice pattern as the peplum blouse on the cover, which is also the pattern featured in the detailed instructions section.

Next up was a beachwear feature, and I temporarily got excited about this skirt because I assumed it was a wrap skirt. Silly me, this is two pieces – a zippered skirt and a flap you tie on over it. Because nothing says “casual beachwear” like a skirt you have to zip up and then tie some other thing over the top of and keep adjusting because it rides up and spins around.

This wrap front vest is one of those patterns that I like in theory but not in practice. (Are seamstresses the only people who feel that way about clothes?) It’s interesting and I want to like it, but… I think it’s too stiff maybe? Not the right styling? I’ll be interested to see what people on BurdaStyle make out of it.

This next feature was called “Model Style” and the description says “We asked four models to try on our different styles…” LOL, isn’t that a description of every magazine shoot? Anyways, I liked this V-neck dress with a circle skirt but, again, this is a tall pattern. And I’m just realizing that it is the same bodice as the first pattern I showed, DOH. At least I’m consistent about what I like.

This knot front blouse is cute and the asymmetry makes it slightly different than the standard knot front pattern with a seam straight down the center front.

A lot of readers really liked the vintage blouse pattern in this issue, but I don’t know if it’s for me. It looks pretty high-waisted and you’d have to be very careful in choosing a fabric or the scarf detail at the front could look awful.

I really liked the rockabilly themed plus size feature this month, but looking at it a second time I think it’s the fabric and the styling that I like more than the patterns themselves. Don’t get me wrong, the patterns are nice, but a little basic. I do like that this black top has pockets – it’s not everyday I see a blouse with pockets.

Here’s a couple of even more basic plus size patterns. By the end of the feature even the model is looking a little un-enthused.

I might be losing my mind, but I think I want to make this Burda craft feature. The question is, what part of my apartment would look better decorated with plush squirrels and stuffed acorns?

I really haven’t made fun of much in this issue yet, so I’ll leave you with feature I’m just going to call “WTF?”