Manequim 622

I was chatting to a Brazilian woman about Manequim the other day - and please excuse me Portuguese speakers as I may be completely wrong and mangling your language - but I think it is pronounced like 'Manikin' but with an 'ee' instead of the last 'i'. So, Manikeeen. I was wondering if I could ask her to translate if I got stuck with a pattern but then I wondered how good the instructions were even if you read the language.

I can't understand the instructions in the English language Burda Style. What are Patrones and Manequim instructions like from the point of view of Spanish or Portuguese speaking sewers? I'd be really interested to know.

Manequim is in my mind as the April Mag arrived.  We are getting into early autumn styles in the Southern Hemisphere.  And they have the usual nice Manequim mix of styles and types of garments.  When I think about it they do tend to provide a nice range each month.  

First up is one of those interesting versatile pieces.  From the diagram I think it is in fact a sleeveless 'cosy'. 

The next section is styles inspired by actresses on a TV production. A nice set of separates and dresses save for one crime against fashion - the patterned jumpsuit in the photo on the actress is downright scary.

The next section I think is called 'the new long' and consists of 1970s inspired styles.  This is a pretty blouse.

And moving along... next up there are styles inspired by Missoni, although oddly with this one there are only 2 patterns.  Maybe Missoni is a bit hard to copy with all the knits.  The patterns are a cozy/cardigan and a pencil skirt.  

Chic Night comes next with some nice going out styles.  A jumpsuit, 2 dresses and 3 tops including this intriguing lace top.  It looks very pretty but I can't quite figure how it is made and Manequim does have teensy tiny diagrams. 

Oh I wish I read portuguese.  There is a spread about winter trends in fashion and notions.  I rather like the adventure one. 

There is also a plus size feature.   What I like about Manequim generally is that, as a matter of course, it shows styles on models that run the gamut of women's shapes. 

The fact that it does so is actually quite striking and makes me realise how brainwashed one becomes from most Australian /US/ European fashion magazines and fashion sites as they show a far more restricted range of body types.  

I know magazines trot out the argument that women don't want to look at clothes on people who aren't tall thin models but I wonder about that.  Manequim models express the range of normal body shapes and are no less stylish and the clothes are no less something you want to buy.

Anyway back to patterns, there is a nice little plus size wardrobe of 4 tops, skirt, 3 dresses and a jacket.

Last but not least, some separates.  I couldn't get away with these pleats but I love the pockets of these trousers.  Pretty black blouse too.

Actually, not quite last.  A gratuitous page of chocolate to look at!