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Member since 9/15/07
Posts: 754
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Posted on: 7/8/09 1:37 AM ET
From time to time I post some of my BWOF garments pictures in the 'Burda Photo' section of the website, 'cause it contributes to enlarge the BWOF database for visual reference. I notice that a lot of the people who post are Russian - and the vast majority of the comments I get from the posters are in Russian.

That leads me to think that Russian girls seem to sew a lot, and I'm impressed with the general quality of the garments. Many pictures are very interesting and I'm sure some girls are photographed in a professional way.

Maybe they don't have a website like PR to share their love of sewing in their language, but they seem to be a lot in proportion of the german, french, italian, etc girls who post.

What do you think? Are they known to practice a lot the art of sewing?
  
Member since 8/24/02
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Posted on: 7/8/09 4:10 AM ET
My Russian coworker who translates comments there for me has a theory. She ssays it's a bit of a Soviet era mentality when RTW was not as readily available. Burda was allowed for fashion because they had patterns to make on your own. Also, with the econmoy there now, many can't afford the clothes there catering to the oil tycoons.
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www.missceliespants.com
  
Member since 7/23/07
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Posted on: 7/8/09 10:23 AM ET
In reply to MissCelie
I like her theory. I saw a documentary once on Fr tv and this girl was a ballroom dancer AND she made her own costumes.

(OT: did you notice how many ex-URSS dancers are on Dancing With the Stars?)

It could just be cultural. Here, until about 15 yrs ago ie after the embargo, people wore mostly bespoke (I love that word) and RTW was what you family in the diaspora sent or you bought while on vacation. Big celebrations like Weddings, Funeral or First Communion were strictly custom-made outfit occasions.

So maybe a bit of both?
  
Member since 7/23/07
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Posted on: 7/8/09 10:25 AM ET
In reply to Twinset
I noticed too! And I like your reasoning behind sharing your pix.

As I said below to Cidell, it might be a mix of factors but they do seem to sew A LOT.

I hope someone has an informed opinion (unlike me!)
  
Member since 12/28/04
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Posted on: 7/8/09 3:56 PM ET
In reply to Twinset
Russian is one of the languages that Burda publishes in, so there must be a market for the magazine.
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www.nancyksews.blogspot.com
  
Member since 9/15/07
Posts: 754
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Posted on: 7/8/09 5:06 PM ET
In reply to Nancy K
Of course, but Russians seem to sew (and post pictures) so much more than other countries. They must have a strong home sewing tradition. Personally I think that's great. I find the quality of the garments presented is often impressive.

-- Edited on 7/8/09 10:49 PM --
  
Member since 5/11/03
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Posted on: 7/8/09 10:25 PM ET
My MIL is a seamstress in a dress shop and all but one of the seamstresses there are from Italy or Russia (my MIL is from Italy). Only one is American born.
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Kim
  
Member since 9/15/07
Posts: 754
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Posted on: 7/8/09 10:54 PM ET
In reply to Speech girl
Interesting. I didn't know before recently (after seeing how many Russians post on BWOF website) that Russia has a strong sewing tradition. If someone knows more about that, please post. I find interesting to see the differences or particularities in cultures, especially when it comes to sewing!
  
Member since 12/3/05
Posts: 6572
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Posted on: 8/6/09 8:23 AM ET
Fifty years ago, Americans thought all Russian women looked like Nina Khruschev. But many Russian women are actually very stylish and chic, so it doesn't surprise me that they love to sew and sew beautifully.


-- Edited on 8/6/09 8:27 AM --
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No sewing project is ever a complete success nor a total failure.
  
Member since 8/13/03
Posts: 321
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Posted on: 8/6/09 8:51 AM ET
In reply to nancy2001
I was in Moscow, Russia in May for work ... of course I had to go to a fabric shop. The shops are quite different then here in the US. But the fabric selection was amazing. Mostly imports though. Full range of prices. The stores are laid out more like high density clothing racks top and bottom with samples of the available fabrics on display. Very similar to Joanns special order home dec fabrics, except much larger samples. If there is only small yardage left (e.g. less than 2 meters), then it is typically out on display with the samples. You inform the shopkeeper which piece you want and the yardage, they go in the back, bring out the bolt, cut and package for you. At least this was how it was in the smaller shops I visited.
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Machine Stable: Bernina 165, Elna Lotus TSP, Babylock Imagine, Babylock Coverstitch and my newest baby Janome 350E
  
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