Newsflash: May Burda Preview Posted

Burda's May issue is here!  Normally I find a lot to love in the May edition, and this year is no exception.  After April I was worried that there wouldn't be any good designs left for the "spring dress" issue, but I needn't have feared.  Several of these designs are going on my must-sew list, and, I must admit, I have already bought fabric to make a few of them.  So, let's take a peak:

Since it is May, we will start off with the dresses:

I am in LOVE with this color-blocked dress.
LOVE.

Yup, love everything about it.  Except that it comes in Half Sizes!
Drat you Burda!  (Oh well, I already have fabric anyway, this dress is so happening.)

Still love the silhouette, but I think I like it better with the color blocking.

I also really love the style lines on this dress.
I love the contrast of the print and solid fabrics.

Yup, love this dress from every angle.
Will have to modify it due to the Tall Sizing.
Why does Burda always put my favorites in crazy sizes?

This dress is sweet, but sort of perfect for the spring/summer transition period.
Might have to dig out some stash fabric for this one too.

Simple, but I really like this dress too!
Actually the basic style would be perfect for sequins.

I like this dress, but the neckline is so wide!
I don't know if I would want to deal with narrowing it enough to make it wearable,
but I do think the overall design is cute.

Same large neckline problem as the previous design,
but the variation on the sleeves and skirt is nice.

Actually, aside from the ginormous patch pockets, I really like this dress too!
It has a similar neckline as the previous styles, but not nearly as low and open.
Definitely have to put this on my to-sew list.

Yes, those pockets really have to go.

This maxi dress looks great for summer.

And it has pockets!  Total win.

A bit hard to see, but the seam lines on this sheath dress are lovely.

Lovely.  And perfect for color blocking.

There are sleeves for those who don't want to go strapless.
Though personally I would be less comfortable with the micro mini skirt on this version.

Another variation with spaghetti straps.

Rather boring sack-ish tunic dress, but not terrible with a belt.

There are also some great separates in this issue too:

LOVE this vintage re-print top.

Looks a bit complicated, but I still want to try it.

Love this knit top with knot detail as well.
I am really enjoying what Burda has been doing with knit tops this year.

The stripes make this twist top go from cool to amazing.

This top is a variation on the dress pattern from above,
but I would be far more likely to wear it as a top.
The neck might be a bit wide, but I still really want to make one.

Basic tunic, but the sleeves are pretty interesting.

I actually really like the top of this shirt.

Might have to adjust the bottom to make it more fitted, or use a drapier fabric.

A nice variation on this style of jacket.
I think I liked the Burda Easy style better, but this is a nice alternative.

I think it is the lack of collar that I am not so fond of.

I like this skirt...

But I really love it in the shorter version.

And it looks like it has pockets!  Yup, this also goes on the to-sew list.

The print makes this pencil skirt special,
but it is always nice to have a good pencil skirt pattern.

Not sure how easy it will be to walk without a vent or slit though.

Love me some wide-legged trousers.

Always a bit cautious with pleats, but I think this could look good in the right fabric.
Love the simple welt pockets on the rear.

Not sure how I feel about the extra volume in the shorts though.

This tank top is probably a bit short and voluminous for me...

...but I do like the neckline.  Might adjust it somewhat.

This bikini top is cute!  And the wrap skirt is great for going to the beach or pool.

Even the craft patterns look good this month!
This drawstring bag looks practical and easy to make.

The Burda Plus section isn't overly exciting, but there are some nice options:

Love this jacket.  Very nice shape.

The ruffles on this dress keep it from being too basic,
and it could easily be dressed up or down during the summer.

The blouse version would be pretty cute too.

Not sure how I feel about the ruffle at the bottom of this dress,
but otherwise it is another one that could easily be
dressed up or down depending on fabric choice and accessories.

Basic sheath dress, but very classy, clean lines.

Oversized tunic.  Fine, but kind of boring.

These pants are a bit... interesting.  Not sure how I feel about the cut open back of the legs.

Of course, there are also a few things that are a bit, well, Burda cray-cray:

Not too enthusiastic over this peplum top - the ruffle is a bit too full,
and it still has the super wide neckline issue of the dresses from above.

Also not loving this cross-over vest.
Something about it just seems a bit awkward.

I do like the back though.  Might have to frankenpattern it onto a another vest front.

This top is almost a cool idea.  It is just too voluminous,
and a bit too stiff in the linen Burda used.

Yeah, it kinda looks like padding for a football uniform.
Or a bit sci-fi.  Sci-fi football.

There are some cool ideas going on in this skirt, but together it is all just too much.

The line drawing hurts my eyes.  TOO MUCH!

So there we have it!  I think April had a better mix of different types of pieces, but overall there are a ton of things I really like in May, and a few designs where I am already picking out fabric.  It was difficult to pick out my top pattern this month - there are styles I think a lot of people will sew (like the maxi dress) and styles I think have some lovely design elements and drafting.  I decided to go with something that I thought might be a popular item to sew, but also stands out among the designs.  I know we have seen a ton of color and print blocked dresses lately, but for some reason this one stands out in my mind as being extra special.  So, in the end, the Best of BS May 2014 goes to:

Asymmetrical color blocked dress.

Choosing my bottom pick was similarly difficult.  That skirt design looks like a mess, but probably wouldn't draw the eye in a crowd, whereas that oversized top has some lovely design elements, but looks so awkwardly huge and stiff on the model.  In the end, the BWTF Award goes to:

Linen space football uniform top.

So, what do you all think?  Are we excited for the May issue?  Or does everything feel derivative of older patterns?  Do you think it is better than the April issue, or were you more inspired last month?  Anyone else sad about the designs Burda used with the tall and short sizes?  (Why is it always the good stuff?)  Feel free to discuss in the comments!