Brit Chic from head to toe: Sixteen-year old Helen Donath (User name: retro-girl) from Tübingen, Germany likes plaids (Slide show: Presenting plaids) so much that she sewed herself a complete outfit with skirt and vest/waistcoat! She even found a plaid umbrella to complete the look for our Photo of the Month for October. burdafashion.com talked with this young hobby seamstress ...

When did you learn to sew??
I began sewing in February 2006. My mother taught me. I always enjoyed watching her sew when I was younger. Finally, the time came when I didn't just want to watch, but wanted to sew myself. Since then, sewing has become one of my favorite hobbies.

What do you like to sew best?
I prefer simple patterns that I can change to fit my own personal style and taste. But I also like extravagant, nostalgic patterns. I love evening gowns, but don't have many opportunities to wear them.

What makes sewing special for you?
The best part of sewing is being able to make something which no one else has. I also just feel more comfortable in clothing that I have made myself. Often when I am wearing something that I have sewn myself, I notice that people are looking at me very carefully. I can imagine that they are wondering, “Where did she buy that?“ – that's a wonderful feeling for me!

Which patterns did you use for the outfit your are wearing in the photo?
The patterns for the A-line skirt and vest are from easy fashion Autumn/Winter 2006. I picked these patterns because they are such lovely classic styles. Classic styles have the advantage that they are always “in”. I was so fascinated by Brit Chic that I used tartan plaid for both garments to give the outfit a school uniform look.