The one and only Burda that I used was for a bridesmaid dress for my neice's wedding. It was awful! No seam allowances and I had to completely raise the shoulders for it to fit the girl it was for. I would never use one again! I love Butterick, second choice Simplicity, for clothes patterns. And yes, get them when they are on sale. Might there be a sewing class at your local high school or college that you could drop in on and ask for help?