I figured I should put a moratorium on fabric buying for February after my gluttonous online extravaganza in January, but February is over, baby! I headed to the pattern sale at Joann on Saturday and couldn't resist a quick peek at G Street. I found this gorgeous silk on the remnant rack, and remnants were 25% off, so I got 1 yard of this 45" wide silk print for $7.50. I definitely see it as a Spring blouse/top, but I don't have any immediate ideas considering the limited fabric. Simplicity 2936 might work, but I would need to test out the pattern and it calls for 1 3/4 yard in 45 wide. That seems like a lot for a simple blouse, and I wonder if I might manage to squeeze it out. The other issue is that the motif is huge (12 inch quilting ruler is on there for reference), so it might be better to do a pullover top rather than a button front. I am ok with pullover woven tops for now, but it's not a durable style, in my opinion. I think they'll only work for about 3 years and then be passe again. But I suppose three years out of a $7.50 length of fabric isn't a *total* loss.
I've purchased, ahem, a fair number of patterns lately. This isn't all of them but these are the ones I am currently obsessed with.
Vogue 1170, Rachel Comey Knot Blouse. It has a little of the same feel as 1935 Vintage Vogue 2859; I made that one of a printed silk and LOVE. I may use my floral silk from Vietnam. I'm not wild about the back buttons. I might change that to a back neck slit with single button at the neck and side zip.
Vogue 8633, Shift dress with little built-in collar. I guess this is one of the new patterns, as there are no reviews for it. I totally love it. That little collar is so fancy. I am into straight/pencil skirts and dresses right now and have (relatively) few of either in my closet. I just have to decide on a fabric. There is a fabric in my stash that would work, I think, but I've had it in my head for another pattern for at least three years. But the other pattern is kind of novelty and possibly a little sexy for work. But it will be a psychological journey to give up the idea of that dress.
Butterick 5382, pleat neck dress. To me, this is a better version of Vogue 8593, or better for me, at any rate. I've learned that my pear shape really needs a waist seam so that the skirt can be larger than the bodice. Vertical darts are not enough.
Butterick 5455, Maggy London shift with pleated V neck. I was going to pass this up because it seems similar to several other things I have. But hey, it was only 99 cents. This is how I end up with too many patterns. I'm thinking it will be good for the vintagey floral cotton I got in Hong Kong.
Butterick 5454, Wrap dress for border prints. Little Hunting Creek suggested this pattern for the gorgeous fabric I got from Marji and I am digging the suggestion. I also have a polka dot border print knit to make up, so if it doesn't go for Marji's fabric then maybe the polka dot.
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I picked up You Know You Want It by Eric Daman from the library's new book shelf when I was browsing for non-fiction. Daman is the costume designer for Gossip Girl. I watched a season of the show because a friend's sister's then-now-ex-husband is the producer and the friend had viewing parties for it. I was amused by the teenagers who lead lives more sophisticated than I will ever have, and the clothes are fantastic. Daman knows his stuff when it comes to costuming a cast. Unfortunately, it does not seem that writing is one of his gifts. The book is not so much a style manual as a current fashion magazine without ads. Now don't get me wrong, the fashion spreads are gorgeous and he shows a lot of cute, current clothes. It's more like a fashion primer--this is a boat neck, this is a V neck, etc. etc.--than a style manual. The spreads below showcase a season and a style. They're gorgeous, but they don't really tell you anything.
Beautiful styling, little content, anchored firmly in current trends. I recommend a flip through the book in the bookstore, but I don't know that it would be worth owning.
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To make room for my new patterns I finally went through my stash and culled out a couple of dozen. In an attempt to make Spring sprung already, I'm giving away a grouping of sundress patterns. To enter the giveaway, please comment, clearly indicate that you are entering the drawing, and tell me what you are most looking forward to about Spring, your favorite Spring colors, your must-have Spring piece, or just how much you hate winter. The winner will be chosen by drawing.
The patterns are all uncut and in the smaller size range; the giveaway is for the whole group (i.e., one person will win all four patterns).
Butterick 6586 (OOP)
Simplicity 4531
McCall 5655
New Look 6146 (OOP)
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35 comments:
Neat pattern & colour on that fabric! Love your choice of sheaths (the V-green, the B-red, the B-flowered....). To answer your Kashi-related question, I recall them to be in the range of 10-15/yd; the red-grey and the green check are charmeuses, btw (my mistake, but I'll correct them another time).
Love your blog! This spring, I am looking forward to sewing a bunch of sundresses (from those patterns you are giving away), packing up picnics, and spending Sundays in the park nibbling cheese and sipping wine in my new dresses! Really, it's my definition of heaven. Thanks for entering me in the giveaway.
O, o, o, what an exciting giveaway! I so much look forward to spring. I just don't do well in winter, it makes me a bit grumpy and sad. I guess I just miss the sunlight. Yesterday I thought it was spring, for a second, because the sun was shining and it almost got comfortable. But this morning everything was covered in snow again. Grmpf. Oh well, I'll be patient and just start sewing pretty summer clothing to distract myself.
I really would love to make a long summer dress. I never could find one when I still bought my clothes, because the combination of being rather thin with a rather large chest doesn't seem to exist in standard sizing. So this year I planned on definitely sewing one myself. What? Is one of the patterns you are giving away a long summerdress? Really? Well, I better start hoping I win then ;-)
Thanks for the chance!
I made the Rachel Comey blouse a few weeks ago - it was a fun piece to make, though time-consuming for a shirt (a lot of pressing and stitching of little hems).
The back is very blousy and poufy, though. The picture on pattern envelope does not lie. Covered with a cardi or suit jacket, though, it works. I receievd many compliments on it from people at work who didn't know that I made it myself.
I am SO looking forward to everything about spring -- sunshine, flowers, WARMTH, clothes in colors other than black, gray or brown. I think my favorite spring color might be moss green this year.
I hate winter for it's drab, dark and so very cold days. Ugh.
Oh, and I'm hoping to make my first (adult) dress this year -- just for me! I hope I win the patterns.
I will be looking forward to seeing what you make with the red/pink fabric-it is gorgeous. I had not seen V8633. I like the pencil skirt bottom. Always enjoy your blog.
I just bought V8638, and it's moving quickly up the list of things to be sewn. I like dresses that I can make in coordinating fabrics so they look like separates. I like both the sheath and the full skirt options for that dress.
Don't enter me for the giveaway - I've got more than enough patterns and I don't think I'd fit into any of yours anyway. :)
Definitely looking forward to attend to my garden, but in regards to sewing I would love to make a few sundresses.
Love all the sundress patterns in your giveaway.
Spring means the unliveable-AZ heat for me. For spring, I love coal black linen and linen-look fabrics with vanilla/cream and pistachio shades. I just purchased 2 yards of an ethnic boarder print from fabric.com (http://www.fabric.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=7928d8ee-3cff-4103-84df-35aaf07b2324&CategoryID=52fd665c-d134-4046-84af-231764b03696) and I'm thinking it would look great made up in Butterick 6586.
I love your latest fabric purchase. It reminds me of this top from modcloth (http://modcloth.com/store/ModCloth/Womens/Tops/The+Fierce+Style+Tank)
I look forward to longer days and more sunshine in spring. Finally I will be able to wear my favourite dresses again and sit in the sun while imagining new pieces made with the patterns in this giveaway! ;)
I was attracted to Vogue 8633 when it first came out, but I kind of wish the waist section was a little lower. (I don't know if that makes sense. When I first saw the pattern the lower part of the bodice pattern appeared to be a sort of wide waistband. This is how it looks on the drawings. When I look at it closer, it looks like just the bottom part of the bodice. This is how it looks in the picture and drawings on the back of the envelope.) I'll be interested to see how it really looks made up on a real person.
Don't enter me, I just wanted to say I really like your new patterns, V8633 and B5382 are going on my list. V8633 just jumped out at me !
I'm interested in the drawing! Love the color Spring Green as an overall go-with - it looks fab with blues, yellows, and black accents, as brief examples.
The season Spring is the best here because it is that marvelous period - like a good bathwater, not too hot, not too cold - before oppressive heat rolls in for five months. Also, do peoples' moods get any better than in Spring? (Maybe, Christmas holidays...maybe) Anyway, thoughts of love, good times ahead, long days, etc, etc. Oh yeah, fav piece is a great skirt or dress which can be layered with a thin, thin sweater. I love the contrast between knit and woven and the feel of both worn together.
For your silk top, I thought of the Collette Sencha pattern, but then you said you don't like back buttons. Too bad, you are just the person to come up with a creative design incoprorating back buttons into something much more iteresting!!
I love that print fabric! There's a blouse pattern in BWOF 02-2008 that would work well in this fabric.
As for Spring, I agree with Pamela, a pretty green is my favourite. Even though it's autumn here we still get a spring like effect because many plants find it too hot to flower in summer, so they save their prettiest flowers for autumn. I have a tree near my bathroom full of the most stunning purple flowers at the moment and that's inspiring me for winter.
Ooh, ooh, enter me! I love dresses, especially light cotton sundresses. My favorite thing about spring is when the flowers come up. My favorite spring color...that's too hard to decide. Green, maybe?
I love your pink silk fabric and can't wait to see what you do with it. You're right it will definitely make a stunning blouse!
P.S. I've been overindulging in pattern shopping as well. There are some nice new Spring/Summer patterns out there!
I am not entering your drawing, since I don't need any more patterns (ahem! or is it Harrumph!).
Your new fabric caught my eye, so I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with it.
I hate winter! (let me tell you how I Really Feel). The cold sucks out my sewing mojo ...
I love your new fabric. Have you found anything in Burda that might work? I can't wait to see what you'll come up with since the yardage is limited.
I'd love to be entered as well- cute patterns. Are you sure you want to part with them?
I'd like to enter please - a girl can never do with too many patterns (ahem)!
Springtime to me means bike rides, picnics, hay fever (urgh) and an excuse to wear some pretty dresses and sit in the sun :)
Love the new fabric!!!! Can't wait to see what you make out of it.
I would love to have these patterns!
My favorite thing about spring is that is ALWAYS comes, without fail, every year!
Ooh, thanks for the giveaway--I love wearing soft yellow in spring! Those are some great patterns too--so consider me entered!
I'm in! (If you are in for shipping to Canada.)
I am looking forward to spring because I seem to have gotten myself into a charcoal grey and chocolate brown rut this winter. Both beautiful colours, but tiring after a while (and with out much to break them up).
We are flying to the American south this spring to visit family and friends and I am gearing up to sew for the trip. All of those empire line dresses are right up my alley!
On V1170 blouse while it's fresh in my mind. I too am skipping the back buttons, but I think if you leave it open above the back yoke seam you won't need a zipper either, it has plenty of ease. Unless you have a very large head....!
I got very excited at first glance when I thought you might be giving away that gorgeous silk! Nice patterns but I do not need any more so I'll leave them to go to a more deserving home!
Nice fabric and new patterns...I picked up a few of those same ones last week! I am looking forward to wearing spring clothes...dresses without tights would be heaven!!! Please enter me in the giveaway...those dress patterns are adorable!
When I announced I was moving from Nova
Scotia to tropical North Queensland, Australia everyone asked "But won't you miss spring?" This is the "beating your head against the wall" view of spring- we love it because it feels so good when winter stops. Bah. I'm exercising my right to bare arms 12 months/yr. I want to win your competition so I can wear these yummy sundresses all year long. And you can send them to my sister in Nova Scotia so you don't have to pay postage to Australia. I'll pick them up when I visit this northern summer. Mae
This fabric is going to look lovely on you.
I am definitely entering your drawing - these dresses are super cute!
Spring will be a new experience for me this year. I've never experienced Spring in Southern France and my guess is, I'll be able to wear sundresses as early as April. Can't wait - sundresses are just the best clothes to wear IMO. They're both comfortable and cute.
I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with your new patterns. I especially like the first blouse - this pattern hadn't caught my eye before and it looks fab.
Well shoot. I got all excited thinking that fabulous red print fabric was going to be the giveaway (although the rest of the giveaway is quite generous and will make someone very happy!) But that fabric: What a spectacular piece!
Oh winter, how much do I hate thee, let me count the ways!! This past winter was particularly brutal since I live in the mid-Atlantic and got slammed by those multiple freak blizzards--usually a snowfall of 2-3" is enough to send us all into a panic, so we were shut down for days! I hate being cold, I hate the lack of sunshine, and this past winter I especially hated that I basically lost a huge chunk of income from having to cancel work for the snow--I'm a music teacher, and lost almost an entire week's worth of lessons. So I'm quite looking forward to packing away the bulky winter clothes, being able to drive around with the moonroof open again, and my spring/summer sewing (which I started yesterday!) I always find warm-weather clothes to be sooooooo much more inspiring than winter ones, both in terms of styles and colors.
I'd like to enter the drawing! I like spring flowers and breezes. Colors, light blue, green.
Thanks!
I think you've done a brilliant job on that dress - it's beautiful! :)
For the giveaway, the thing I'm most looking forward to about spring is the return of the warm. We've had a horrendous winter here in London, with freezing temperatures and snow that has shut down public transport. Roll on sun and warm weather!
Please enter me in your drawing. I am waiting patiently (or not) for spring to arrive in the frozen tundra. I can't wait to make up some kicky sundresses in my favorite colors of purple and blue. I'd have to throw in a little bright green and fuschia too. Something to catch the eye.
I love your blog and your newest coatdress with the stripes has inspired me to make that one too in a pink stripe that I just picked up from the JoAnn clearance table. (I'm not supposed to be adding to the stash but it was a steal!)
Pleas enter me in your drawing! I love spring, which is here already in GA where I live. Pink buds on so many trees makes me so happy...
Please enter me in your giveaway :) I think for Spring the colors I'm thinking about the most are lgith blue & lavender. About winter - well I live in Virginia Beach where the winters are normally very mild...not this winter though. I thought I would like it at first, the pretty new freshly fallen snow, hot chocolate by the fire blah blah blah. Until I had to drive in that 'pretty' snow and lets face it you can only sit by the fire for so long. A sundress would be just the thing.
Would love to be in the drawing. For spring colors, I'm really liking the lighter blues and lavenders as for prints I am particulalry drawn to a Japenese style print with Cherry Blossoms. Winter - I live in Virginia Beach where we have mild winters most of the time. But this year it was very different, loved the snow at first - or at least the thought of it until I had to drive in it. Nothing like a sundress to welcome the warm weather days.
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