I went on a fabric fast for Lent. I managed to break it the first week when Fabric Mart got some Dry Flex in stock, but I have been steadfast since then. I even skipped Fashion Sewing Club at G Street Fabrics in April so as not to be tempted. I don't have an end date in mind, though I really need to come up with one--without a specific date or event to look forward to, I am more likely to slip up. However, my big victory for the month was going to the May Fashion Sewing Club and buying only ribbon and zippers--no fabric!
However, my fast does not extend to patterns. I picked up a bunch during the BMV online sale, and then got a few more at Joann. I need Joann to have a Simplicity sale on one of the random dates I am there.
Woven dresses. I've resisted Vogue 8631 in the upper left for a while now. It's a great shape, but the oversize fit is a bit of a non-sequitor with the style and I don't like the super wide armscye. However, no other patterns have come out that refine those features to my liking so I'll have to size down and hope it works.
Knit dresses. The Suzi Chin on the left bears a strong resemblance to the lovely Issa London dress spotted by The Selfish Seamstress in a shop window. I am wondering if the McCall dress on the right can be made in a woven. It says it's for knits, but as a wrap dress it only needs to go up a size to work for wovens, right? I'd want a lot more underlap on the skirt, though, regardless of whether it's in woven or knit.
Tops. I really like that Palmer/Pletsch wrap top on the lower left. The shoulder pleats are a nice detail, and the wrap looks like it's a bit higher and secure. I see it more for cool weather than warm as it seems a lot of fabric. I'm hoping a lot of people on Pattern Review make this so I can get some ideas!
Fancy dresses. I had somehow never noticed the vintage dress on the left. I like the simple shape in front with the surprises in the back. I am also thinking the volume in the back will make it comfortable for biking. I had thought to use one of my African fabrics for it, but now I'm thinking maybe navy blue with white for the back neckline, sort of a reverse sailor look? Hmmmm.
Only two of the patterns have firm ideas on what they'll be made into. For the Issa knockoff, this watercolor print knit. I'll have the stripes going vertical for the bodice and skirt and horizontal for the midriff.
For the Vogue colorblocked dress, these coordinating fabrics from Africa. They are the same fabric, but the left one was block printed. My friend who brought me these from when she lived in Liberia said the coordinates are very popular for tiered ruffles.
However, I can't decide if the print should be the main body as in the pattern envelope, or the fauxlero. I'm leaning toward having the print as the fauxlero and the solid as the main body. Thoughts?
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Thanks to all who have pointed out Hot Patterns' new pattern that bears a suspicious resemblance to the DVF Grandie top I tried to knock off. Alas, Hot Patterns is just not drafted for a body shape that remotely resembles mine. It is easier for me to start from scratch than try to use one of their patterns. Though I am curious about the shapes of their pattern pieces. I may return to the Grandie top someday, but it won't be for a while, LOL.
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Samina asked about the shoes I was wearing with the Grandie blouse. I get compliments every time I wear them for photos and in real life. But here's the secret: I got them for $15 at Ross. I wear dress shoes for work so infrequently (and in real life never) that I decided to start buying cheap shoes instead of nice ones. I was only getting a few wears before the heels went hopelessly out of style so the cost-per-wear was too high to justify a nice pair. I have to say, I made an auspicious switch in these shoes!
The brand is Sam & Libby. I got them maybe up to a year ago, but when I stopped by Ross a couple of weeks ago I spotted another pair in my size. I'm not going to lie to you: I bought them. Now I have a pair for work and a pair for home. I don't know how regional Ross's offerings are, but it may be worth a quick run-through of your local store to see if they have them. Despite the low price, they are surprisingly comfortable.
However, my fast does not extend to patterns. I picked up a bunch during the BMV online sale, and then got a few more at Joann. I need Joann to have a Simplicity sale on one of the random dates I am there.
Woven dresses. I've resisted Vogue 8631 in the upper left for a while now. It's a great shape, but the oversize fit is a bit of a non-sequitor with the style and I don't like the super wide armscye. However, no other patterns have come out that refine those features to my liking so I'll have to size down and hope it works.
Knit dresses. The Suzi Chin on the left bears a strong resemblance to the lovely Issa London dress spotted by The Selfish Seamstress in a shop window. I am wondering if the McCall dress on the right can be made in a woven. It says it's for knits, but as a wrap dress it only needs to go up a size to work for wovens, right? I'd want a lot more underlap on the skirt, though, regardless of whether it's in woven or knit.
Tops. I really like that Palmer/Pletsch wrap top on the lower left. The shoulder pleats are a nice detail, and the wrap looks like it's a bit higher and secure. I see it more for cool weather than warm as it seems a lot of fabric. I'm hoping a lot of people on Pattern Review make this so I can get some ideas!
Fancy dresses. I had somehow never noticed the vintage dress on the left. I like the simple shape in front with the surprises in the back. I am also thinking the volume in the back will make it comfortable for biking. I had thought to use one of my African fabrics for it, but now I'm thinking maybe navy blue with white for the back neckline, sort of a reverse sailor look? Hmmmm.
Only two of the patterns have firm ideas on what they'll be made into. For the Issa knockoff, this watercolor print knit. I'll have the stripes going vertical for the bodice and skirt and horizontal for the midriff.
For the Vogue colorblocked dress, these coordinating fabrics from Africa. They are the same fabric, but the left one was block printed. My friend who brought me these from when she lived in Liberia said the coordinates are very popular for tiered ruffles.
However, I can't decide if the print should be the main body as in the pattern envelope, or the fauxlero. I'm leaning toward having the print as the fauxlero and the solid as the main body. Thoughts?
============
Thanks to all who have pointed out Hot Patterns' new pattern that bears a suspicious resemblance to the DVF Grandie top I tried to knock off. Alas, Hot Patterns is just not drafted for a body shape that remotely resembles mine. It is easier for me to start from scratch than try to use one of their patterns. Though I am curious about the shapes of their pattern pieces. I may return to the Grandie top someday, but it won't be for a while, LOL.
=============
Samina asked about the shoes I was wearing with the Grandie blouse. I get compliments every time I wear them for photos and in real life. But here's the secret: I got them for $15 at Ross. I wear dress shoes for work so infrequently (and in real life never) that I decided to start buying cheap shoes instead of nice ones. I was only getting a few wears before the heels went hopelessly out of style so the cost-per-wear was too high to justify a nice pair. I have to say, I made an auspicious switch in these shoes!
The brand is Sam & Libby. I got them maybe up to a year ago, but when I stopped by Ross a couple of weeks ago I spotted another pair in my size. I'm not going to lie to you: I bought them. Now I have a pair for work and a pair for home. I don't know how regional Ross's offerings are, but it may be worth a quick run-through of your local store to see if they have them. Despite the low price, they are surprisingly comfortable.
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13 comments:
Thanks for the info on the shoes, those are super cute! Maybe our brand spankin' new Ross store will have some in stock when it finally opens.
I love your pattern selections, I recently bought M6503 too, and was hoping to make it up soon. It looks like you've got some cute stuff lined up to make, so will be excited to see it all come together. :-)
I'm totally not a shoe person, so if I noticed them, I'm not surprised that you get tons of compliments on them. I remember Sam & Libby, but I haven't seen then that brand around in ages. I'll have to overcome my loathing of going shopping & check out my local Ross.
Thanks for linking to my blog. I set it up, but never populated it. I didn't realize that it even set up correctly, luddite that I am. Guess I better get going on that, huh?
You sound exactly like me. I have been on a fabric fast for about 3 months but not a pattern fast. My fabric fast has to last until August, my birthday month.
Fabric fast...hmmm, I bet you can live off the fat of the land, lol! I know I can when I look around my lovely dining room, groaning under piles of fabric.
I like your pattern picks. I'll enjoy seeing how you make them up and which fabrics you choose.
You got some great patterns! I can't wait to see the black/yellow Suzi Chin dress. And I agree - the fauxlero should be done in the print with the solid as the main body. That way the fauxlero (love that term by the way) will have more impact as the design feature.
Good luck with the fabric fast. I started one in January but have already broken it many time. Just so you know Simplicity patterns are a dollar this weekend at my local Joann's. I assume it would be the same in your part of the world.
Gret patterns & I was thinking of making up the Suzi Chin dress in a knit that has a stripe in it too so I think I will be borrowing your (& Issa's!) idea.
I have a couple of those same patterns in my stash. The reviews for V8631 aren't bad but I may wait to see your version before trying it. You're awfully good at doing a SBA on a wrap front and I know I'll learn from your tips. Thanks for that, btw!
And as someone else noted, Joanne's has a 5/$5 Simplicity sale May 25-28.
Love the ideas. :) And Simplicity goes on sale for $1 this weekend, Firday thru Monday.
I buy my shoes like that at DSW. If it's 80% off, I'm so there. The only shoes I invest in are boots because you can wear them for so long. I can't be bothered with heels, and I can always find size 6 cute flats.
I'm loving the term fauxlero. The Suzy Chin is really cute, and it looks very much like your style. And I'm sure I've seen either the same fabric or really similar from the envelope picture on M6519...where was that?...
Oh my gosh,I have been drawn to that V8631 for years (at least it seems like years), but feared it would look too sack-like when made up. It definitely needs a belt or tie of some kind, and I think it could be really cute with long balloon sleeves. Can't wait to see what you make of it.
I've also eyed that Rebecca Taylor for a long time. It would be lovely in a good rayon challis.
That Vintage Vogue is an absolute knockout, especially the short-sleeved version. I love how the models look about 8 feet tall and have apparently concave stomachs. If you make this one you'll have to replicate Red-Dress's pose, accessories, and expression - wineglass held casually between gloved fingers, head thrown back, fatuous smile, right foot arched painfully at a 90º angle from other foot. She's obviously having the time of her life. :)
I have to buy at least one of your featured patterns, maybe two.
We missed you during PR weekend! Several of us were asking about you. On the Simplicity tour, Deborah (the tour guide) said you can't take a knit pattern and make it as a woven, but you can take a woven and make it in a stable non-stretchy knit like ponte roma double knit.
You have some great new patterns. I've been loving Vogue's offerings, and have 2 new pieces from this current catalog. I have V8755 in my lineup and my plan is to use a print for the main body and solid for the fauxlero. My intuition says the tunic will look more balanced/stronger on my particular body. Might be fun to do 2 with opposite designs.
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