It took me a while to settle on this outfit today. I had originally planned to wear my brand new top, from the pattern I was tracing out yesterday (yes, it’s finished!!) but it was lacking the right buttons to finish it off completely. I had sewn on two complete and different sets of buttons from my button bag, and ultimately just felt dissatisfied with each set… so I had to trek out to the fabric shop to locate the perfect buttons today. And I was very good and only bought one other piece of fabric whilst I was there. And it was from the remnants table, so I am, you know, doing my bit, helping out the fabric store in getting rid of unwanted fabric. I’m doing a good deed. Practically a community service. Not a self-indulgent or unnecessary purchase at all (cough cough)
Also while there I purchased two patterns I’m pretty excited about for my autumn sewing plans… lookee below. The jacket pattern is one I’ve read about on other sewing blogs and am keen to give this a go. Apparently it contains details on reproducing couture construction techniques, so I’ll be following these carefully. The only problem I’ve discovered in my experience with Vogue top and jacket patterns is that they seem to be set on a default fitting for quite big-busted women. On me, an only slightly blousy top ends up looking like a deflated balloon and kind of ridiculous. I find Burda patterns to fit beautifully with no adjustments required. I don’t know if this says anything at all about the relative shapes of the average American versus European woman or not. Japanese patterns fit me well too. But I am determined to work very properly and meticulously with this one and make it a rip-roaring success… Promise I won’t get bored and try to whip through so I can just move on!! (a recurrent failing…)
The gloves are a no brainer. Yah, always looking for a new challenge, hehe… Keep you posted on how these go…!!
Details:
Dress; Simplicity 3745, significantly modified, pink lace
Camisole (under); Country Road
Skirt; “m”, from Unique Clothes Any Way You Like, by Natsuno Hiraiwa, apricot/grey linen mix
Thongs (flipflops); Mountain Designs
Necklace; a gift from my friend K
Well, when fabrics and patterns call to you….
😉
I'd be curious to see the jacket made. I've seen the pattern sold for a long time, and shown as a purchase on several blogs, but it seems most people are intimidated by it and don't start on making it.
About the glove pattern… I have that, or at least, one very similar to it. It was a present from a friend who had, quite thoughtfully, noticed I wouldn't need any patterns for clothing or bags. I haven't made it up yet. I guess I am a bit intimidated and I just don't think I could get the sort of fit out of this pattern which I want for gloves.
Now that you've got it, that might be a motivation. If you fancy a two-person sew-along, let me know when you want start on those gloves, and I'll join in.
That pink lace dress is just gorgeous and set against your backdrop – it is beautiful! Nice try at justifying your purchases ….
I really love the tone on tone color with this dress. I just love linen, so the underskirt is awesome. Thanks for mentioning making some tights to go with my skirt. The thought hadn't occurred to me, but I was reminded of how successfully you've done this. Hmmm…
Oh, such a lovely dress. It really is stunning!
I´ve seen that jacket pattern too. Love to see what you will do with it!
I discovered some time ago that while the US and Australia purport to speak the same language, words don't always carry the same connotations. I drove myself nuts for a while trying to come off "nice" to everyone by trying to say the right connotations but gave it up as a bad job. These days I say what comes to mind and know I have the best of intentions. 🙂
To me, a neophile, "strange" carries connotations of wonder as well as a certain attractive alien something.
Sadly, we don't live north of Cairns. Maybe one day. We live in Brisbane. I wonder what Perth is like?
I wish you the best of luck with the jacket pattern. It is an interesting one, with the pleating at the pocket.
You look so lovely in the pink lace.
Your lace dress is beautiful. Love the color.
So pretty! Lace suits you so well!
I'll be excited to see what you think of making gloves. I've been thinking about doing a pair, myself!
Hi Carolyn,
This is one of my favourite dresses! The lace is simply stunning and you look smashing as always. I thought of getting the jacket pattern, especially after seeing Erica B's version, but I put it back in the drawer. Maybe after seeing yours, I might want to try it. I doubt, but I can wait to see what you do.
Angela
Just beautiful! Love the color which is perfect for the design, IMO.
Where is that beautiful spot?
As usual, a gorgeous outfit, and a beautiful photo shoot as well. (Looks like you're having warm weather there).
Your "recurrent failing" is mine as well… (getting bored and whipping through so I can just move on!!). I admire your resolve to take the necessary time to give the Vogue jacket its due. I look forward to seeing the results.
One can never have too many lacey garments or wear them too often, especially beautiful ones like this.
The jacket does look lovely! Hmmm, I'll keep in mind about the vogue patterns being for rather more endowed individuals than myself …. good tip! I made gloves once around 2004 – just out of purple fleece (and used up some scraps in the process!), but they are warm, and it was fun to do something else. I'm sure yours will have some sort of surprising detail…
I'm reminded of trying on asian brocade dresses before I made my own, if the hips fit, the chest area was voluminous …. I guess asian women are rather narrower of hip than myself … not really a surprise, I guess…
What a gorgeous setting for your photos! Makes me want to go on a picnic. Your outfit is perfect for a picnic, and your green thongs offset all that pinkness nicely.
Love this dress worn as a casual item. I've looked at this jacket pattern too but think I will settle on another Claire Shaffer jacket V8692.
What a wonderful foto; and a wonderful dress! I like this lacy style a lot 🙂
Greets,
Liese