Thursday, January 03, 2008

Obligation beat out Inspiration

I guess you can tell by the title that I decided to finish up one of my leftover garments from 2007. These are not my original sewing vacay plans. Originally I was going to immerse myself in two really epic projects but since I haven't sewn in three weeks, I realized that I wanted to accomplish some quick things to have new pieces to wear to work next week.

Since I still have a three day weekend later this month, I think the first planned epic project can be accomplished during that weekend. So as of now this is how my vacay sewing is flowing...

The Simplicity 3631 Dress:

I love the versatility of this jumper/dress in the Simplicity 3631 pattern. The tan tropical wool version made previously works well in my work wardrobe so I have plans to make it in other colors and fabrications. The second version of this jumper/dress is made from black wool crepe.

Last night I reluctantly tried on the dress shell thinking that I still had some alterations to make to it before I could add the lining. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I put the dress on. It seems that somewhere in there I did the necessary changes and the dress fits so it's ready for the next steps. Taking all of that into account, I went ahead and finished it up.

This black wool crepe version will be a hard working piece in my wardrobe that will coordinate with quite a few of the jackets I've recently made. The major difference between this piece, I mean besides color and fabrication, is that I embellished the lowered waistline seam with a black patent leather piping. I don't want each version of this dress to be exactly the same - just in a different color - so each future adaptation will probably have something "creative" done to it to distinguish it from the original.

Here's this one's stats:
Fabric:
100% black wool crepe from Fabric Mart

Lining:
Black ambience

Notions:
22" zipper, black patent leather piping, rayon hem tape.

Next up - the TNT black wool crepe pants that have been cut out and patiently waiting their turn to be constructed. More pictures can be found in my Flickr album.

23 comments:

  1. Carolyn, another winner! Great photos over at Flickr - loved all the combos. Very corporate chic :))

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  2. this is such a great look for you, you do look very chic but still very professional

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  3. I love all the embellishments you add to your garments - it makes them so special!

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  4. This does look like something you could throw on and run out the door and not give it another thought. Looks great on you!
    I, too, have black pants waiting to be sewn up. Hopefully I can get them done next week.

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  5. I love the versatility of this garment! My favorite picture is the first one with the long pearl necklace.

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  6. Love the touch of piping! Great dress on you.

    When I first saw the small photo version of the pic with the long pearl necklace, I thought you had sewn another version with buttons down the front in a quasi semi-military double breasted fashion. And I liked that too. Maybe something to consider for later?

    Obligation is beating out inspiration here, too, but in my case it's paralyzing me. I have black jeans I've wanted to sew for DS but now that I've got them cut, my attention is wandering to an interesting WOF jacket for me and I can't seem to get motivated to sew the jeans. Since I don't move on until the previous project is done, I'm in a rut. Hopefully today I'll get them started and moving out of the queue.

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  7. Carolyn, that jumper looks great and I love the fact that you can wear it without a blouse underneath, but it looks just as awesome with a blouse! Another winner! g

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  8. I just discovered your blog and you have totally inspired me! you do amazing work! Thank you for sharing it!

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  9. Another winner! It looks great and I love the look of all combinations. Great addition.

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  10. Wow! It looks great and it will be perfect for work and with your jackets. You must blow everyone away at work!

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  11. yes mary sarah, i was thinging the same thing! She must blow them all away, right out the door! All with untratable cases of wardrobe shame.

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  12. Carolyn, all of your creations are so wonderful! Although I know you've read this before, I just wanted to let you know how much I look forward to reading your posts,and can't wait to see and read all about your newest creations. Believe me, you are indeed an inspiration to me, just thinking about how enthusiastic and prolific you are concerning garment construction helps me to get out the machine and "sew more clothes, like Carolyn does." Although we've never met, I consider you a friend. Thanks for continuing to share your love of sewing, and Happy New Year.

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  13. Looking good! I really like this dress. I thought you had finished it before. It is so verstile with various jackets and to wear as a jumper.

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  14. I love it. You styled it so classy/chic!

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  15. What a great embellishment - I'm a fan of patent leather - and you have inspired me to think of ways in which to use it. Happy New Year.

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  16. Great dress-another winner!!!

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  17. I love the jumper with the white blouse and long necklace. It looks very collegiate and is just right!

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  18. Looking good. Where did you find the patent leather trim? Is it real leather and if so, do you need to get it leather cleaned or does regular cleaning work?

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  19. Class. That's what you exude. Class. And I looove your new photo. Kinda sexy there Carolyn!

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  20. Fabulous! There's nothing like a Little Black Dress! Classy and stylish! A real winner in any wardrobe!

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  21. Hmmm... everything is to love (for me) in this post: black and white, pearls, little black dress.... I love the dress as a jumper too, with the white shirt underneath!

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  22. Love this dress, Carolyn, and its versatility.
    You've been sewing up a storm! Wow.

    I'm sorry I haven't been commenting. I'm going to look at all your latest entries in detail when I have time but I may not have the time to comment on every one of them, OK? :)

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