So I'm going to finish the black doubleknit Simplicity jacket first and in the meantime, I've thought of some changes to it that will, of course, make it different than the envelope cover...but then it wouldn't be my garment if I didn't change it up, right?
And I'm going to make one more version of my TNT dress out of the embroidered plaid tropical wool fabric...which inspired me to go back and put together a pictorial of all the dresses I've made using this pattern. You can see them in this flickr album. I was a little taken aback to realize that since 2004, I've made 40 dresses using this pattern and that's not including the ones that didn't work out. Anyone remember "The Cheerleader Dress" and the colossial failure of The Architectural Dress?! But most amazingly, all but 2 or 3 of these dresses is still in my wardrobe and still being worn!
Here is one of the very first dresses that I made using the new and improved pattern:
I bought the fabric from Paron Fabrics. I remember that I paid $75 for 5 yards of vanilla wool crepe. My thought was to make a dress and a jacket from the fabric. I think I only made the dress...but I do remember that this was a huge chunk of my paycheck at the time...and the dress was very special to me!
Next are my favorite top five dresses from this pattern:
The Chanel Dress
The Dior Dress
The Chadwicks Dress
Variation on a Theme Dress
The Macy's Dress
Honorable mention goes to the navy blue princess seamed dress from this year's SWAP...
Even though I've used my TNT dress pattern to knock off a few dresses, I love that it worked for these that are special just because of the fabric:
My Little Black Dress
The Museum Inspired Dress
The Black 'n White Dress
(or LindsayT's choice)
The Printed Pleated Dress
The Ralph Lauren Dress
I have sliced and diced this pattern. I have made it from bright colors, prints, plaids, wools, silks, linens and cottons. I have piped it, embellished it, lined it and sewn it as is. But mostly I can't believe that I've made 40 dresses from this pattern...and after this weekend 41.
...as always, more later!
40 times, amazing. All the dresses look fantastic.
ReplyDeleteAstonishing! 41 garments from the same pattern and I think each one was more beautiful than the previous (OK not counting the 2 blunders. Everyone bolos from time to time.) If ever there was a valid case for a TNT pattern, YOU MADE IT!!!
ReplyDeleteI agree that all the dresses are amazing, but I really think that the navy one from SWAP deserves better than honorable mention. I loved it when I first saw it, and it's still my favorite - for what that's worth ;-)
ReplyDeleteNorma
Carolyn you are inspirational. This shows a learner, like myself, why all the (hard) work you put into perfecting pattern fit really pays.
ReplyDeleteThey are absolutely beautiful dresses.
It's a TnT pattern without a doubt! Love all your dresses. It's inspiring to see your creativity that comes from using just that pattern.
ReplyDeleteYou are the hands down queen of tnt patterns! I agree with Liesl, it is inspiring to see what can be done with just one pattern and shows why it is worth taking the time to work out fit issues.
ReplyDelete40 dresses is definitely confirmation of a TNT. It is great to see how you have used one pattern to create so many beautiful dresses. Love them all!
ReplyDeleteAnd you know what - they all look different. The do not look like they are from the same pattern, unless you tell people. They're all beautiful. What a great display of creativity.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU!!! for doing this post!
ReplyDeleteDo your ears burn?? because I talk about you in my pattern class and how you've used one pattern to make several different dresses all the time. You help me teach my class girl. I'm going to blog about this to really show my students how you can take one pattern and make it several different ways.. I love you Carolyn! This is just so cool what you do with your TNT!
Enjoy your sewing moments! Have a great weekend!
Wow 40! I know you use that TNT dress pattern a lot. I am always amazed at how you create such great variations of the dress pattern.
ReplyDeleteI mourned The Architectural Dress....I could see your intent........but are they all lovely! Love the navy with the princess seams....no wait....I love.....
ReplyDeleteAll of the dresses are terrific,but the Macy's dress is the bomb! I think even a non-sewer could look at that dress and see the skill. Seeing all of the different dresses brought it home how a sewer can apply her individuality to each creation.
ReplyDeleteYour dresses are stunning! That pattern should be entered into the "TNT Hall of Fame"! LOL! Just goes to show, when you've got a good thing, hey you should go with it! Have fun making your 41st dress:)
ReplyDeleteGirl, you know you can work a pattern! I've been following you for a while and I am alway inspired with what you can do you with you tnt pattern. I always love it when you do a review.
ReplyDeleteSimple + fabulous = Simply fabulous. I really love your variations on the theme. It's like Claire said - if I didn't know they were the same pattern, I'd never guess they were the same pattern.
ReplyDeleteI knew you made quite a few from your TNT, but didn't realize it was 41! You've certainly become much more adventurous over the years with what you change to create your vision. Thanks for pulling all the dress photos together.
ReplyDeleteWow Carolyn! 40 dresses from the same pattern. That's impressive and it speaks to your wonderful taste and creativity. I love the Macy's dress btw.
ReplyDeleteYou are amazingly creative! I would have never guessed that all those dresses came from the same base pattern. I think that the navy blue princess seamed dress is my fave, too.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, I think you owe Simplicity some money. LOL. To get 40 dresses out of one pattern! Every one of your dresses is fabulous and you've made each unique.
ReplyDeleteNo two alike, and all fabulous. So does anyone at work know that they're all the same pattern, or do they even realize that you make your own clothes. I would never guess that you make your own, AND you have 40 and counting from one dress.
ReplyDeleteFabulous 40, could it be any better? I think it is great; you have all these high fashion looks in your size and in your fit. The TNT certainly frees you from the fitting part of the process and lets you get right to the creating.
ReplyDeleteI've seen better;-)
ReplyDeleteThe Chanel, Lindsey T's Choice, Macy, Navy SWAP, are okay enough that if you beg me to I'll take them off of your hands! LOL
Girl you know you work a dress like a government mule! I'd hate to see your closets.
That truely is amazing! You sure got your $$$'s worth for that pattern! Just after the first 2-3 dresses!
ReplyDeleteWay to go!
Wow. Wow. Wow. I feel like you need to be awarded a prize or publicly recognized for this. Amazing results!
ReplyDeleteI love them all! You are lookin' might sexy in some of them! P.S - She had the baby!
ReplyDeleteWow - 40 dresses from one pattern - that's an amazing score. It must be wonderful to open your wardrobe and see them hanging there - all beautifully made and perfectly fitted. It is very inspiring to see what can be made from one pattern - with the addition of a lot of skill and creativity!
ReplyDeleteTotally amazed at all the variations of one pattern and what I call a true TNT.
ReplyDeleteI like the Macy's and the LBD best. So chic and so gorgeous on you. Come spend a week with me and teach me to sew!
ReplyDeleteWow...nice to see all your dresses in one spot so you can compare the various looks. My Favorite...I love the Jacket & Dress Combo that is black on the bottom and the white/black circular pattern on top of the dress and the jacket. It looks fabulous on you!!!
ReplyDeleteAmazing! 40 dresses from a single pattern!! Although i think my most favorite is the "museum inspired" dress. I just love that fabric!
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, you are truly amazing!! I don't think you need any more patterns, just subscriptions to more fashion mags and catalogs. ;-) A TNT is a dream, but it's really no easy feat to re-make it the way you've done, and to have the vision to start with.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the next 40. ;-)
You showed me how just one pattern,and the enormous creativity can make magic.Congratulation!
ReplyDeleteUsing the same pattern more than 40 times and looking unique (and absolutely fabulous) every single time....that's sewing in optima forma!
ReplyDeleteAnd there was me thinking I got myself a TNT-pattern if I used it 2 times.
That is a whole lotta fabulous, Miss Carolyn!
ReplyDeleteI love all of them! You really are a star! and an inspiration
ReplyDeletesewingelle
YES! PLEASE COME OVER AND SEW WITH ME! I'll do all your invisible zippers, I promise.
ReplyDeleteMy fav of the pictured dresses remains the color blocked with the "little black dress" as a very close second.
So when ya' coming? I have a guest room, too.
This was so inspirational. It's so amazing to see what a good TNT pattern can do.
ReplyDeleteEvery dress is different, yet all YOU at the same time. This is my ultimate goal!
ReplyDelete1. to KNOW my personal style
2. To be able to use my personal style as a jumping point to great numerous looks - that make me look & feel beautiful.
I think this is the #1 reason you inspire me so! I hope I get "it" one day (soon!)
amazing! That's the BEST dress pattern EVER!! WTG on making one so perfect for you!
ReplyDeleteYou are one remarkable, talented lady. Each dress has its own special personality. I never would have guessed that you used one pattern for an entire wardrobe!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
This is just amazing! I always think about your post, something to the effect of..."would I have as many clothes if I didnt sew?..." That is truly a testament to your creativity.
ReplyDeleteAmazing... I can't believe that's all from one pattern! 40? That's truly inspirational!
ReplyDeleteI am so impressed! The greatest thing is that they are all so unique! This has been such an inspiration for me as I'm currently working to make a Burda skirt pattern a TNT with multiple parts like this. I'm a creature of habit and to have one pattern that will work for various skirts is so appealing to me.
ReplyDeleteWow! WOW! 40 dresses from the same pattern. You are a designing, sewing goddess, no kidding. Each dress has it's own unique design features, making it a one of a kind. Bravo to you, Ms. Carolyn. I'm following your lead. wink, wink.
ReplyDeleteC