Friday, March 11, 2016

Pivot and Turn

One of the things I realized during my trip out west is that I can sew dresses again, just very casually. I need to turn from the look I use to wear - dresses that were structured and made with tailored type fabrics using pearl accessories and pivot towards a looser more casual and funkier look.

Gaylen was wearing this Lola dress that she had modified and sewn in ponte. I loved it!


Of course it made me want one especially after checking out the princess seamed bodice, empire waist and seaming in the skirt of the dress. Gaylen omitted the bands, the pockets the little v at the neckline and she lengthened it. She wears it with a cardigan and/or scarves. It was perfect for the spring-like days in Seattle and it will work for me for spring in NYC.


She let me trace her pattern, cause y'all know I hate PDF's, and I omitted some of her adjustments to make it fit me better. Although I had to make 3 renditions to get short sleeves that would fit my bodacious biceps. It's a really skinny sleeve pattern! I did this Sunday evening while Gaylen and I watched the Red Carpet for the Academy Awards. 

There were two other dress patterns that really inspired me during the weekend.  One was this SEWN dress pattern.


It's called the Go Anywhere Dress and I found it at Pacific Fabrics SODO. I like the seaming on the pattern front and back and the pockets, though I have an idea about them that I'm going to try. I will use one of the linens I bought from Marcy for this and I will probably also make the tunic top in a ponte. Once I've finished the unselfish sewing for the granddaughter, I'm moving into spring sewing for me.


Then at the Marcy Tilton fashion show, I saw this dress by Katherine Tilton made up. I'd overlooked this Butterick pattern before but in the soft linen they showed, I knew I wanted it! Interestingly enough Niema had the pattern and no longer wanted it, so she gifted it to me.

So these are on my list for spring sewing! I'm actually quite excited now because I have a few more toppers I want to make, a vest and now these dresses. I think I've finally pivoted and turned and am finding my way!  Thank goodness!

...as always more later!





25 comments:

  1. Hi Carolyn, I don't often comment but just wanted to pop by to say how much I've enjoyed reading about your wardrobe transition. You've handled it with grace and I'm happy you're feeling you've reached the pivot point :)

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    1. Skappie - thanks so much! I am encouraged and I'm sure the changing season is helping too!

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  2. I wish the indie pattern companies would get together to do a trunk or fashion show at SewExpo; it makes a difference seeing the pattern made up and walking (or just on the rack). So many patterns in my collection that are more souvenir than sewing plan. Ah, La Fred! Miss you!

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    1. SJ - I still own a couple of La Fred patterns too but I think I still may be able to sew them up! And a trunk show of indies would be fabulous. I've seen that Lola before but wouldn't have made it for a variety of reasons. I really liked Gaylen's stripped down version!

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  3. I love all these pattern too. Looking forward to seeing your versions.

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    1. Thanks Jean Margaret and as soon as I get these little girl dresses made I'm diving right in!

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  4. I've made the go anywhere dress a few times -it's a great pattern !

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    1. Funkbunny - that's good to know! I'm hoping it will work so that I can own several of them. I need some good dresses to wear now that it's getting warmer.

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  5. Change is quite difficult for some folks…but you have embraced it wholeheartedly and it's rewarding you handsomely with a new beautiful style all your own! I can't wait to see your dresses, I know they will be gorgeous on you!

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    1. Myra - you know how the ducks sit serenely on the top of the water but their feet are furiously paddling away - that's been me about the change. I never thought going back to casual dressing or wearing whatever you want would be so hard!

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  6. I made that Katherine Tilton pattern last year out of a wild paisley t shirt knit and I love it! Very comfortable and good looking!

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    1. bdejong - thanks! I'm looking forward to making that pattern up so it's good to hear nice things about it!

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  7. I have that Sewn pattern and have been eager to sew it for warmer weather. A sewing friend wore the Lola to a meetup and I almost went home and purchased it IMMEDIATELY. It's so cute.

    Glad you're getting into your new sewing groove :)

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    1. Nakisha - FINALLY! This is the last season that I have to sew all new for so hopefully I will be inspired and make some cool things. Hopefully! *LOL*

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  8. Love it...can't wait to see your casual dresses.

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  9. I have seen the Lola made up and it's very cute. Kathryn (fxzdoc) has made several using men's large sweatshirts (I think she uses 2 per dress).

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    1. Shams - I remember Kathryn making it and went back to her blog and Stitchers Guild to check it out. However, Kathryn used all of the aspects of the original and I'm going to omit all of the distinguishing bits. That pattern has great lines and that's what drew me to it.

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  10. I've been dreaming of dresses lately, too! And I am not normally a dress person. Can't wait to see what you make.

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    1. Liza Jane - that's because they are so easy to sew and wear. Spring and summer breezes deserve pretty dresses!

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  11. I kept thinking you would see yourself making dresses again, though not as classic and tailored as before. I think your choices for these dresses will turn out well. Glad you are feeling excitement about sewing again!

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    1. Thanks Linda! I wasn't sure myself so I'm glad that you had faith! *smile*

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  12. Love that you made it to Stitches. I hope Pacific Fabric still has the Sewn Go Anywhere Dress- would love to snap that up! Happy dress sewing!!

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  13. Ooh! I'm so excited that you've found a way to make dresses work in your new office! I always love your dresses!

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  14. YEAH - I'm glad you've found some dresses that work for you. This is fabulous. YES YES

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