Monday, May 12, 2014

Matching Pattern to Fabric

Is everyone enjoying Sewing Indie Month?!  Today I thought I would play around with pairing fabric with some of the wonderful designs from the Indie Pattern Companies involved in the festivities.  Choosing fabric can be challenging, but the right fabric selection can create something spectacular!

Do not discount the most basic of silhouettes for a formal occasion.  Any garment that is fitted to perfection is going to look chic.  Choose a gorgeous brocade to take the Emery Dress from everyday to fabulous.



The girls at By Hand London certainly know how to design a dress, most of which are chameleons and can be suited to casual or formal events depending on fabric choice.  Why not go all out with a gorgeous lace for that summer wedding you will be attending?



If you are up for a challenge, silk charmeuse is one of the most decadent choices out there.  Soma Patterns are zero-waste designs and will make the most of your cherished yardage.



Silk chiffon is another beauty that requires special handling, but can create glorious garments.  I think a silk chiffon velvet burnout would look amazing paired with Stepalica's "Nougat" dress.



Or what about something with texture like a cotton eyelet?  Pair a solid color with a contrasting underlining or choose a lovely floral design.  I think the Malvarosa Dress would look stunning in eyelet.



How about this amazing cocktail dress from Sew Chic?  Silk dupioni or shantung is an excellent choice if you want to dip your toes in the silk pool.  The hand is crisp and the fabric is extremely stable and easy to work with. 



If you have never felt comfortable in a dress, why not try a skirt paired with the Zsalya Top made of silk chiffon or charmeuse.  Totally decadent!  I could absolutely get behind a fabulous pair of slacks with a stunning top in a show-stopping fabric.



And don’t skip the upholstery fabric section.  There are some beautiful textiles to be found in the most unlikely of places.

The most important thing is to have fun with your fancy fabric choices!  

[Click on image for source]



6 comments:

  1. Amen to the shantung suggestion for Fifth Avenue. The pattern is a great showcase for the fabric's shine and crispness, and the cut is flattering (even on box-shaped me). It's a great dress up dress, and in response to your call to fashion arms about taking the creations out, it went out for Mother's Day dinner yesterday.

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    1. So glad to hear you enjoyed your day and got dressed up for the occasion! That collar is spectacular, isn't it!

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  2. Hi Laura, I just love your choices above and I have been enjoying all your sewing and I admire your abilities. I have a question for you as I respect your opinion regarding vintage fashions and your style!

    Do you see a way to make the Fifth Avenue dress in a long dress? My daughter is getting married either next year or in two years and she wants me to wear a long dress. I absolutely love this style but I am having a bit of a problem envisioning how to make it long. Any suggestions?

    Cheers,
    Deb

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    1. How long is long? If mid-calf or tea length works, I think simply extending the skirt pieces would suit the design, perhaps pegging the lower portion (the design already includes a center back kick-pleat for wearing ease).

      If, however, you need a floor length garment, the proportion of the hip swag might look off. How about removing the hip drape and adding a full-length trumpet skirt (fitted through the hips and then flaring out below the knees)?

      The drama of the collar and bodice lends itself to a fitted skirt, I think.

      I would sketch out a few different versions using the line drawings of the pattern. And a muslin is a really good idea, if only to get a sense of proportion and what looks good on you.

      Good luck!

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    2. Hi Laura,

      Thank you so much for your reply. I do need a floor length garment and I love your idea of removing the hip drape and adding the trumpet style skirt! I agree that the collar and bodice is very dramatic which was what attracted me to the dress in the first place.

      I will definitely review the dress when the time comes and again thank you for your advice!

      Cheers,
      Deb

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  3. Thanks for sharing this information. The above textile fabrics product is best collection for women.

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