In November, a sewing friend and I made plans to get together and work on fitting. I have always wanted a 'straight' dress that fit me. Ideally, I'd like a darted sheath dress, but thankfully we had been working on this Simplicity Amazing Fit Dress - Pattern 2648. We had the fit all worked out and I have to say, in a single fabric - I didn't love it. It looked boring and very blah on me. It needed some interest - like the belt. My friend and I both agreed.
When I saw Carolyn's dress for her Pleasant Purple Dress and Jacket - I knew that would work. I felt comfortable and confident in the dress all day. Although I will say - there are things I could have done differently - like lining the dress or at least the bodice. I used bias to finish the neckline and armholes and fought with them while wearing. Not good.
After finishing the dress on Sunday, I was ready to start the jacket. I have never made a jacket and this one is not perfect by any means. Look closely the buttons and buttonholes are reversed! I was amazed how much I was able to get done in just a couple of hours each evening after work. That time is usually reserved for knitting and mindless tv watching with JB. Last week however, I went down to the studio and sewed until 10 Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday I put the buttonholes in and didn't have the chance to start sewing until after 10 - but I was on a deadline and couldn't leave it - see what happens when you sew tired?
The jacket is a total and complete rip off of Carolyn's. Imitation being the highest form of flattery and all that - I do hope she knows how much she inspires me to stretch myself and do better. Next time I'll use 'good fabric.'Also thanks to Carolyn - JB is taking more than one photo. He's trying harder to make me comfortable and look good. We are experimenting with new places in the house to take pictures. The first 2 photos were taken in the arched doorway between our living spaces and kitchen. The last photo was taken on the landing - mid floors. JB was standing at the top trying to get all of me in the photo - he kept saying he could get my head or my shoes - but not both.
This outfit really needed taupe shoes - but I didn't have any. Nor do I own a pair of black pumps - can you believe that? The grey were better than the brown - so that's what I went with. I felt pretty and comfortable and confident in this outfit.
Love it - the suit and you! That last photo might be my new favorite of you. You look confident and happy.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I really enjoyed this outfit. I think maybe I'll make another with silk blend - maybe. g
DeleteYou look happy and pretty in the last photo i totally agree. The dress and jacket are great on you, thiscould be your go to patterns now, or as Carolyn calls it your TNT :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Far - any chance I'll see you at ASG tomorrow? The jacket, especially, needs work before it can be a TNT - I need to be able to make it in my sleep before i'll give it that status - and I think it's a bit too trendy to be made too many times. g
DeleteLove the suit! Looks great on you! I like the last picture too! My DH isn't great at picture taking...he snaps one and then he thinks he's done. :)
ReplyDeleteCarolyn sent an email awhile back about posing and making me laugh and why JB should be making me feel pretty and happy when taking photos. They've met in person and I think he might be a tiny bit afraid of her (and respectful). g
DeleteI can't believe you made a jacket in such a small space of time!!! I am so impressed! I wouldn't worry about which side the buttons are on at all, it looks amazing.
ReplyDeleteThat last photo is a great angle - think I'll use that one too. (My sister is always posting photos of herself on Facebook from that angle and she always looks lovely too)
Oh Nessa - it totally felt like it took forever to get done. But I guess an hour here, 30 minutes there and it all adds up. I figure from pulling the tissue out of the envelope to sewing on the buttons, it took about 7 hours. g
DeleteOkay you look awesome in that suit! I'm so thrilled for you that it works, that you feel confident & look pretty in it and that you made it! You can "imitate" me anytime! BTW, you need some black pumps! You need to get on that right away! lol! Please, please make this again and may I also ask that you use some fabric other than quilting cottons. You will be surprised at how wonderful it makes your finished garments look.
ReplyDeleteFinally tell JB I said that he's the man! Those photos are so much better and really show what a beautiful woman you are!
Thank you and I passed the message on. g
DeleteWOW! You look fantastic in this outfit! Congratulations on sticking with it, and nailing the look.
ReplyDeleteThank you! It was quite the sense of accomplishment and I felt really polished. g
DeleteThis is such a great outfit and look for you!!! Very fun to see the cute poses and how much fun you have. Very inspiring... if I could sew I'm make one for myself :)))
ReplyDeleteSewing is easy - fitting is very difficult. Fitting yourself without a friend - nearly impossible, but doable. Thank you. g
DeleteThat outfit is fabulous and Carolyn is a great inspiration. I too love her Pleasant Purple suit and you have made a great copy. That dress is rocking it. I am going to get on this bandwagon and imitate the both of you.
ReplyDeleteI am often inspired by Carolyn. She's absolutely lovely and I love copying her. Can't wait to see your version. g
DeleteLooks like a winner to me!
ReplyDeleteThank you. It will get worn again - as soon as I get better shoes. g
DeleteI like it! You look very business like. You'll get the hang of jackets. They're a little fussy, but fun and the results are great.
ReplyDeleteWish you were here to help with pup walks. The two together are a real handful. They want to wrestle and play all the time and getting their attention is tough.
Thank you. This could be finished nicer - even unlined. I'll make another. Puppies! Oh I would love to have a puppy again. g
DeleteYes, this one is a winner! You look superb in ALL the photos.
ReplyDeleteOh Thank you Nancy. This is a great outfit. I just need better shoes. g
DeleteI agree with the other ladies, I love your new outfit. Looking good. Carolyn is such a great inspiration. She is a sewing shero!
ReplyDeleteHi Joyce - thanks for stopping by! Carolyn is a very inspirational, isn't she? g
DeleteI love the landing image the best. What a successful sewing week you've had
ReplyDeleteMy poor husband - now that I know evening sewing can be done and productive - he may lose my company. Thank you. g
DeleteIt's a great outfit. You look so happy in these pics - JB did a good job :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm REALLY glad to hear your take on 'imitation is the sincerest form of flattery' - 'cos a lot of my inspiration comes from you (I tend to like the same patterns you do) and once I get back in gear in the sewing room there may be some copying happening.
Thank you! Do I need to send the Carolyn email about pics to you? I'm glad I can inspire you in some small way. We do like the same patterns. g
DeleteFabulous suit, great interpretation. Love the fabric, too.
ReplyDeleteLori - the fabric is some poly suiting from Joann's and the 'blouse' is a silky print that looked good with the other. The fabric is a very strange color - not brown, not grey - definately taupe! g
DeleteThat's a great outfit. I love the color on you. But why don't you have black pumps, or at least black ballerina flats? They're so essential, especially in the winter. Oh, and I wouldn't even notice which side the buttons are on. I know there are "rules" for that sort of thing, but left-handed and right-handed people find buttons need to be arranged differently for convenience, right? For instance, I always put my skirt buttons on so that I can get to them conveniently with my right hand, but I'd reverse them if I used my left hand for buttons (I'm somewhat ambidextrous, so I have problems with some things).
ReplyDeleteYou will be pleased to know that I have a pair of black boots and yesterday I bought not one but TWO pairs of black pumps! Now to get my closet done so I can actually see all my shoes. :) g
DeleteWowser! You have so made a suit and it looks AMAZE!!!! You look freaking awesome. Well done!
ReplyDeleteThank you - next I plan to make the dress in a light weight red wool to be worn with a skinny black belt and a red print cashmere cardigan and those new black pumps! Now if only my sewing machine would come home. g
DeleteOhmygosh! I love that 3rd picture! Gorgeous! It amazes me that you can take fabric and a sewing machine and make such pretty clothes. I take the same materials and make a mess. LOL
ReplyDeleteLove the pics and absolutely adore those shoes :).
ReplyDeleteOk...not certain what google did but I'll try again.
ReplyDeleteLove the pics and absolutely adore those shoes :)