OK, here we go! First of all we have Jaqueline, and this is the photo from the website:
All these garments are from woven fabric, and I have made a pair of the trousers and two of the slips. The first was in a white rayon and drapes beautifully. Gosh, my photos look rather drab in comparison - I will need to learn to photograph like she does!
As you can see - pretty plain, nothing really to report. I used my serger to complete a rolled hem and bound the neckline and armholes. Those armholes are HUGE! It is a good job that I will be layering this top as it verges on the indecent as far as the armholes are concerned! I had to add two little darts to take in some of the excess fabric around the armhole - you can probably just see one in the photo above.
I sewed a small linen bias square on the centre back which will fray when washed - a little bit of whimsy! And if I don't like it . . . . I'll just unpick it!
I then made another slip - after all, when I have been known to make just one iteration of a pattern?! This time I used a gorgeous coral coloured linen. I made a number of changes to the armhole and neckline (no armhole darts this time!) - I actually used my Sorbetto pattern which I had fitted many moons ago. I did not include the bust dart or the centre pleat, and the fit is fabulous. Really!
I have quite sloped shoulders, and as all the best sewing/fitting teachers will tell you - get the shoulders right and everything else will fall in place. Well mostly. But you get my drift!
And lastly - some trousers. Ms. Givens appears to favour dropped crotch trousers, and I am not quite ready to embrace that as yet, so I used my TNT trousers pattern. That dealt with the waist/crotch and I used the Jaqueline leg pattern for the pleats, binding etc. I did shorten them a few inches so that they sit mid calf, rather than the designer ankle length, but will probably make a longer pair next time. I used some tan ramie for these, and I am pleased with these as well.
I have to say that I am loving these garments. They are pretty quick and easy to make, they fit well (when I sandwich them with my TNT's for shoulders, crotch curves etc) and the fabrics are gorgeous.
The next pattern on my list is the Phoebe:
Closely followed by the Peplone:
And the Briare, which incidentally is a freebee pattern!
I am having to be very careful with fabrics - I don't want to look like someone from Little House on the Prairie, so I have a lot of plain fabrics planned so far, and have swapped out a couple of the patterned fabrics I had as I think that they will look a bit too cutesy . . . . but that means I can use some of my more brighter and bolder fabrics. Watch this space!
A word or two on these patterns, there is not much in the way of line art. if you are interested, it is worth downloading the instructions (from the website, and free of charge) to get an idea of pattern pieces and style lines. I think that they are are great starting point if you have some TNT's that will assist you with fit, like I have done.
Finally, I was pleased to see that Beverly Johnson, the Fairy Bra Mother, has a new Craftsy class - Sewing Bras Designer Techniques. I managed to pick up my class for half price, and will be making some designer bras over the next few weeks. Details to follow!
I think that I am getting a handle on my Spring sewing, and the SWAP - are you sewing into the new season?
These look great. I am particularly drawn to the warm coral one, as it is a colour I love myself. I wish I could say I was finding time to sew into the new season as I have a lot of ideas, but I have just sold my house and the people want to move in soon. I'm either working or packing!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the house sale - are you moving far? Hope you are unpacked soon and back at your sewing machine!
DeleteActually I'm just moving down the road, but downsizing. My wish is for less housework and more free time!!
DeleteI love these designs. I went roaming around the website and have picked one or two for the future. Your neck and armhole binding is perfect. Looking forward to seeing the whole ensemble in situ!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I think with a little bit of fitting, these patterns look great! So quick and easy to sew!
DeleteLove them.. Really great patterns.. The coral top is beautiful.. Can't wait to see you model them.. Happy sewing.
ReplyDeleteThanks - a few more pieces to make (and hopefully this last blast of snow will have gone) and then I can model away!!
DeleteYou made my day! Love everything about your slips and trousers! Can't wait for the Phoebe. I'm making one similar from the Bold and Beautiful book. I sooo agree with you about the dropped crotch pants. I did see one person with them on...she looked nice, but she was very tall and could wear them. Your photography is just fine!!!!
ReplyDeleteSome great items there. Love the finishing on the coral top and what a gorgeous colour.
ReplyDeleteThanks-you! I was going to get a rose colour - but the coral kind of jumped out and smacked me around the cheeks! It is so cheery!
Deletenice pattern choices! they can go little house or bohemion lol!
ReplyDeleteHelen
You are quite right! I am steering toward the Bohemian!
DeleteJust found this post. I searched for lagenlook style and your previous post came up. I have been interested in this look for a while and try to design by wardrobe around it. But I am afraid to cross that line between bohemian and raggedy Ann. Being a plus size 40+, I struggle to find that look that is just right for me. I have been looking at Eileen Fisher and Sarah Pacini designs, and I love a lot of their looks that don't seem to be too hard to reproduce using block patterns and some of the patterns available from the big 4.
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say that I really like your effort to find patterns that work for the look you want. I really look forward to seeing some of your makes on a human body. They look really comfortable, stylish and well made. Good luck with your new wardrobe!