Meeyooowwww Kay Unger 1329

Back to sewing, right where I left off!

This dress from my last post (Vogue 1329) worked out even better than I thought it would!
I took some cues from what I like in RTW, I made it more fitted than the previous post pic and I made it shorter.

I think the look is much more slimming.  Instead of just color blocking the front, I also color blocked the side back on the matching side.  If you will look at the picture in my previous post, you can see the black side front and the print showing through right behind it.  I've seen this in other reviews of this dress and in RTW and I personally think it looks a little awkward.

They made this pattern with a center and side back  which I think is a bit much for a pattern that calls for stretch fabric.

I think having the same color in the back side is more slimming and looks more uniform.

I wasn't sure if the leopard print would be over the top so I chickened out and wore it with a black jacket to work.  This kicks it up professionally and subdues the print.  I swear, in office light the jacket looks ore black than navy.  There is an upside to never being let out in direct sunlight, the blacks always match in fluorescent lights.


The other pattern that I have started and finished since we last spoke is a Marfy (couldn't stay away too long).  2415 is one of those unobtrusive tops that they slipped in with a jacket so great that I barely noticed the top.  That is until my fellow Fashionista Rita ordered it.

Did I mention that I finished it already?  In deep blue silk jersey from Universal Fabric Center In Rice Village.
I should be able to post pics when I wear it tomorrow.

All in all, I had a great 2 day sew cation.  I really need to do that more often.

Just in case you were wondering...

The key to uninterrupted sewing power

I know that I have been away for awhile.  We've been busy as a family working in the yard together.  After the last hurricane in 2008 when we lost power for 10 days, we decided to install a backup generator.  So, since I didn't want it sitting right next to the house we put it at the back of the yard.  This meant that we had over 100 feet of trenches to dig by hand for the natural gas and electric lines. It was a good way to get some sun and get myself in shape.  While we were in the trench digging mood, we ran irrigation lines from the house to both ends of the garden which runs all the way around the back yard.  This is the rock garden side, I promise the other end has a batch of tomato plants and fruit tree and looks much more impressive.

Yeah, its the white box in the middle of the picture. It doesn't look like much, but its the magical thing that supposedly keeps the house running (Air Conditioning included) during any power failure.  It runs on natural gas and is hard wired to automatically transfer for continuous power whenever the electricity is cut off.

Something fitting- Patsy and Kay Unger

Vogue 1329

So, I got my dress basted together and it doesn't fit as bad as it could have.
It can come in more at the waist and hips, but I didn't want to take a chance.  I think I need to recut the black piece and place it to match the corresponding front black piece.

I like the print though.  I also like the white yoke even though that is just muslin fabric.  I'll recut it later and line it so it isn't see through.  I think I will also see how it looks extended over my shoulder a little.

I also need to keep exercising. I'll see how this looks fitted before I determine if its too much print for me.

The Colette pattern is looking better too.  Diane was awesome.  How great is it to have a friend who can help you fit a silk charmeuse shirt!



Colette Jasmine

It needs to be more shaped at the waist and have the hem straightened, but it there is hope.

I also think that it may drape well if I let it hang overnight (or so) and let it drape.  From my experience, bias tops kind of drape and adapt as they settle in shape.  At least the ones in good fabric do, by that I mean tightly woven and heavier fabric.

It also still has to bulky 2" seam allowance poofing at the sides.  Right now the seams are just basted.  When I get the seams to where I want them I will trim the SA's down to about 1/2" (for french seams) and pull out the basting threads.  this should mark the seam lines nicely, but not too permanently.

Vogue 1329 Fabric / pattern serendipity

Vogue 1329 'natural' pose

I bought this pattern the day it came out:
Vogue 1329
Kay Unger has some pretty neat and stylish designs that they aren't afraid to sell to home-sewers.  I have made a couple of her patterns and they have earned my trust.
This has been sitting in pergatory (pattern stash box under the ironing board) awaiting the perfect fabric.  Something with a little bit of stretch for comfort, but natural fibers for steamy summers.

Then one morning Roz posted this and the stars came into alignment!

58" wide, 97% cotton 3% lycra, 100% serendipity!

With matching black (even down to the fiber content) for the side panel.  I think I will use white cotton for the top part, and maybe extend the shoulder for a wider shoulder line.



Ta Da!

The only question remaining is the lining.  I have a bemberg addiction, but no stretch.  So, I am thinking of cutting it on the bias for more give.
I also need a secret, inseam pocket somewhere, or a welt on the side with the print.
I have pulled and measured the pattern pieces and what I came up with is within 1/2" of what is stated on the pattern.  Even though the description is stated as 'close fitting' there is close to the standard 4" of ease Bust, Waist and Hips.  That's fine, at least they admit it on the pattern measurements.

I could also go totally off the reservation and use gunmetal gray leather for the yoke.  Or, black and white plaid cut on the bias.
Do too many voices speaking at once turm a fashion statement into a fashion argument?