Is your sewing palette influenced by the seasons?
Despite knowing what colors are supposed to look good on my complexion, I ignore that advice and sew fabric that feels like the season. According to the 80's classic style guide "Color Me Beautiful", I'm either a Spring or a Summer, but those shades feel so wrong this time of year. So, with Fall in full swing, I turn to golds, browns and greens. My cornucopia colors.
I received this stretch peachskin autumn toned print in a Mystery Bundle from FabricMart in May. At that time, I swear that I thought it was the most hideous fabric ever. I was going into my summer color phase. I almost made it into a muslin a few times, then almost gave it away. But what a difference a few months made in my attitude! When Kennis from Itch to Stitch asked me if I'd like to make her new Marbella Dress pattern, I knew I had to make it out of this fabric!
The Marbella Dress is a sleeveless dress PDF pattern with sizes 00-20 and cup sizes A-D included. I was a little skeptical about the cup sizes, as the designer said that the final garment measurements wouldn't change with different cup sizes. She advises that you just choose the size closest to your bust measurement, and then use the pattern piece closest to your bra cup size. That is different than most multi-cup size patterns that I've seen. However, it worked! Not just okay, but perfectly! I think this might be the best bust fit I've gotten in a pattern without alterations! Yay, Itch to Stitch!
Another extremely convenient feature to this pattern was that you could print out only the size(s) that you need, using a layering option in the PDF file. I'd not seen this before, and it really helps to increase accuracy in cutting. Since I sew for my 3 daughters, who are all different sizes, I anticipate using this feature several times in the future.
The instructions are extremely detailed, and for people that are new to sewing, these would be extremely helpful. You will get a very well made garment from the methods that she uses. That said- I did skip a few of the steps, just based on the fact that my fabric has quite a bit of stretch and body, and I knew that I could get away with a few shortcuts.
You can make this lined or unlined, and I chose to not line it. The peachskin fabric has a slippery, lining like feel to the wrong side. I really am impressed with this fabric. I hope that I will see more of it on the FabricMart website, as I'd like to try it in some other colors. It's just incredibly soft to the touch. And so far, not too static-y, which is one pet peeve I have with synthetic fibers.
This time of year, I will probably need to wear it most of the time with a second layer. I could have gone with a turtleneck underneath, but I chose to go with a cardigan from McCalls 6844 in a steel blue sweater knit. This is more complimentary to my skin tone than the dress itself, but it blends well with the fall shades in the print.
Oh, and I don't want to forget to mention my favorite part- pockets! I know, I know. You can add pockets to any dress really. But it is so nice to have it included in the pattern with the correct markings.
I did lengthen the skirt section 1-1/2". I'm 5'9'' for reference. I also took in the waist and hips to fit a little more snugly. Since my fabric has stretch, I could do that. If I make it from a woven fabric, I probably would leave the waist and hips as designed for my size.
The pattern is currently on sale, until November 8th, so if you would like a great classic dress pattern in multiple sizes with great directions (and who wouldn't want that!), here's a link for you: Marbella Pattern. I hope that we'll see many more patterns coming from Itch to Stitch!
Do you sew colors that go with the seasons. or do you stick with a year round palette that flatters you? What will you be wearing on Thanksgiving?
Happy Sewing!
Ann
Despite knowing what colors are supposed to look good on my complexion, I ignore that advice and sew fabric that feels like the season. According to the 80's classic style guide "Color Me Beautiful", I'm either a Spring or a Summer, but those shades feel so wrong this time of year. So, with Fall in full swing, I turn to golds, browns and greens. My cornucopia colors.
The Marbella Dress is a sleeveless dress PDF pattern with sizes 00-20 and cup sizes A-D included. I was a little skeptical about the cup sizes, as the designer said that the final garment measurements wouldn't change with different cup sizes. She advises that you just choose the size closest to your bust measurement, and then use the pattern piece closest to your bra cup size. That is different than most multi-cup size patterns that I've seen. However, it worked! Not just okay, but perfectly! I think this might be the best bust fit I've gotten in a pattern without alterations! Yay, Itch to Stitch!
Another extremely convenient feature to this pattern was that you could print out only the size(s) that you need, using a layering option in the PDF file. I'd not seen this before, and it really helps to increase accuracy in cutting. Since I sew for my 3 daughters, who are all different sizes, I anticipate using this feature several times in the future.
The instructions are extremely detailed, and for people that are new to sewing, these would be extremely helpful. You will get a very well made garment from the methods that she uses. That said- I did skip a few of the steps, just based on the fact that my fabric has quite a bit of stretch and body, and I knew that I could get away with a few shortcuts.
You can make this lined or unlined, and I chose to not line it. The peachskin fabric has a slippery, lining like feel to the wrong side. I really am impressed with this fabric. I hope that I will see more of it on the FabricMart website, as I'd like to try it in some other colors. It's just incredibly soft to the touch. And so far, not too static-y, which is one pet peeve I have with synthetic fibers.
This time of year, I will probably need to wear it most of the time with a second layer. I could have gone with a turtleneck underneath, but I chose to go with a cardigan from McCalls 6844 in a steel blue sweater knit. This is more complimentary to my skin tone than the dress itself, but it blends well with the fall shades in the print.
Oh, and I don't want to forget to mention my favorite part- pockets! I know, I know. You can add pockets to any dress really. But it is so nice to have it included in the pattern with the correct markings.
I did lengthen the skirt section 1-1/2". I'm 5'9'' for reference. I also took in the waist and hips to fit a little more snugly. Since my fabric has stretch, I could do that. If I make it from a woven fabric, I probably would leave the waist and hips as designed for my size.
Do you sew colors that go with the seasons. or do you stick with a year round palette that flatters you? What will you be wearing on Thanksgiving?
Happy Sewing!
Ann
Your dress looks fabulous, I ordered more fabric to try this one again. My fabric was less than stellar and it just didn't give a good finished look.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lori. Yes, definitely try it again! I'm sure you'll love it with the right fabric.
DeleteREally nice dress on you! I stick generally to my "colours" and not with the seasons. I think connecting the seasons and colours is more of an American thing. Never heard of it before following blogs. (I'm Australian). I have had my colours done a few times as it is quite fun. You do change over time. My colours now are quite different from what they were when I was young. Also they are more personalised. Not just 4 seasons. Having said all that, I will wear colours that appeal to me and not just "my colours".
ReplyDeleteThanks, Vicki. That's interesting that it is a US thing. In my region, there is truly a huge difference in the weather each season, so it just seems natural to me. That's of course not true in many parts of the US that are warmer year round. And also interesting that your colors have changed. I used to be certain that I was a "summer", but now the "spring" colors seem to work better for me.
DeleteTotal envy over that fabric! I think I keep to the colors I favor year round, but get more textural in the colder months...huh. I wonder what that means...
ReplyDeleteI completely understand you! You want something to hold in the heat in the winter- even if it is just a sliver of an inch of fabric.
DeleteI saw your review at PR this AM. Had to come to see your post. This looks like a really nice fitting pattern. And to have pockets! I can see this pattern in my near future. I do like this fabric and does say autumn to me!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda. I am not usually patient enough to tape together PDF patterns, but this one is definitely worth it for the good fit that you can get.
DeleteGlad you saved the fabric - it's beautiful on you! I have a copy of Color Me Beautiful that was my late grandmothers. I remember loving to look through it as a kid at my grandma's house. I'm definitely a "winter" and tend to stick to my colors year round. As for Thanksgiving, we're pretty casual, so I'm not sure what I'll wear yet.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Melissa. Lucky you- I love the winter palette!
DeleteThis is a lovely dress and so is the fabric but then I like everything you sew it seems. I probably stick to a similar palette all year long and it usually includes reds, blacks and greys but I do love fall colours.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Diana!
DeletePretty dress, Ann. Love, love your fabric choice.
ReplyDelete