Saturday, December 11, 2010

The animal in me


Interview with self


So tell me about your latest project?

I've just completed another version of Simplicity 2648 from the amazing fit collection working with some lovely black and creme crepe animal print.

Are you happy with it?

You bet! This version is fully lined and I managed to overcome some of the fitting issues I had last time round. It is almost perfect.
Almost?

Well you know we sewers are perfectionists. If I make this dress again, I think I will add a fraction more wearing ease around the rib cage. The underarms could be cut a little deeper. Or maybe I should just shed a few excess kilos! I do like the lining and the lace edging on the zip and hem.

You've been reflecting on your personal style recently. Where does this garment fit?

I originally planned this dress for business, but its too 'va va boom' if you know what I mean. I'll wear it to the theatre and I have a cocktail party in early February. In terms of personal style, it doesn't break any of the rules I set - it's well cut, the print is low key, the colour palette is within the limits.

So what will you be working on next?

I have two items already cut and ready to go: a sleeveless trench dress, based on Burda 4/2008 107 and a cropped jacket Vogue 8604 (pictured below) cut from the leftover fabric from the dress. I doubt that I'll wear them together, but you never know. After that I have a head full of ideas, but I really need casual summer tops.

Anything else to share?
Had such a fabulous afternoon with husbie and the girls celebrating husbie's birthday at the Deckhouse Restuarant. Perfect Sydney day and my silk dress had another outing. It was quite windy and the top half is billowing out with the seabreeze. I am not that big!!

26 comments:

  1. Lovely dress. Understanding your personal style leads to so much more success in sewing...that's why I love my style books. Sewing takes too long to spend time on garments that don't suit us. Perhaps with a jacket you could get to wear it for business wear as well? You look divine in it.

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  2. Growl! Love a good animal print frock!

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  3. What pattern are you wearing in the photo with "husbie"?

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  4. You look fantastic, I love the new dress (and the billowy silk one, too)!

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  5. I want an animal print something or other, actually have a few knits in that print but am being a bit lazy and perfectionist, LOL!

    And belated happy birthday to your DH from a fellow Sag on another island in another ocean!

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  6. I can see you and me are on the same page! Love, love the dress. Great picture of you and hubby, it does look like perfect weather.

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  7. Love the animal print dress. And the harbour view!

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  8. I love the "interview with self". Very cute idea. And your new dress is fab. I like how you're honing in on your own personal style. That's a great idea, and you sure have nailed it.

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  9. Fabulous dress. I love this pattern - your version is stunning - I love animal prints. In fact I want this dress for myself! Happy birthday to your DH - looks like you had a lovely time.

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  10. Great dress! And that cropped jacket pattern looks very cool --- can't wait to see that one. Sydney weather looks amazing, and how fun to be able to wear that dress out --- the silk dress has such an amazing print!

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  11. When I have more time (HAHAHAHA) I would love to try one of the Amazing Fit patterns you have championed. This one does fit you amazingly well - nice job! Love seeing the photo of you and your hubby -- you seem just right together! :)

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  12. Wowee. I love the print, it looks fantastic as this dress!

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  13. The black and white dress is very elegant and has nice finishes
    Bon anniversaire to Husbie

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  14. That is a fabulous dress. It looks so flattering!

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  15. Oh, wow! I love that dress! That print is perfect for it, too.

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  16. Wonderful looking dress! and I love the view behind you too!

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  17. Very nice! And thanks for sharing that cute photo of you and DH.

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  18. You really are my blonde Australian twin, judging by our husband's similarities. Just add a little facial hair to my DH and they could be interchangeable.

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  19. Very elegant dress! you are winning when it decided to define your style, I love the picture of the dress billowing in the wind next to hubby.

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  20. Hi Gail.- Only wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. My best wishes for another year full of happy sewing ...!!!

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  21. I JUST FOUND SIMPLICTY 2648 in my threads magazine does any one have opinion on making it a bit longer, i am 62 and really love the more maxi length
    denise hobart tas

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  22. Hi Denise, This dress is quite short and I did not use the petite option. There is a back pleat, so my suggestion for lengthening would be to insert the required additional length at around mid-thigh. The pattern is cut in three pieces at the front, two at the back and tapers to a pencil hemline. Just be sure to make the adjustment at the same point on all the pieces and to keep the line on the side seams. Good luck. It is a great pattern. But who says a 62 year old needs a maxi!?

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  23. Gail, your dress looks FAB! And I reckon you could "conservatise" it for business wear by simply adding a tailored black jacket buttoned up and close-toed black pumps. Or with all the same, in taupe. Or grey. Heavens, I need a dress just like this one too, will be so useful...
    Love your interview with self...! and I'm enjoying your continuing exploration of your own style. I wish I could be half as organised with my own.

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