From boho to the boardroom just about sums up my wardrobe requirements. 2012 sewing wise will be a year of practical sewing, not making garments for 'fantasy me' - who by the way is terribly glamorous, slim and wears lots of slinky knit frocks - and not following every trend in blogland. Nope. In 2012 I intend make at least 30 separates that coordinate with existing garments or with other pieces I'm making. A SWAP of sorts, but not a published list to check off.
Had a bit of the slow start to the year due to a horrible bronchial infection courtesy of Singapore Airlines, but I'm very happy with my productivity to date.
First up my second 'this is me' kaftan, made from silk voile purchased on the Goldhawk Road in London. Sometimes you know exactly what a piece of fabric will become right away. I had actually finished my purchases at the store when I saw this fabric out of the corner of my eye. One touch and I was handing over the plastic fantastic again. It is not as see through as the flash photography suggests. I'm wearing it to a friend's 50th birthday party.
My gold silk blouse McCalls 6436 was almost still born. My original version included pockets that were so droopy they had to be removed and the slippery, stretchiness of this fabric frustrated me. Then I ran out of matching cotton, so left it to work on the more satisfying kaftan project. I do love the finished product. I am planning to use buttoned down soft drapey blouses with more rigid structured skirts a key part of my 'boardroom' wardrobe.Next up, I have two skirts cut. A brown faux leather and a black ponte Beignet.
Happy sewing!
I love that kaftan.
ReplyDelete3o garments! Wow, if I could be so productive...
This new sewing strategy seems to be making you very productive! Your top looks great, I can definitely see why the credit card had to come out again for that gorgeous fabric!
ReplyDeleteGreat pieces to start your year. I am trying the same tack, in that I am looking to try and make clothes I will wear and not just leave hanging in the wardrobe. I have just ordered the Beignet skirt pattern, so I look forward to seeing your skirt finished.
ReplyDeleteOh wow! That top is gorgeous. Small wonder you spotted it out the corner of your eye. I am in the same mindset about not following the trendsetters in blogland. Its so tempting, and there are some fab projects, but you do end up putting all your time into creating things to sit pretty in a wardrobe!
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean about 'fantasy me'!
ReplyDeleteGail, This top is STUNNING. The print and fabric are just perfect for this style of tunic. The white pants are just perfect with it. I remember loving your first tunic and this one is possibly even lovelier.
ReplyDeleteBoth tops are just lovely. Isn't fabric just the perfect holiday souvenir?
ReplyDeleteTerrific top! That's how I like to dress. I see so many beautiful things in "blogland" for my own fantasy me, but since I don't work, nor go to fancy parties anymore, my wardrobe is casual. Still, one can dream!
ReplyDeleteplastic fantastic! good term. I like your plan and wish you the best. You have a great start with the gold silk blouse. It is sure to be a staple in your boardroom wardrobe.
ReplyDeleteGreat tops and btw I clipped a page out of Harpers Bazaar with a gorgeous gold silk blouse just like yours, color and all. See, you can be in style without sewing for that fantasy you. I've found that one of the most important parts of sewing successfully is to figure out what you really need for your life and your figure. You've gotten off to a great start.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for the exciting blog posting! I really enjoyed reading it, you are a brilliant writer. I actually added your blog to my favorites and will look forward for more updates. Great Job, Keep it up.. :)
ReplyDeleteI love your kaftan - the colour of the fabric suits you perfectly.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing your 30 garments! I'll be happy if I achieve 10 this year.
Both tops look great, but I see why the caftan was more fun to sew than the gold silk!
ReplyDeleteCaftans look so elegant when made in a pretty fabric, as your does. 30 garments in a year. Sounds like you are off to a good start.
ReplyDeleteNice call on not adding the pockets on your gold blouse. It's a good look as it is. You choose great fabrics for your kaftans. See you soon.
ReplyDeleteBoth beautiful pieces, which I love equally. Seeing your lovely silk blouse has set up a hankering for one myself...
ReplyDeleteBoho to board room; what a fabulous style summary! I love it!
I'm glad you are feeling better now after your illness. That is a travel hazard that is getting more prevalent lately, isn't it?
I love your style idea! Boho to boardroom is great. I like both of these garments. The gold blouse has to be the most useful garment you can have. Over slim black pants with sandals for day and heels for night. I love it!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous gold blouse,it will work so well as Carol has said and I really like your kaftan as well. Looking forward to seeing the skirts.
ReplyDeleteI love both garments, isn't great how we have the ability to take on different personas through our sewing? And yes it is very hard to keep under wraps the fantasy us.
ReplyDeleteHello Gail
ReplyDeleteLike you, and so many others, I have a fantasy self too. But I have trouble bearing that in mind when sewing and shopping.
I love your gold silk blouse. I really do like it a lot and I'm sure it will have been worth all the gnashing of teeth/wailing etc!
I find it incredible that you have visited all those shops in the UK when I live only 45 mins from London and I have never been to any of those shops. Too lazy. But if you are ever here again...
Lastly, I like your cartoon. It made me chuckle. I spend all the money I have on fabric and patterns, and sometimes even the money I don't have! hehe!
Thanks for your friendly comments on my blog.
(I'm still thinking about that gold silk blouse...)
great sewing xx
ReplyDeleteHa...your fantasy me and my fantasy me must be twins. Glamourous, slim and wears lots of slinky knit frocks. Yes, that describes my fantasy me exactly! However, I am with you. I need to be practical. Jeesh, I work from home. In my glamourous frocks...er...usually pj's or sweats. I need to make real life garments. That gold silk blouse is fabulous, that is something I most definitely would wear.
ReplyDeleteYour kaftan is really a great one.I like it so much.
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