Saturday, March 5, 2011

Warning bright colours ahead

Put it down to fear of the Karan, Donna Karan that is. I just can't bring myself to work on my jacket muslin for 'the collection'. Instead I have wondering around the stash picking up the most random pieces of cloth that should been ousted based on my new found sewing philosophy.

This silk dress is one case in point. I bought the fabric from Hong Kong a few years back with the intention of a maxi dress, but never found the right pattern. Look its wild, but I really enjoyed wearing this dress to the theatre last night. Just pull it over the head, add boots and earrings and away I went. Silk against the skin is the best feeling.

I used a lengthened version of Simplicity 2696, a kaftan pattern which I blogged about here. Who says elegant minimalism can't be colourful?

I am also nearly finished another dress which is way out of my comfort zone. It is really a test dress for an evening gown pattern - and has definitely been ruled out on that score. The pattern is pictured below and I will have pictures of the finished garment shortly. Mine is a short floral version.
Not sure where to go next with my sewing. The weather is becoming cooler, so would prefer a three-quarter sleeved version of the Donna Karan jacket. I'll overcome my trepidation and get started. Right after I go through the stash again...?
I've also just started working in house for at least a month and potentially much longer. So sewing time will be limited. Worse, I will not have as much time to check out what all my blogging friends are up to.

23 comments:

  1. Dress looks great on you. I love the print and colors. Not too bright at all! I think the dress would also look great belted. It would give it a totally different look.

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  2. That dress is gorgeous. The black trim tones it down so I don't think that is is too bright or wild! I hope that you enjoyed the theatre.

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  3. That is a very classy way to do wild. You look great in your silk kaftan.

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  4. The dress is lovely on you. I particularly love the black trim. The black seems to tone it down and bring it into evening wear.

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  5. I agree the dress looks great on you and like the others said the black tones it down. I really like it with the boots.

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  6. Who said elegant couldn't be comfortable? You look wonderful. Agree with several people above - the black detail really adds the right touch.

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  7. Beautiful dress. The style looks good on you and the fabric is nice as well

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  8. I am a huge fan of elegant minimalism and over-the-head simplicity! And the Vogue pattern -- ooh la la! Can't wait to see it finished.

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  9. Gorgeous! Love the fabric - and it isn't too wild - it is just lovely. And with the black boots and black trim it looks perfect.

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  10. Oh my gosh, I just adore this dress. I don't think it's over the top or too-brights at all! The print is stunning. And I couldn't agree more about the feeling of silk against the skin... a little luxury we seamstresses can enjoy with only a little more outlay.
    If you wrapped a wide black belt around the middle it would work beautifully as a day dress for the winter too!

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  11. I love that dress! The fabric is fantastic! It looks so simple, and so classy at the same time. Just gorgeous!

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  12. Beautiful dress, so elegant but also fun and modern. The black trim is a great conterpoint to the lovely swirly print, and adds vertical lines via the front band. Isn't it great when you find a style that is flattering, and you can use the pattern to make many different versions.

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  13. Fabulous dress! I love the print and style --- looks great on you. I'm sorry your sewing time will be limited for a while, but perhaps the break will inspire your cooler weather sewing.

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  14. Fabulous dress! I think that a simple shift in a bright print like this one is an absolute classic and a must for every wardrobe. You look wonderful in yours.

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  15. Love, love, love it!! The colours are perfect for you and I am totally in love with this dress. You look terrific.

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  16. I think this dress is so fun and looks great on you and with the boots. a funky look for the theatre and more.Prints this spring are large I've noticed at Fabricville so this fits right in there.

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  17. I don't think it's too bright-- the black definitely tones it down some. It looks great!

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  18. Absolutely adorable, the black line of the neck provides the balance needed to compare the brightness of the fabric, so you got a wonderful dress again.

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  19. Love the silk dress - perfct for the theatre!

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  20. Great looking dress. Bright is the way to go.

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  21. I love the black neckline - it all works realy well!

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  22. I love this dress. I've been thinking that I need a dress along that style for three weddings that we have coming up soon. Two are outdoor weddings. It's hard to know what to wear. You are such a beautiful model! I can't wait to see your next dress. That pattern is very pretty!

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  23. That dress is beautiful! I want one of my own.

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