2.04.2021

Fabric Godmother: Silhouette Vs Sewist

Fabric Godmother: Silhouette Vs Sewist

What happens when you choose a beautiful fabric when you're not in the *best* frame of mind? If you're like me, you probably rage sew it up, ending up with something that goes in a bag until you're ready to revisit.

I chose this absolutely gorgeous viscose sateen from Fabric Godmother last year, in the middle of the upside-down whirlwind of packing up for a break from NYC, and by the time it arrived on our new and temporary doorstep, I was in a better frame of mind...with very little idea of why I picked such a somber print out of all the eye-popping, technicolor offerings Josie has in her viscose collection. But, I couldn't slam sew this one. This luscious fabric was intended for a collaboration, so I had to sew something up, and, I had to do this elegant (though out of my color wheelhouse) fabric justice. 

So basically I had to squelch all my usual impulsive tendencies. Which maybe is not a bad thing to do every once in a while.

Fabric Godmother: Silhouette Vs Sewist

Fabric Godmother: Silhouette Vs Sewist


Justice is not served *just* yet. 

I was intending on making another one of these beauties, then realized I hadn't packed that particular pattern in my suitcase. Whomp whomp. So, I decided that I'd jog myself into stitching by choosing an out-of-the-ordinary silhouette for this out-of-my-ordinary print, with McCall's 8104.

I was pretty stoked at the fit of the bodice, and the fluttery sleeves. But I was determined to use all 5 yards of this watery, supple yardage, so I maxi-fied the dress, and added a gathered tier.

And then came the front band. Which tried to kill me. And when I say it tried to kill me, I *might* mean I tried to do myself in, because I'm not sure if it was the fault of the pattern instructions, or my own battle to sew sans rage. But it most certainly was NOT the fabric, which handled like a dream. I'm talking Lamborghini dream.



I think the combo of silhouette and color is where things went south...although, looking at these pictures, I think the silhouette is pretty great! Probably because the smile on my face is real. But, somehow when I walk around in it, or catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I just don't feel like me. 

So, that said: if you squint at these pictures, you'll see a few staged bits underneath that smile. The hemline is just the raw selvedge edge (which actually is a lovely edge, I don't mind that bit), the center back waist is pinched with a safety pin, and that rebellious front band is pinned shut. Putting buttonholes in this gal was where I drew the line. 

But I think it's important to share the things that don't turn out the way we want, and admit that whether it looks great or not, it might need to change! I decided this dress needs to be a memory changer. I want to be able to look back on photographic evidence of what this 2020 sew was, once I do reconfigure it in a better mindset. Maybe a jumpsuit! Who knows when it'll happen. But it WILL be restitched. Because honest to 2021, this fabric really is beautiful. In case I've buried the lead there, imma put that in all caps:


THIS FABRIC IS BEEEEEE-YOOOOOOTIFUL.

On top of that, Josie is one of those rare birds who's on board with valuing her collaborator's time and effort, and this is a compensated collaboration (although I did immediately exchange my payment for more fabric from her shop. And I chose technicolor fabric! Go past me!). I truly appreciate her doing what she can, so that creators and shops support each other.

Go check out her collection, you really won't be disappointed, I love every bit of what I got, even if I did make a somber color choice on this soon-to-be reborn baby. (And, if you have any ideas on what that rebirth might be, go on ahead and holler at me!)

32 comments:

  1. Overall shape: Lovely. Overall vibe: Oonaballoona Goes to a Funeral.

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    1. It IS. I mean if I saw this on any number of people I probably wouldn’t think it, but for me, YEAH.

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  2. Well I will always swoon for navy and then add pink I’m there. But have to agree this gorgeous fabric doesn’t do it or you justice just yet.

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    1. It does read navy on my screen! But it’s black. I got some thinkin’ to do.....

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  3. I love this on you! So elegant ♡ And still looks so comfortable too!

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    1. It *is* quite comfy. This fabric feels sooooo good. Now I gotta make the silhouette feel good 😅

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  4. I think this looks wonderful on you!! I like the navy print. It seems to elevate the style of the dress!

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    1. Thanks Heidi! It’s actually black, which as I’m finding out is hard to photograph (not having the need to snap this shade much 🤣)

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  5. I often wonder who drafts (or tests ever) some of the 'Big 4' patterns 🤨 Some are a disaster from the jump! Excited to see what this becomes. It will be fantastic whatever you do with it!

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    1. I really wish I could remember if it was me or the pattern....I mean I *could* just go back at look at the instructions, but that’s detective work I don’t really have the stomach for right now 🤣😂🤣

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    2. Very after the fact, but...I think it's the pattern. I just read a review on Pattern Review by somebody who hated the result of her band, called McCall's, and got a reply that the illustration was wrong (which she went by) and the written instructions right.

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  6. Drop the bottom tier, put ties at the waist to cinch in the back, install snaps or Velcro dots to close the front; and keep this in your closet as a useful errand-running dress. Sometimes "demure" is the part you have to play. Especially when you are in the Sunny South. Would be perfect for popping out for groceries, fueling the vehicle, stopping for a quick coffee or beer.

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    1. I wonder if cutting that dropped bottom tier into balloon sleeves and super long waist tie would kick the demure up enough for me 😅 I like the idea of installing Velcro snaps— or maybe hook & eyes in case I change my mind again!

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    2. Balloon sleeves for the win!

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  7. loose the tier and maybe hem it up above the knee just a bit then you have a great little summer dress

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    1. That’s what the original pattern looked like ! I guess I wouldn’t lose anything by trying it that way, since that tier is on the chopping block.

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  8. Did you order this by mail from the UK?

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  9. I know it's not you but it's totally ME. I love the dress and the fabric and think it looks lovely on you. I look forward to seeing how you refashion it or that fabric. What a fun new challenge!

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    1. I’ll tell ya, if we weren’t in a pandemic I’d be inviting some girlfriends over to give it a try 😅

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  10. Cool dress and so joyful pictures. I spontaneously start to smile while looking at them!

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  11. Actually I like the dress. On a different subject, did I see you in a fast food restaurant commercial a while back?

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  12. Where do you find beautiful fabric to sew clothing? All we have by us is JoAnns and quilt shops!

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  13. First timer here - just found you on YouTube. You two remind me me and mine 😂 ok, so what if you remove the bottom ruffle and turn it into a pair of fitted shorts. Then take your long blouse/short dress and make the front hem shorter than the back showing off and emphasizing your legs a la 50’s housewife glam!!!

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    1. I agree...I was also thinking of a cute tunic top and shorts or capri (clam diggers we called 'em in S.C. when I was a youngster.)

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  14. First timer here. Just found you on YouTube. You two are great - a lot like me and mine! 😂 ok, so what if you remove the ruffle and make it into fitted shorts and make the front hem of the now long blouse/short dress higher than the back, bringing attention to your beautiful legs ........ kind of 50’s housewife glam!

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  15. I wonder if it is a pattern problem. I have a McCall's pattern that has received good reviews EXCEPT for the front band--very bad (including cut-out; like two pattern pieces instead of one). I think there must be a multitude of ways to do a front band!

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  16. Everything you make is simply stunning! Love this dress!

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i thankya truly for taking the time to comment, i love a good conversation-- and hope you know my thanks are always implied, if not always written!