Thursday, April 11, 2013

Laurel, my love

Last week, I got Colette's Laurel in the mail. It was a good mail day. I got some other stuff, too, that I will share in another post.


I know, I know. There are a dozen different patterns out there for a basic shift/sheath and yes, last summer I even made a few using a pattern that I now call my own TNT after all the fussing and fitting I did.

But I couldn’t resist. And am I glad I didn’t. I could wear these dresses any day of the week to work or for weekends.

Can I just say that this pattern fit me about perfectly? My first muslin was a size 18. Just to see what would happen. So often, I have to cut a 16-18 for the shoulders and chest area and do a FBA, so I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was just big overall. Second muslin was a 16. And I’m pretty comfortable with the fit, without any modifications to the bust or sleeve, which I normally must do.

Well, you know I had to do some sketching and stash digging to see what I could come up with for this dress. There are about a thousand different options, and a thousand  more depending on your creativity.



For a bell sleeved version like this Kate Spade dress,

I am using this fabric....okay, it's not zebra, but it hints of zebra.

And would you just look at those bell sleeves again? Double ruffles!!!! I am dying of the cuteness!

And, I found a really pretty floral linen and thought it might be interesting to trim it out somehow in a black sheer. I’ve got to think through this one.
         

Another version is inspired by this J Crew shift:
http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/dresses/shortsleeveandlongsleeve/PRDOVR~61607/61607.jsp

It will be made from a multi print (a gorgeous, amazing satin finish cotton from Elliot Bermann Textiles).

It’s loaded with those Pantone Colors for 2013, and since I entered the Pantone Color Contest at Pattern Review, I think a Laurel version made with this fabric will be an entry in the contest… IF I can pull it off in time, and IF I can think of a companion piece.

Any ideas for a companion piece, my friends??
Posted by Lynneb at 2:39 PM

15 comments:

  1. AngelaApril 11, 2013 at 2:47 PM

    I don't know of a companion piece, but your drawings are lovely. You need to show us your inspiration notebook:)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Faye LewisApril 11, 2013 at 5:18 PM

    Your dress is going to be beautiful Lynne. I second the motion on seeing your inspiration notebook!

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  3. RoryApril 11, 2013 at 7:25 PM

    I can't wait to see these!

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  4. LoriApril 11, 2013 at 7:36 PM

    Oh, your drawings are so pretty and love the double ruffles on the sleeve. Can't wait to see them.

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  5. gMarieApril 11, 2013 at 8:29 PM

    I agree with everyone. Perfect drawings and lovely fabrics. Cannot wait for the reveal. Do you have to make the accessory? g

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  6. Sarah LizApril 12, 2013 at 2:59 AM

    Lovely pretty drawings Lynne. This should be a lovely dress

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  7. LaneyApril 12, 2013 at 6:41 AM

    Can't wait to see your first Laurel dress! I have that pattern and have even traced it. You have inspired me to make a muslin this weekend. This is the perfect summer dress for those of us who don't want to go (or shouldn't go) sleevless!

    ReplyDelete
  8. UnknownApril 12, 2013 at 7:10 AM

    Leggings!! That dress is just begging for a cute pair of leggings. :) You are going to have some beautiful Laurels. Your fabric selections are fabulous.

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousApril 12, 2013 at 7:52 AM

    Wow, I love all of these ideas! The Kate Spade zebra dress is fantastic-- I look forward to seeing your interpretation! I'm struggling a bit with the fit of this dress, but I'm hoping to sort it out this weekend. :)

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    Replies
    1. LynnebApril 12, 2013 at 11:17 AM

      Hehe...one woman's dream fit is another woman's fit nightmare!

      Delete
  10. kathy bApril 12, 2013 at 2:14 PM

    a solid scarf could be a companion.....

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  11. SouthernHeartApril 13, 2013 at 7:36 AM

    What a gift you have! Love the design and colors and look forward to seeing pics of them all finished!

    Blessings,
    Dianne
    www.sweetjourneyhome.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. LifesastitchApril 13, 2013 at 7:46 PM

    Have I asked this before? Just how big is your closet? I have no room to talk. No room are the key words. I keep promising to clear things out. Actually, I'd love to see your closet.

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    Replies
    1. velosewsApril 15, 2013 at 6:11 PM

      Lynn must have a truly beautiful collection of clothes.

      Delete
  13. velosewsApril 15, 2013 at 6:10 PM

    I think you need to be my print shopping companion in future. You've picked such refreshing prints.

    ReplyDelete

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