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??

15 comments:

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

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  5. Lovely pretty drawings Lynne. This should be a lovely dress

    ReplyDelete
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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. :)

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

      Delete
  9. a solid scarf could be a companion.....

    ReplyDelete
  10. 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
  11. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lynn must have a truly beautiful collection of clothes.

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

    ReplyDelete

I'd love to hear from you! Let's talk!