It's a really great cotton sateen from Gorgeous Fabrics. It's 44" wide; I got 2 yards thinking it would be good as a knee-length summer dress, but I didn't realize the print is so panel-like and obviously appropriate print placement is crucial. I'll want it to look random, but it won't actually be random!
I was thinking of another wrap dress using McCall 4304, mainly because it's fresh in my mind. The main thing would be to not place a big colorful square right on the bust or behind. What are your suggestions?
23 comments:
A summery something, something mini with gathers that will help distort or downplay or scatter the print. I honestly like the print and think that it would go better with a simple, flowy design.
I've been eyeing some of Cynthia Rowley's stuff, like Simplicity 2593, view A or C, interesting twisty neckline and sleeve binding-thingy.
I would go for a 60s mini dress with a light a-line, sleeveless. If possible I would place the colorful print in the middle.
I am curious what you will decide!
Best regards,
Katrin
I like the 60's idea above, and having been a child at that time, I can attest to the use of wild prints. I'm looking forward to seeing what you decide. It's so pretty by itself!
I go for a sleeveless sheath with the colorful block/blue areas off center at the upper chest and back. Pull it up enough so that the color block is not on the but. Then I would use the ochre strip on the left to make a border on the bottom. This is a great challenge. The fabric is gorgeous. You could also just frame this fabric and call it art, which it is. Your wall is waiting.
Sorry for misspelling butt. Also, I am having trouble with blogger today so had to post anon......Bunny
I just had an even niftier idea. Go with the sheath design but make it one shoulder with a cap sleeve on on side pulling in the blue/ochre, and bare on the other. Such fun.....Bunny
I was looking at Simplicity's website. I think something that as not seams or darts like S 2725, 2885, 2922 or 3529. The print has to be showcased. I would probaby use the gold areas at top to make accents. Can't wait to see what you do with it.
I love Katrin's isea. I would do some semi-fitted sheath type of dress. I wouldn't center the design. I would put it to the left or right being careful to avoid, um, areas. Check out this blog: http://coudremode.com/ She just did a big print dress. The blog isn't working right now otherwise I'd give you more details.
Summer halter dress. There was a designer in the 60s called Malia, from Hawaii, who did fabulous short and long dresses in bold prints like yours. If you search "Malia + dress" on eBay you can get an idea. I think I saw this fabric at Metro Textile in NYC and I bet you'll have to line it, right?
Since it was sitting next to your banister, at first thought I thought you were making a crib set. Oy vey! What about one of those yoked skirts with a bit of poof at the hips. http://www.bostonproper.com/product/Confetti-circle-skirt/830013/pc/43/sc/150/c/60.uts
I agree with the idea of using the print on the left or right side of the garment. Or frame it for a beautiful piece of abstract art.
Some cool summer maxi dress with halter top would look cute.
You have a small frame and that is the only reason I would not advise on making a dress from it. It may be too much. Perhaps a full skirt?
How about a pleated skirt...pleating across the design. It would be different and when the pleats moved you would see the entire design undulate. You could make it whatever length you wanted and if necessary use some of the top as a yoke so that you would get the full effect of the design in the pleats.
I know I've gone in a totally different direction than everyone else but that's what I saw when I looked at the fabric.
It will be interesting to see what you finally decide to do with it.
A tunic maybe??
I'm with the skirt idea!
I like Katrin's idea too. Maybe you could cut it width wise instead of length wise... The yellow panels would look great on the hem :)
I'm with the maxi-dress idea, using only part of the print. The layout of the fabric is such that it shouldn't overwhelm your frame at all. Good luck!
(I have the same fabric. I think I'll send it to my mom as she really likes those Marimekko-style fabrics, for wall-hangings)
What about a tunic? Or using one of the panels on the back of a jacket?
I love the big print/off-center look...use it - but keep the design simple - do a tunic or just the halter top long dress would be great - can't wait to see what you do....post it!
If I had this piece I would go for a swing coat or coat dress (see BWOF Feb09) but I also like the idea of a simple retro mini dress.
I love how your cat's running across it. Isn't that what cats always do? :) That fabric would look cool as a pleated skirt or a halter dress.
it's so art deco. definitely a simple "go-go" shift dress or tunic like short dress-(ie. simple design) to simple show off the print. and then wear it to PR weekend:)
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