In the spirit of the holiday season, I decided to join in Gillian from Crafting a Rainbow's Top Five Lists.
I have also been reflecting on what works in my wardrobe, so this exercise has been extremely useful as well as fun. I'm going to do my Top Five Hits and Top Five Misses in one post.
Lets start with the Top Five Hits.
Number 1: Tessuti Fabrics Suzy Pants
To say I wear these pants constantly is an understatement. I've had to prioritise sewing another two pairs (in progress) so these don't disintegrate. What is it about them that works? Fabric (great silk print), slouchy fit, style, versatility.
Number 2: Tessuti Fabrics Modified Gabby Dress in Liberty Lawn
This dress is a serious workhorse. In winter and in summer, and everything in between. What is it about it that works? Fabric (Liberty, that print!), lots of wearing ease, versatility, a bit of 'wow'.
Number 3: Beautiful Belladone
I took so much care and effort in making and fitting this dress, and I absolutely love the end result. I have lost a fair bit of weight since making it and have been pondering how to take it in - that is how much I love my Belladone. What is it about it that works? Fabric (beautiful print, lovely weight cotton), bit of 'wow' factor due to the cut out back, fitted me perfectly.
Number 4: The Academic Archer
Every time I look at or wear this shirt I feel lovely. I love a good button-down and I feel like I did some really good stitching. What is it about it that works? Fabric (Liberty - excellent print), fit, good stitching techniques.
Number 5: Merchant and Mills' Camber Dress
I love this pattern so much I've actually made a Camber shirt in white linen, and two more Camber dresses, one in candy pink linen and another in charcoal linen with blue spots, all yet to be photographed, but worn consistently. I feel the Camber is my grown-up Gabby Dress. I love it. What is it about it that works? Fabric (that linen….), easy but flattering fit, nice sleeves, versatility.
Now onto the misses.
Number 1: Made by Rae Washi Dress
Bleurgh. I just don't like it. I never wear this, and have tried to give it away twice with no takers. It went in the Vinnie's bag today. What is it that doesn't work? Fabric (will never sew a garment with quilting cotton again), fit - I feel like I can't breathe in it, despite enough ease.
Number 2: Sewaholic's Cambie Dress
I rarely wear either of my Cambie Dresses. What is it that doesn't work? I honestly don't know. I just never really go for them. Maybe it is the sweetheart neckline.
Number 3: Colette Patterns' Laurel Dress
I've worn this one twice, and the blue lace one once (the lace shrunk, despite being pre washed). What is it that doesn't work? The fit. The shoulders are way too narrow. I underestimated my broad shoulders.
Number 4: Gridlock Dress
I wore this for the competition photos and then promptly gave it away. What is it that doesn't work? The fabric (the colour doesn't suit me at all), the pattern (I don't know what it is about this pattern but it just isn't me!), the fit (a bit narrow through the shoulders).
Number 5: Liberty DKNY Dress
I debated putting this as a miss, as I love the dress pattern very much. And I do wear this, albeit only to work, but I feel right in counting it as a miss. What is it that doesn't work? The fabric (despite being Liberty jersey, I don't love it, the colours are not quite right), the fit (the neckline is too high).
So, there are my Top Five Hits and Misses! I think I have learnt that fabric choices are important, ease, comfort and versatility are very important, and fit is extremely important! With that in mind, I'm off back to my beloved Suzy Pants.
