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.
I have my first Suzy Pant cut out and ready to sew! Have purchased way too many slouchy-like pants in the shops of late, so thought it was high time i got off my arse and made a pair from scratch! Very glad to hear that you love them, as i am very much intended on wearing mine (when finished) to death too.
ReplyDeleteClarelouise, I promise you will wear them to death! I made another pair the other day and have already worn them twice! Good luck sewing them up.
DeleteYou've got such a distinctive, joyous personal style, which your hits all capture perfectly! All your misses seems to be smaller prints in muddier colours... I think you looks great (and happiest!) in things that are just a touch off fluoro! Thanks for joining in the Top 5 lists! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Gillian! And thanks for hosting the Top 5 lists again this year!
DeleteGillian seems to be right to me. You suit and seem happiest in bright colours! Here's to 2014, I hope it's a great year for you!
ReplyDeleteI think you are right Vicki Kate! And same to you - I hope 2014 is wonderful for you too.
DeleteHappy new year Rachel :) I really enjoyed reading your hits and misses and particularly why you thought they did/didn't work. You clearly love Liberty in bright happy (not muted) colours.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Robyn! I do love Liberty…. maybe a little too much!
DeleteIt's funny what we consider our own misses isn't it? Because I think you look great in al your makes and I especially love you in a Cambie! But, it's how you FEEL that's important and you seem to have narrowed down what works for you for future! Love seeing what you make!
ReplyDeleteHaha! Thanks Marie. It is interesting isn't it. A while ago a Cambie would have been right up my alley, but since having Little M my view on what works for me has changed so much! Hope you had a great New Year.
DeleteI love all your hits. I'm yet to make printed pants but they're definitely on my wish list. It's a shame that the laurel and gridlock didn't happen for you because they both look lovely in the photos. Any chance you could chop those sleeves off? Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThanks Bernice. I think you'd rock a pair of printed pants. Gridlock got given away ages ago, but I think I will have another look at the Laurel - it is beautiful fabric! Happy New Year to you too!
DeleteI just love that camber dress. It looks so good on... and the modified Gaby dress - that print is just divine. By the time I found it at A2F there was only 40 cm left (in a different colour way) :(
ReplyDeleteThanks Kirsty. Maybe you should make a Camber? I think it would really suit you….Have you looked on Shaukat for that print? They might have some left!!
DeleteI love those Suzy pants! I think I'll have to add them to my to sew list for 2014. My gridlock dress was a bomb too. I think the draw of a competition made me sew with a fabric I wouldn't have actually chosen for myself.
ReplyDeleteKat, you're totally on the mark re: the Gridlock fabric. I wouldn't have chosen it unless it was for the comp. Ah well. And I think you should definitely make the Suzy pants - they are awesome!
DeleteThe camber dress does look fantastic, and so far I've never seen a bad Archer either! Perhaps they will have to go on the 2014 wish list :)
ReplyDeleteThe cambie I was surprised to see on the misses, it looks fab on you, but if you're not comfortable then it really doesn't matter what it looks like.
Gah, I just typed a massive comment but I'm not sure if it "took". Anyways, to recap - love your blog and I totally agree regarding fabric choice...looking forward to seeing what you make in 2014.
ReplyDelete