Let's begin with the most out-there-at-the-edge-of-my-comfort-zone garment, the shirt designed by Liz Mizono (Vogue 1274):
Want to fly with me, anyone? Seriously. this shirt contains a. lot. of. fabric. And I'm not sure how great I look with all of that fabric around my midriff and hips. Funny thing is, I never tried folding the flaps back, as on the pattern. I think they probably wouldn't be wide enough to meet in the back without making the shirt too tight on me. Honestly. So I just left them to hang. Which looks great while twirling, but I get dizzy easily, so I'm not sure how much I will wear this.
This was a really fun make, and I found no problems with the pattern. I followed the instructions as written, including the french seams. I added a few inches of length just above the side drapes, but the sleeves were good as is.
The fabric is a shirting weight cotton from Homespun Boutique in Ithaca, NY. It's a really beautiful piece of goods. I love how well the buttons match (from Sawyer Brook, of course).
The sleeve is finished with a drape, echoing what's going on at the hip. A nice design touch!
Diane Ericson has used this pattern several times to great effect, proving it's a fabulous starting point for design excursions. I'd love to work with it more, but first I'll have to see how I like wearing it.
This shirt is crying out for some skinny pants, rather than these jeans. I don't own any leggings or skinny pants - another comfort zone issue - but I'll be buying or making some before spring. That's the soonest I'll be able to wear it, as autumn has set in here in New England. So it will be a few months before I know whether to get the pattern out and play with it, or file it in the archives.
Is this pattern languishing in your library? Do you want to make it but don't quite dare to do so? Or, have you made it and found you like it, or hate it? I'd love to hear your thoughts on it!
Hi Dixie! Always nice to see a post from you. Funny, I was just holding this pattern in my hand tonight, but put it back because it is also outside of my comfort zone. I really like it on you, though, so maybe I'll reconsider. I did dip my toe outside of my comfort zone a bit tonight also, with both patterns (Marcy Tilton's tops and pants) and patterned fabrics, which are in the wash now, getting ready for weekend sewing. Which skinny pants are you thinking of making? I picked up Marcy Tilton's - the one with the horizontal seam at the knee and elastic waist, can be made in stretch woven or Ponte. Seems pretty popular, so thought I would try them out. Looking forward to seeing the rest of your makes from the summer and early autumn!
ReplyDeleteHi Andrea! Thanks for your comments. I haven't chosen a pattern for skinny pants, but the Marcy one you describe would probably be it. I haven't fit pants to myself in a couple of decades, so I really would prefer to buy them. My height and size are against me in shopping, though, so I might have to learn how to fit pants to my larger body size. :( Could be a good challenge, though!
DeleteHi Dixie, wow, that is a gorgeous shirt. I have this pattern and I consider it from time to time. It is too much volume for my height however. You wear it well and I think paired with slim pants and fun shoes you will be stylin'.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your encouragement, Mary!
DeleteWhat a fun top. Good on you for taking that step outside of the zone.
ReplyDeleteYeah, the comfort zone can sometimes get a bit too comfortable. I'm trying to step out of it a bit more often. Without looking like a clown!
DeleteThat is really pretty, Dixie! Though I know what you mean about being overwhelmed by a lot of fabric around the hips. I think I'd feel the same way. But it sure twirls great!
ReplyDeleteYup, that's a lot of fabric at the bottom. Time will tell if I like it or not!
DeleteThat looks so great on you! I have the pattern, am built similar to you and am greatly encouraged to give it a go.
ReplyDeleteHi Carol! Thanks for the compliment. I'm glad to hear I might have encouraged you to give this one a go!
DeleteI love the look of this pattern, but it is so far from my comfort zone and I know I would never wear it. I am looking forward to hearing how you feel about it next spring. Adore the fabric.
ReplyDeleteHi Elle! If I like this shirt, I'll definitely make it again and it will appear here on the blog. We'll see!
DeleteYes, Dixie, this IS languishing in my pattern stash. You may have just pushed it up to the top of the queue. I love yours, with or without the twirling. And personally I think it's good with your jeans. I cannot wait to see more pictures. Beautiful buttons, too. Just right.
ReplyDeleteFunny how many people own this pattern but are a bit afraid of wearing it. I hope to see it on you real soon!
DeleteOoh, I love that shirt on you! It looks very fun and comfortable to wear. So I would say that it should be "in" your comfort zone, not "out" of it! Heh.
ReplyDeleteOk, I'll try really hard to make it fit inside my comfort zone! Thanks for your compliment!
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