Clothing Engineer

Take a look at this evening gown from Claire Schaeffer’s Custom Couture Collection:

Now that is one sexy evening gown. But at the same time it is very
elegant and classical. I think this is going on my list for the next
time Vogue patterns are on sale at Joann’s.

Ever lusted after that sexy bowlegged look? If so, Vogue V8397 is the pattern for you.

I’ve noticed a trend of very weird, very oddly shaped coats, pants,
skirts, etc this fall. Lots of very big, boxy coats that seem to
swallow the models, skirts with heavy draping in the front, and very
high waisted pants that seem designed to make the wearer look as frumpy
as possible.

And now tapered bowleg pants are added to the mix.

Notice anything about the Vogue V2987’s top and view A of Kwik Sew 3497?  Seems to be a popular look this season.

On a side note, that Vogue jacket looks like a very challenging project.  Just look at all of those seams on the back!

If you’re looking for a very…unique skirt to conceal your hips and
thighs, have stellar sewing skills, and some extra lightweight woven
fabric in your stash that you just don’t know what to do with…then Vogue V2971 is the skirt for you.

Now that’s a crazy skirt.  Her big hoop earrings and striped
shirt make me think this is a good gypsy or pirate wench costume.

The quickest way to make a pretty model look short and stumpy…

is to dress her in Vogue V2970 and ballet flats.

What’s up with the big bow?  Was this ensemble inspired by bridesmaid fashion? Why pair it with a baggy top?

Maybe I’m not cultured enough to appreciate it…but to me, she
looks like she’s stuck in a hay bale.  Maybe this is why it is now
out of print?

Check out Vogue V8431:

Even
the fashion sketch models look awful in this jacket. But I do admit
that it is a unique style that I haven’t seen before. I just don’t see
how this is a flattering style, even for thin or hourglass shaped
women. To me it looks like a bag. It reminds me a bit of those dresses
in Vogue that were part of the Fall 2007 preview collection. The
emphasis was on the shape of the garment, which was of course very
strange and usually not figure-flattering. It is something only a woman
really into high fashion could understand. Everyone else thinks it is
just plain strange. It is like Carrie Bradshaw’s outfits on Sex and the
City.

Then I saw this one, Vogue V8331:

Now
that’s my idea of figure-flattering. Princess seams, defined waist, and
a trim fit. I think it would make a very fun first jacket. To make it
more mainstream the sleeves on View B could be slimmed down to regular
straight sleeves. Or full-length sleeves could be added to the short
sleeve one. Either would work.

There’s just something very timeless and feminine about the Chanel
style jacket. A single breasted blazer with notched collar is very
professional, but this jacket says “class”:

This one is definitely on my list.  View C looks particularly interesting.

Update: Added pattern link to Vogue’s website.

While my crinkle batiste blouse was a disaster, the ivory silk jersey shell I made the other day was definitely not:

There’s
wrinkles that show in the photo that aren’t usually there…it is
probably the way the fabric posed for the photo. Anyway, I love this
top. It is pure luxury. It is probably the coolest summer top I own -
featherlight, absorbent, and breathable. I had been afraid to cut this
fabric since I spent $35 for one yard (shipping included) but it was
definitely worth it. I got it from Mood Fabrics.

This is going
to be my staple suit shell. It is already one of my favorite patterns,
and also worked up nicely in matte jersey, though not nearly as
comfortable to wear as the silk.

A few things I noticed while working with this silk jersey:

• Make
  sure your hands are free of any hangnails, rough edges, chapped skin,
  etc before working with it. This is very important, since the knit is
  so fine that it tends to pick easily. It is a bit like pantyhose in
  this aspect.
• Silk jersey is relatively stable and does not need
  to be interfaced at the neckline, armhole, etc. I just turned it over
  to make a narrow hem (so the raw edge was encased) and stitched over it
  with a special stretch stitch to preserve the elasticity.
• Do
  not use a serger for the edges. Just use the stretch stitch on your
  machine, or a narrow zig-zag. A serger will create a seam that is too
  bulky, even with 3 threads. The edges do not ravel so they don’t need
  to be overcasted.
• Silk jersey doesn’t need to be dry-cleaned. I
  just gently hand-wash it in cold water with a bit of shampoo and let it
  air-dry. Much cheaper than going to the cleaners.

I’ve been going crazy lately, sewing as much as I can.  Here’s my latest, which is the Vogue V2925
jersey shell top. I bought silk jersey for this, but at $25/yard I
really don’t want to take a chance on screwing up with it. So in the
meantime I made a wearable muslin from some four-way stretch
cotton/lycra jersey knit. It is really stretchy, but is
buttery-soft and has a nice drape, like the silk jersey. I’m thinking
of using the scraps for a small lingerie project.

There’s
about 4 inches of ease built into the waistline. I expected it to be
tighter in the waistline, but after looking at the pattern I guess this
is supposed to be. Then again, my knit is much more stretchy than the
suggested silk or matte jersey.