Not-So-Haute Couture

Here's another interesting print: "Vogue Fabrics By Mail" Coordinated Fashion Fabrics Swatch Club - Transition 2004 - VF044-04 Lavender Abstract - VF044-04

Print fabrics are hard for me. I'm afraid they look busy and accenuate curves that are plenty accentuated without any extra help. But since my wardrobe plan calls for a print I've been looking around and I found this one at Vogue Fabrics . It has black, gray, charcoal, pink and purple. I could sure work with it. It's priced right, too--56" wide @ $6.99/yd.

Must remember to check out Timmel Fabrics for wardrobe fabric. She uses the Pantone color system I've been hearing about. I want to look into this color system more & maybe get their textile color fan --what a great tool that would be! She had some nice stretch shirtings and some pants/suiting fabric that is washable. Washable is key here. If my wardrobe is going to work for me it will not require dry cleaning.

Great wardrobe planning discussion on PR: Sew Alongs >> Approaching Wardrobe Planning - in theory

Using the Timmel Fabrics article as wardrobe plan inspiration, here is the start of my wardrobe plan. Stage one - Make 11 garments: 2 pairs of pants (Unique slacks pattern) 2 skirts, one in a solid color, one in a print or check (Not sure which pattern) 2 simple tops, one solid, one in the above print (Butterick/Unique v-neck t-shirt) 4 tops, in colors which coordinate with the solids (Butterick/Unique B4609) 1 simple cardigan jacket in a solid color (Unique princess-seam jacket) According to this article, which describes a plan shown in Australian Stitches magazine, one would start by choosing 2 basic colors, then add a third complementary color, and make sure the print has the two basic colors in it. I think I will make the cardigan jacket in one of the basic (neutral) colors and make a 12th basic garment: 1 basic jacket in the 2nd solid color (McCalls/Unique M4930) Wow! I didn't realize 'til I wrote it down, but I have almost all the patterns I need. As to colors, one of my

Thanks to Manolo and the Divas , I do know that we are in the throes of fashion week. However, until I nail down the 'well-fitting' part of my mission statement (see title, above), the 'stylish' (i.e., fashionable) part has to take a back seat. I am enjoying reading about fashion week and I share the Divas' taste in clothing, but I must say that the disturbing concentration-camp-victim skinniness of the models is the first thing I always notice on the runway. How do those poor women manage without their comfortable, feminine curves? To address the 'well-fitting' aspect of my goal, I'm working on two of the McCalls blouses, one in pink striped stretch shirting, the other in blue. I'm still going to ask Unique for a re-draft of this pattern, but I made a few adjustments to the custom pattern and went ahead, mainly for the practice. This is a great basic blouse pattern and I want to get very familiar with making it. I've made the most progress with