Saturday, October 10, 2009

Feel Pretty


When my daughter was in elementary school, every Thanksgiving they would invite parents to come have lunch with the kids. We'd go every year and enjoy the cafeteria Thanksgiving turkey, corn bread dressing and green beans. One year her 5th grade teacher had the inspired idea of having a potluck and all of the parents brought something and then afterwards we all sat and enjoyed a lesson taught by the kids. One thing I never forgot was the teacher's method of teaching criticism: the best way is starting off with a brief review of what you liked. So after every report the kids took turns saying what they liked, finding something positive about every presentation. It was charming, it was sweet; it was also very effective afterwards when I stole the idea for use in my workplace. I took her great idea and used it to great effect in my role as a manager of a large team and doggone if that didn't improve our results from 67% to 99% in a very short period of time.
So in the spirit of Miss C's 5th grade teacher, I'd like to say what I liked about Vogue's fall offerings(since I was a little snarky earlier, with wisecracks about that dorky hat and weird Anna Sui dress).
I loved Vogue 8615. What's not to like? It hit all of my checklist: skirt with large swooshiness ability - check! Sleeves! - check! A discernable waistline- check!(Not a baby doll or empire waist - I hate those and am happy to see them go.) And best of all, separate pattern pieces for ABCD cups. This is a wonderful development- now do it on all of the other patterns, Vogue. (I noticed that they did it on some selected patterns, so let's encourage this development.)
I'm already thinking about what fabric would be best for my retro dress. Checked taffeta? Iridescent silk? Oh, the possibilities...
I would change the neckline a little; I don't like a boatneck, it makes me feel choked, so I would redraw it to be a scoop or a v neck. This is a minor quibble. This is my favorite pattern of the fall.
What was your favorite pattern?

5 comments:

AuntieAllyn said...

8615 is nice, but not quite my style . . . but I could change my opinion once I see it made up and reviewed on patternreview.com. The latest offering of Vogue patterns didn't quite set my hair on fire like the previous batch; however, #1134 did catch my eye (but I'll make it shorter and in a nicer fabric), and I've also ordered 8611. We'll see if I get around to making either of them before springtime rolls around!

Kathi said...

Boatnecks are tricky. They have to be just right to be flattering. It is a cute pattern.

neighbourhood.gal said...

Funny. I like the neck, but not the waist. Ah well.

Toby Wollin said...

Heh - this is MY favorite pattern as well and is now in residence on my ironing board. I'm actually thinking about making it in a nice thin wool and lining it(I guess that will be where I get my 'swish' factor). I, too, will change the neck (especially the back), but I see this as becoming my 'go-to' warm-but-really-nice dress for winter parties. Let's see now..I could make it in black wool crepe...and maybe red for the holdays? Or maybe bright blue instead? Possibilities are endless.

badmomgoodmom said...

I bought the Chado RR tucked dress 1135 and the 1142 Issey Miyake blouse & pants combo patterns. I also liked 8621, but will never make it.

I am going to make the blouse very soon.