It Runs in the Family

Just minutes after I posted my Mystery Pattern Theater post, both my daughter and my sister told me that they NEEDED the red Chado Ralph Rucci dres I had featured. Vogue 1317 from their Fall catalog. (We also like the same colors, books and shoes...it must be genetic)
This pattern has some interesting construction features, looking at the line drawing:

MISSES' DRESS: Dress has low neckline slit, close-fitting bodice cut-in-one with sleeves (slit), side back bodice extending into uderarm gusset, lined midriff, single-layer tie ends (wrongside shows), skirt with side front/side back seams, side front pockets/vents, invisible back zipper, stitched hems, and self-bias binding. Topstitching and edgestitching.

FABRICS: Synthetic Suede, Lightweight Double Knit.

Unsuitable for obvious diagonals. From reading the description, it sounds like the bodice has some unconventional construction features, including a lack of side seams and underarm gussets (shades of retro-fifties dresses!). I have never done an FBA on a dress made like this, so a muslin is definitely in order. Especially since I want one of these for myself.. (On a side note, do the pattern companies ever say This pattern suitable for obvious diagonals?I don't think I have ever seen that. Diagonal prints can be very flattering. I wonder why they hate them. The pattern matching n this one would be a puzzle, so I think that's why they don't recommend it) I'm watching for the next Vogue sale, because this pattern will be mine.

What Not to Sew, April Edition

In the spirit one of my daughter's and my favorite shows, What Not to Wear, I thought I'd list what I am NOT sewing ( and maybe show what I might sew as well)
In a previous post, I indicated that I felt that caftans were innappropriate for modern life. They might be ok on the beach or lounging around the pool at the Beverly Wilshire, but they are not for me. Many readers wrote in and said that I needed to imagine the caftan on the beach in Mustique. I think it is perfectly appropriate there. But here at our pool on Little Hunting Creek I don't expect to see very many caftans. I usually wear a sarong as a pool cover up, and the other women here wear those, or wrap skirts, or similar pool wear.
I will not be making the oompa-loompa pants. At first I thought that these were a joke. When it became clear to me that they were not a joke, then I wondered, "what is Vogue thinking?" Maybe I just don't get it. Maybe other women want to look like extras in PeeWee Herman movies.






I like this dress instead. Sort of an anti-oompa loompa look. No one will think you're in an odd cult wearing this, which is always a fashion goal of mine.






I was intrigued by this dress, which Vogue rates as Advanced. It looks like an ordinary shirtdress, but it is Ralph Rucci, so who knows what secret voodoo couture techniques might be required. I have one of his shirt patterns, and I am working up the gumption to make it. I guess I just don't feel worthy.

I have this secret fear that I'd make the shirt and run into someone who knows her Ralph Rucci and she'd say something withering like, "oh did you make that yourself?"
in that condescending tone. Which is crazy, because no one I know would even be able to tell.
I won't be making these Vogue Woman pants. What's with the oompa loompa pants patterns?
They just look so HUGE. I am short and I feel like huge round baggy pants might not be my best look. They even make the model look fat, and we all know those girls haven't eaten in years.

I'm finishing up my UFOs before I start my summer sewing. In the great sewing room clean up I uncovered a few projects that missed their chance in the spotlight for last summer, so I thought I should give them a chance at life before this upcoming summer is over.

What are you NOT sewing this spring?