Stripe Problem

Maybe the sewistas at Vogue had a different Home Ec teacher than I did. But couldn't they have matched the stripes on the front of this dress? I know I would have - they did on the back! (with big stripes you have to decide, where do I really want this to match? I'd think the obvious answer - at least to me and Mrs. Smithers my 7th grade sewing teacher - would be the center front...just saying'...)
I don't think I'm unduly modest, but for me, that's really low cut. To wear this I'd raise the neckline about 3 inches.(I exaggerate - maybe only 1 and a half - but again, I have to test to be sure.) I do like the idea of the low front and back, just not quite THAT low. To raise a neckline, in case you've never done it before, just draw a new line where you want it be, make a quick muslin of the bodice and test it out. Just do what my mom would call a 'quickie' front and back and see if that suits your vision. Look in the mirror - is that too low? Not low enough? (If you have a teenage daughter, they are very handy for this) Remember to allow for seam allowances and also don't forget to change any facings, if any, on your final version (I don't do facings for the test version.) Keep in mind that the skirt will pull the bodice down a little more, espcially if your fabric is heavy.I think I'd do a full lining on a dress like this. But I would match the stripes! (And you should too...Mrs. Smithers says.)

The Neverending Winter

It's that part of winter where it feels like it will never be spring, ever again. If we did do Spring again, if it ever were warm again, I might want to make this jacket. I even have some white pique.
If it ever were warm again, and we could walk outside without Sherpawear, I'd also consider making Vogue 1168

Doesn't that look light and floaty and summery?
But who am I kidding...it will never be summer again.
If it were summer, I'd choose colors like cantaloupe and aqua, peach and lime and frosty blue and khaki, maybe some yellow too. I'd make a batik wrap skirt to wear to the pool and to sit outside under the umbrellas, drinking frosty tropical drinks, with umbrellas in them.
If we ever do have summer again, what will you be sewing?

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?