Switching gears from yesterday’s post that was fraught with emotions, today I bring you Perfect Pattern Parcel #3! I was invited to participate in the first round of PPP which was a lot of fun, and I was happy to be looped in again for this new set of patterns. I’ve been eyeing the Staple Dress since it first came out, so I knew immediately which pattern I’d be sewing up.
Friends, it’s silk. Emboldened by my last silk experiment, I wanted to test out the pattern with this bright orange plaid silk (also from my mom — she has a thing for plaids). If I saw this on a hanger, I’d beeline for it. I was really excited when I finished it, threw it on and dashed in front of the mirror. Hmmmm….I don’t know if I love it.
I think the silk makes it feel too dressy for me, even though the plaid gives it a casual vibe. Plus it’s somewhat sheer so I’m wearing a half-slip underneath, which kept dragging down and peeping out from underneath. Quite the classy look. This photo might look blurry at first glance, but that spot under my right armpit (the left side of the photo) is razor sharp.
The medium fits me well, and despite the slipperiness, there wasn’t too much hand-wringing while sewing it. I didn’t have quite enough fabric so I couldn’t match up the print on the sides, and I also omitted the hi-low hem option. I have no idea why the orange looks more creamsicle in these modeled shots, but the dress shot on the hanger is a pretty accurate reflection of the color.
I’m still trying to decide if I like it. I definitely need a better belt. I do, however, like this version much better than the muslin I made:
This here is cotton from JoAnn’s circa 2007. I don’t know why, but the words “cabana girl” popped into my head when I saw myself in the mirror. I just don’t like floral fabric on me. It’s an odd pet peeve, I know. In my wardrobe, I have one store-bought top with floral fabric, and I’ve kept it only because I bought it from Anthro and it looks vaguely Nani Iro-ish.
I had no intention of wearing this out in public, but M was so effusively complimentary about the dress, I decided to putz around all day in it yesterday. Mistake. I felt like I was that over-the-hill woman still trying to pull off the Forever 21 or Wet Seal look. It doesn’t help that I only had a little under two yards of the fabric, so I had to chop about three inches from the hem. It’s weird that it doesn’t look all that different in length from the silk version, but it’s probably because I’m pulling the dress down with my hands in the pockets. The more I look at the dress, the more it’s growing on me, but that floral is still out of my comfort zone.
I’m very much a fan of the silhouette and now that I’ve made two and know how fast this comes together, I think I might try it in a greige herringbone linen that’s way more my speed:
And look, this is how K likes to coordinate her handmade clothes below. That’s a lot of riotous clashing of patterns — I don’t think I’ve had this many prints on my blog at once before. I’ve given up trying to dress her in the mornings and I’m endlessly entertained by her combinations. K, by the way, adores both versions of the Staple Dress. “You look byuuuuuuuuutiful Mommy!” she says, my sweet girl.
Alright, onto the nitty gritty of the tour:
Pattern Parcel #3 includes:
Bombshell Swimsuit by Closet Case Files
Poppy Tunic by Make it Perfect
Water Bottle Tote by Radiant Home Studio
Jorna Tank Dress by Jenna Brand
Staple Dress by April Rhodes
Bonus Pattern
Choose a price of $28 or greater for Parcel #3 and you will automatically also be sent the Bonus Pattern! The Bonus Pattern for this Parcel is Prefontaine Shorts for Women by Made with Moxie. This shorts pattern has a retro trim, loads of pockets, two inseams and are so comfortable you won’t want to take them off. Includes sizes 0 – 24. Exclusive launch on Pattern Parcel. Be the first to own this pattern!
About Pattern Parcel
Here at Perfect Pattern Parcel, we believe in supporting independent pattern designers. It’s our opinion that indie patterns are just, well, better than big box patterns, and we’re pretty sure our customers think so too. So, we allow customers to show their support in naming their own price for each Parcel. We also encourage customers to allocate part of their Parcel price to the charity Donorschoose.org in order to help classrooms in need. Pattern Parcel donates all profits after expenses from Parcel sales to the charity as well. Together we’ve raised almost $4,500 towards eliminating educational inequality.
And check out these lovely ladies participating in the tour:
Friday, May 30
Sew Busy Lizzy ||
Pienkel ||
SeamstressErin
Saturday, May 31
Design By Lindsay ||
the Brodrick design studio ||
Cookin’ and Craftin’
Sunday, June 1
Diary of a Chainstitcher ||
a happy stitch ||
Disaster in a Dress ||
sew Amy sew
Monday, June 2
Idle Fancy ||
Casa Crafty ||
Kadiddlehopper ||
Dandelion Drift
Tuesday, June 3
Our Family Four ||
Casa Crafty ||
Cookin’ and Craftin’ ||
a happy stitch
Wednesday, June 4
Lexi Made ||
The Quirky Peach ||
Stitched ||
a happy stitch ||
Casa Crafty ||
Thursday, June 5
verypurpleperson ||
Casa Crafty ||
sew a straight line ||
Sewbon
Friday, June 6
Shawnta Sews ||
Mama says sew ||
a happy stitch ||
Cookin’ and Craftin’
Saturday, June 7
Casa Crafty ||
sewninestitches ||
‘So, Zo… What do you know?’
Sunday, June 8
oonaballoona ||
A Stitching Odyssey ||
Sew Charleston
Monday, June 9
Sew Sweetness ||
True Bias ||
Ozzy Blackbeard
Tuesday, June 10
Welcome to the Mouse House ||
Sew Caroline ||
Adventures in Dressmaking
Wednesday, June 11
Peneloping ||
YoSaMi ||
sewVery
Thursday, June 12
la inglesita ||
La Pantigana ||
Sanae Ishida
Friday, June 13
Seamster Sewing Patterns ||
Paunnet
Oh, the staple dress… I cut this pattern out 6 months ago and really have no idea what fabric to use. I like the plaid silk on you! I think I’m afraid of this dress looking like a bag on me, but I guess that’s where the belt comes in? Those last pictures of you and K together are just pure sweetness.
The right belt will definitely help the baggy situation, Erin! This would look gorgeous in one of your voile stash fabrics 😉
I think you look great with both versions!
This dress fits you nicely 🙂
Thank you, Diana! I think the sizing is good, but I might want to play with the hem length some more. 🙂
Oh, you too! It is o funny, now with the pattern parcel out I keep seeing so many versions I like. I have made it before and had already put it away with no intentions of making it again….Now I am eying a lovely linen blend I have….. I love the silk version on you, I don´t think it is too dressy. What I love about the other version is the black on you, the color suits you so well!
So – are ye gonna make a bombshell, too??!!
Ha, I considered the bombshell for oh, a split second and then moved on :-). I’m nowhere ready to show that much of my body on the world wide web (I’m not sure I ever will be !). I think the staple dress would look great in a linen blend! Ideally something on the thin side because thicker linen blends could add some unwanted bulk…
Love the plaid one! Maybe the flowers are a little too big on the black and white one?
I resist and didn’t buy the perfect pattern parcel : i don’t think the proposed patterns will fit my body shape (and I’m really small too)
I think this might be a pretty flattering shape for most body types, even small ones, Isabelle! That’s one of the things I’ve been loving about sewing for myself – trying out clothes that I might not necessarily buy just to see how it would look and then being able to tweak it to more my liking. 🙂 And yes, I was wondering if the scale of the flowers were off and maybe that’s why I don’t like it??
I really like the length on the floral one! It would at least make a cute swim coverup even if you don’t wear it for every day.
That’s so funny – that’s exactly what I said to myself: “Oh well, I can throw this on top of a swimsuit.” 🙂 Thanks, Megan Gracie!
love both versions. just got this myself and it is great to see all the amazing creations out there.
Thank you, Sarah! I’ve been loving all the different versions too!
I think they both look great on you, but my favorite is the orange plaid. It’s such a great print! I just bought the pattern parcel and this has inspired me to look through my fabric stash to make a staple dress soon. Looks great for summer.
The orange plaid is a great fabric for sure – it’s one of my favorites from my mom. Glad you got the parcel and hope you have fun stitching up fabulous outfits for yourself, Margo!
I actually really like the floral one, though typically I would chose orange plaid over black floral (for myself, at least). Yay for mom’s stash fabric – that orange plaid is really quite pretty. And those photos of you and K warm my heart, especially your smile in the first one. You two so clearly have a strong bond.
And can I just say K’s styling is awesome?! Love the yellow stripes with the pink/grey floral! So Crew Cut-ish without her even knowing it:)
Thanks Lucinda! K does have a quasi-Crew Cut aesthetic, you’re right. 🙂 Of course, sometimes things get downright wacky, and I love that too!
I know people might think my opinion biased, but I think they look nice on you. That all being said, I totally understand being finicky about fabrics and patterns. You could also try moving the shirring up to a more empire waist if that’s your style. And those photos of you and K are endearing. 🙂
I’m still trying to figure out if the empire waist look works for my…uh, prominent upper body. It’s so tricky! I do love the pattern and want to try the others too. Thanks so much for including me in the tour, Jill! I think it’s fantastic that it’s providing much needed materials for schools!
I don’t know what you are talking about with the black dress being Forever 21. It looks totally tasteful and age appropriate and great.
Ha! Thanks, Nicole 🙂 I guess it’s more my discomfort with wearing floral. I always feel like floral can go either too young or too old, but that’s just me :-).
I’m with M – I really like that floral on you!
Thanks, Morgan! I’m warming up to the dress and for the next version, I think I want to widen the scoop of the neckline a little, I think.
I think the print is more flattering than the plaid for your body shape and hair color. And to my eyes, the plaid looks Forever 21 and the black/white more mature and feminine. Maybe M is also thinking the same? But I know what you mean about being out of your comfort zone. If it continues to bug you, perhaps you can cut the dress into a blouse and wear it with a black cardigan and skirt.
Oh, that’s interesting Kay! Because the plaid is silk, I automatically think of it as more refined, but I can see where you’re coming from. I like the idea of making the floral into a top! That might be the ticket 🙂
I love them both! I don’t think the black floral looks bad at all, I think it looks great! I bought the parcel last week and I’m trying to decide on fabric because I reeeeally want to make the Staple dress soon. The pictures of you and K are so cute!
Thank you, Meghan! It’s funny, sometimes I have to wear my me-made clothes several times before I like them, and this might be one of those cases. The Staple dress is such a snappy, easy-to-wear dress, I think you’ll have a great time making it!
love them both! I wonder if you layered the plaid over jeans if it would feel more like you. that’s my favorite way to wear some of my dresses. you know, casual it up a bit.
Thanks Kristi! I wear jeans under my dresses sometimes too! I tend to do that with my shorter, loose dresses (I guess they’re all loose, ha!) and they do end up feeling more casual :-).
These dresses are both so cute. Try that pretty green jacket on with them!
Oh, I’ll have to give that a try! Thanks, Greta!
I love the silk one on you! I don’t think it looks too dressy…you could dress it up more, or down..depending on belt and shoes.
I love nani iro florals! I like the floral on you too…I say wear both. I’d love to see it in the linen!!
It feels so luxurious to wear silk so I associate the dress with special occasions, but I think you’re right that it doesn’t seem over-the-top dressy because of the plaid print. I can definitely see this dress at some fancy boutique. And I do think the floral may end up in regular rotation just because I like the length better and the shape seems to hold better with the cotton compared to the silk 🙂
p.s. i would totally wear k’s outfit..as far as the two patterns.. maybe with a smaller stripe. but i love it.
K’s outfit is awesome! Today, she wore a pinkish/purplish floral dress with an orange-y plaid tunic on top. I think she likes to combine pinks with citrus colors. 🙂
I think you look great in both dresses – especially the black one! I think the length is really flattering, but I know what you mean about that weird feeling when you are wearing something out of your comfort zone.
Thanks Traveler! You know, this was actually a good exercise I think. I really want to try more clothes outside of my normal loose, Japanese-inspired, and/or maternity-esque garments in the same old, same old fabrics just to get a better sense of what types of clothes and fabrics/prints really work with my body shape 🙂
Oh, I so much understand how you feel! For years I felt very uncertain about my body and looks and never wore skirts or dresses. I believed that people who told me I was beautiful were just trying to be kind. I was in my early thirties when I met that French guy with his big brown eyes who told me I was very beautiful. And I believed him. And since then I wear skirts and dresses and KNOW I am beautiful (and sure I married that man).
So, that was just a small introduction to tell you that I love those dresses on you! I very much like the white of the silk one on you and think that the floral one flatters you as well. They are indeed an other style than you usually wear, but they really suit you. I cannot agree more with M and K!
Oh, I loved reading this Heleen! It sounds like you found a gem of a man and it’s inspiring that you feel beautiful. I feel like we women tend to be so hard on ourselves, it’s refreshing to hear a confident declaration of beauty – LOVE IT. 🙂
I love the linen herringbone. It Will suit your fall wardrobe 🙂 with boots and legging :). I recently made it with Rober Kaufman chambray. I made high low hem and wore it out with my husband to a painting party. Sat in paint. Eeeek. So, I Chopped off the bottom and made tunic length. Soo versatile!!!
I think the floral pattern suits you well. Love your blog
The herringbone will be perfect for fall! And yikes, sitting on paint in a handmade dress is such a bummer! Glad that you were able to salvage it into a tunic — good move, Lisa! 🙂
I think the silk plaid dress is really lovely. But I have the same problem as you with florals- I see all these gorgeous prints and colours and they look hideous when I try them on. I think that the dress with the black and white wears you, rather than the other way around, so I agree with you. I have seen lots of other photos of you in things you’ve made and you look great. It’s just this particular print doesn’t do you any justice- it’s not you, it’s the material. Though that’s only my own personal opinion and I can see that others don’t agree!
Thank you Linda! What is it about floral? I love floral fabric and think Liberty is just divine, but I can’t seem to shake the feeling that all those flowers on me looks wrong…at any rate, glad to know I’m not the only one who feels that way 🙂
I love love love the black floral on you. The looseness you love in tops is “hidden” by the larger print, so I think it has a slimming effect in the bodice. The bold black/white combo keeps pulling my eye and makes your silhouette look wonderfully tall and proportional. Too bad you had to make it shorter in the skirt. Definitely looks like a more comfortable length when you’ve got it pulled down. Could you add a black band at the bottom to lengthen it?
I really don’t think that florals look “bad” on you. It seems like they’re out of your comfort zone and you’re not used to seeing yourself wearing them. I love how the black in the dress really makes your hair color pop. And seen via photographs, I think the black/white looks better with your complexion. You look particularly strong and healthy. It’s probably the lighting that makes you appear washed out when photographing the lighter colors.