Perfect Parcel Post #3 – Sanae Ishida

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.