I've been wanting to move my blog away from Blogspot for a while but could never be bothered to actually do it. This week was the tipping point though, and I've now fully migrated over to https://patsypoomakes.wordpress.com/ . The blogspot address will remain here but all new posts will only appear at https://patsypoomakes.wordpress.com/ . There are lots of reasons for the move but my biggest one is how hard Blogger has made it for people to subscribe to receive new posts via email. It's such a basic requirement but apparently, they think it's too much to offer. I'm basing this purely on how I myself prefer to consume this stuff. I can't be arsed with feed readers anymore and emails are easy and convenient. When I receive one, if I fancy reading it, I will click through to it and, if not, I'll just delete it. Another reason is the spat between Google (owners of Blogger) and Instagram/Facebook/Meta. I don't even know if this is still the case anymore
Hello!
Today I have the Colette Laurel to show you.
It's a simple shift dress, with elbow length sleeves, a zip closure in the back, bust and back darts. There is also a variation for a pullover top and another to add gathered cuffs on the sleeves.
I only gave myself 2 days to make this (no, it would appear I will never learn) and didn't have a zip to hand in the size I needed. So once I had it ready for the zip insertion I just basted the back seam closed and tried it on as a pullover dress. It worked perfectly and I ran with it.
The only problem I had was when I was setting in the sleeves. I HAD A MISERABLE TIME WITH IT!!! My gawd, there was a lot of swearing involved... There was SO MUCH FABRIC to ease into the armhole that I had to admit defeat and just let it gather slightly. It's not terrible. No muggles will notice it. Hell, even I don't notice it so I'm over it. But it was a bitch to sew! Now I want to try the top version and compare it with the dress to see if it's any different.
The fabric is a 100% cotton that I've had in my stash for about a year. It's almost like a fleur de lis pattern in grey, green and yellow - the best colours! When I chose to add the patch pockets I decided I was going to pattern match it and it worked. Just don't ask me to tell you how I did it because it was the first time I ever attempted it and I'm convinced that it was a massive fluke. But, hey, I'll take it! They look amazing. I'm also 100% happy with my reinforced triangle stitching in the top corners. So stupidly proud of my effort! Go, me!
Although I didn't even try to match the back seam - it never occurred to me - but the pattern is so busy that it isn't obvious. Plus, I don't think I'll ever be that anal about pattern matching. Unless it's going to be really, really noticeable. But maybe I'll change my mind when I finally work out how to do it properly and totally on purpose. :)
See you next time!