15 April 2008

Paterson Pattern - Part 2

In the last post, I showed you the Vogue 1050 skirt. The top that is included in this pattern has a very interesting sleeve and bodice treatment. Take a look at the envelope pictures below. In the front, the sleeve is cut in one with the bodice. In the back and under the arm, a separate sleeve piece is set in. In terms of the bodice, the back bodice pieces wrap from the back, under the arm and to the front. The back has a centred zipper, which allows the wearer to get in and out of the blouse.











A look at the section of the instructions describing the construction of the sleeve and bodice is worth a gander.

The bodice is quite comfortable due to this unique construction - it fits fairly close to the body in front, but hangs longer and blouses out in the back. The bodice is also shorter in the front, which is good as the skirt has gathers along the waistband in front, so there is no top volume where there is already skirt volume. This is a very well thought out design.

The top, like the skirt was constructed with a sand coloured silk charmeuse underlining. The underlining gives the top just enough extra oomph to make it feel solid and not flimsy. I find that well made garments tend to have a certain weight to them that sets them apart from cheap RTW trash. I truly believe that the success of a garment starts with the inside - the underlining and the interfacing provides a foundation from which the garment hangs and it is this foundation which can make or break a piece.

Here is a picture of me wearing both the skirt and the top. As you can see, I'm channeling my inner Jackie Kennedy with the pearls and the sunglasses. All I need is a pillbox hat and a luncheon to attend!

When I'm wearing this outfit, I feel so proper and lady-like. A while back, in a fashion magazine, they were touting the return of structured dressing. Man, I hope it's true! I love this tailored, put-together, classic look. I just hope it doesn't make me look like an old fuddy-duddy!

Last, but not least, Carolyn, I'm there for ya, baby! I am almost done the composite photo showing all eleven SWAP garments. I will post it as soon as it's ready to go...

16 comments:

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

Okay, I am barely holding on waiting, waiting, waiting with bated breathe! *LOL* This outfit is a classic! And I'm loving the sunglasses and Jackie K pearls!!!

Vicki said...

You are too young to be an old fuddy duddy! Lovely outfit!

Alexandra said...

Awesome outfit! Definitely nothing fuddy-duddy about it.

Anonymous said...

You look great!
I agree with you about quality clothing vs. cheap clothing. It hangs better, wears better and IMO looks better.

Lisa

Anonymous said...

Shannon, just hop a jet to Hyannisport for lunch! You'll fit right in. Don't worry about looking like an old whatever...when you walk past anyone in this outfit, folks will stare and mummur, "Wow, who is THAT?" It reeks class!
Marguerite

Carol said...

Stunning outfit. No way does it look fuddy duddy or frumpy. The thing that I like to do when I am wearing clothes that I feel might look like that is to wear funky, outrageuosly coloured or daring underwear. That way I feel like I have a secret that no-one else knows. But you don't need to worry. Your clothes are stylish, well made and a perfect fit. That makes people wonder 'who is this amazing looking woman?'

Meg said...

I loooovvve this outfit. One can never going wrong channeling Jackie O. Whenever I wear white jeans and a dark t-shirt I say it's my Jackie O in Capri look.

Marji said...

What an incredibly interesting sleeve. Thanks for posting the guidesheet with the construction info.
Lovely suit - ;) and isn't the point to be channeling your inner Jackie?
;)

Summerset said...

Wow! You look fantastic! You have a sense of class and sophistication, certainly not fuddy-duddy and whole lot better than a lot of looks I see out and about.

Gwen said...

I have never seen a sleeve like that - very interesting. Was it difficult to assemble? As for the finished outfit - timeless and classic! :)

Lisette M said...

Wonderful outfit. Thanks for sharing the construction of the sleeve, it is these interesting designs that keeps sewing exciting and entertaining.

Anonymous said...

You'd have to be the coolest fuddy-duddy on the planet!

It's all gorgeous. I love the way you use such fabulous silks and wools, but everything looks very wearable, not too fancy, just fancy enough!

And I'm lovin the blue flowers too, they look like anemones?

I'm so glad for you that you finished on time after all your family stresses. Well done!

Cheers,
AJ

Tany said...

Awesome! Thank you so much for sharing the instructions for the sleeve!

You look very JK, beautiful and elegant!

Anonymous said...

Certainly not a fuddy-duddy in my book. Just pure first class. Thanks for sharing the info on the sleeve and the directions.

Patricia said...

Tailored, timeless, elegant. I agree with the non fuddy duddy crowd.

Anonymous said...

Well, you are certainly channeling your inner Jackie here! Really interesting design detail and as usual beautifully made.
Do you end up having to do a lot of grading on these vintage patterns or do you find them in your size? I'd also like to know when you sleep, you accomplish so much I am just in awe!
Looking forward to seeing the rest of your swap.