11 April 2009

Spring Fling

I have officially decided to shut down the winter sewing. I am dying to transition into spring sewing - the lighter (in weight and colour) fabrics are calling loudly to me from the stash cupboard. Although the weather here is still chilly, I can't help but dream of warmer days. The patterns most firmly demanding my attention are the skirts and dresses, so that is where I will begin. I have several vintage and modern dress patterns that have been on the the to-do pile for far too long - it's well past time to let them see the light of day!

As well, Prom is coming up and I need a new dress to wear. Well, I don't actually need a new dress, but I really want a new dress, so a new dress I shall have! I am leaning toward Vogue 1043 in a gorgeous black and white floral shantung purchased from Fashionista Fabrics around this time last year.
















I am also very enamored with Vogue 2960, which I originally had plans to make ages ago. I have another fabric, a silk pique, from Fashionista Fabrics that would be smashing with this pattern.
















Right now, I am not sure which to choose, so I think I will make a muslin of both and then decide. However, a little input from my readers is always helpful. So folks, which one should I make for Prom?

19 comments:

Maggie said...

Shannon, both would look great on you..full skirt, nipped in waist etc. (I remember some of your dresses from a couple of years ago!) 2960 caught my eye too, but I really didn't have an ocasion on the horizon. The pleated skirt is a good feature for a sturdier fabric. The low back is striking too. 1041 is much more sedate- although the boat neckline detail gives it a nice feel. The skirt is flared rather than pleated like 2960, so it won't bow out as much. The under bust detail on 2960 is nice... I say make them both- You can always wear the black and white number to a more sedate event than Prom! If you don't have time for that, I vote for the pique 2960.
Marguerite

CarlaF said...

I like 2960. It just looks festive.
CarlaF-in Atlannta

Unknown said...

Tough call! I like the black/white fabric with either dress, you really can't go wrong!

Summerset said...

Make the green and white one in the second pattern!

Unknown said...

I love both patterns. And I see you are getting good advice from some - others are being all Charlie Brown (like me.) I'll be watching to see what you end up with. g

Ann Made Studio said...

They are both great looking patterns but I like the 1043 in the black and white fabric :)

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

Oooooohhhh either one would be stunning on you! I have that black/white shantung and was just stroking it the other day!

Lisa said...

2960 gets my vote. Love that green/white fabric, it reeks spring party!

lsaspacey said...

My opinion goes to 2960, because I would be perfectly comfortable wearing the first one to work; I don't see it as a dress-up dress. But I supposed a lot of people would just because of the full skirt. Either will be beautiful though and you can always use shoes and jewelry to dress up the first design.

Nikki said...

Oh - I'm in love with BOTH!! 2960 is a certain show-stopper-drop-dead-gorgeous number (which I'd wear to work, too...) and 1043 is a little more understated in its elegance.....

I'll look forward to seeing what you decide... and I'm off to look for those patterns!

Chris said...

They are all very pretty but I go for 1043 in the green fabric.

Vicki said...

Both are very similar in look but the bodice of V2960 is much prettier I think.

Judy said...

I'm weighing in on the 1043 in the black and white fabric. It's interesting neckline detail and somewhat simpler silhouette seems more sophisticated and elegant to me. I think the 2960 will be wonderful fun, too, but 1043 for the prom!

Nancy K said...

I love the second dress. I have the black and white fabric, so I am partial to using it for the second dress, but the green would look lovely on you too. The second dress seems dressier to me.

gwensews said...

Choices! Either will be stunning. Make both.

BTW, after reading your posts and the comments about nails-I am now taking Biotin, and rubbing Jojoba oil into my fingernails. I also purchased some really cool Sally Hansen nail colors, waiting for my nails to grow out a bit. I'll let you know if the treatment works.

MicheeRose said...

Be aware that in 2960, the neckline is *very* wide. I made that dress (well...with a circle rather than pleated skirt; I had limited material on hand) for Easter last year; the shoulders almost fell off! The back is also quite low--I raised mine by a couple of inches and still almost showed my bra band.
It's a cute dress and goes together quickly, just be aware of fit. :-)
I vote for the 2960. It seems a little more party-like

Miasews said...

I love the black and white fabric!

Mardel said...

Oh I love both of them so much that I'll just wait and see.

Nancy Winningham said...

These are both totally you. I love your fabrics as well.