3 January 2009

Purple Haze

Let me state this right up front. I don't wear purple. I used to wear purple. But, then I stopped wearing purple. Why, you might ask? I don't know. So, it was time for some purple.

The skirt fabric is a wonderful RPL that looks like a tropical weight wool - it's heavy and drapey and spongey and gorgeous. It has a reddish brown background and flecks of purple throughout. The top fabric is a mottled copper/purple lace with a small amount of stretch. I bought both of these fabrics from Julie of Timmel Fabrics. Let me just take a moment to mourn the closing of this business. It was so nice to have a Canadian fabric supplier. The fabrics were wonderful and the customer service was exceptional. Paying in Canadian dollars and reasonable shipping costs were just an extra added bonus. I would say that a third of my sizable stash came from Timmel.

The skirt is made from a TNT skirt pattern, Simplicity 4599, that I have made at least half a dozen times (a couple of previous versions can be found here) and I am never disappointed. The skirt pattern does not call for a lining, but since this was to be a winter skirt, I added one. The lining adds warmth and it allows me to wear the skirt over tights with out worrying about the skirt catching on the tights when I walk. The lining is a silk brocade that I got in a bundle from Fabric Mart.


The top is New Look 6838 and it is another TNT pattern. I go for this pattern when I need a simple, clean top that lets the fabric shine. The lace is see-through so I underlined it with a brown knit.


I'm glad I rediscovered purple because I really like this outfit. It is comfortable, yet appropriate for work.

16 comments:

Ann Made Studio said...

What a great looking outfit. I like purple too and have re-discovered this color myself this year(2008):)

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

Oh Shannon what a great outfit! And I totally understand about Timmel Fabrics - even though I don't have near as much as you do, I miss Julie's site too!

Berry said...

I so understand this skirt pattern is one of your basic, it always comes out lovely. Congrats from a purple lover!

Lisette M said...

Another lovely outfit. You reminded me that I have the New Look pattern, I only made it once (the v-neck) and I loved it.

Maggie said...

Yipee, you're back! I love seeing all your projects...and I drooled over your Jackie O collection as you know. Have our neighbors to the North been following the Michelle Obama fashion story as it unfolds? She is a fashionista in her own right, and often wears designer dresses, so we are anxiously awaiting the inauguration outfits!!!
Marguerite
PS I too miss the Timmel site and Julie very much. She was one of a kind.

Unknown said...

Yes it is very sad about Julie closing. I hope she's enjoying her grandkids more.

Love the skirt and the lace top. That is a great skirt and since I discovered lining - it makes things so much nicer and adds a little luxury - no? g

Leslie said...

That is a great color for you Shannon, glad to see it made up!! Now that I see it, I think I have that pattern, hmm...

Nancy K said...

Great colors and a terrific outfit.

Vicki said...

Nice! I bought a pair of purple shoes over the holidays - it seems to be the "in" colour.

Diana said...

Your outfitis lovely as always.
I never wore purple in my life ( of 60 years) until last spring and now I love it and have to have some more.
Have a good semester and make time to sew..

LauraLo said...

Lovely outfit, I'm a big fan of purple myself! I also love your black garments - the ones that you finished recently. I'm glad that you're back blogging and wish you a very happy 2009!

Teddylyn said...

What a great outfit. I don't ever even think of purple, but I love the shades you have chosen. The shirt especially appeals to me!

Happy New Year--so glad to see you back and sewing!

Lynda in LV

Tany said...

Congratulations on another beautiful outfit! I like purple a lot and lately I'm missing it in my wardrobe too.

Audrey said...

I am glad to see your sewing mojo has returned, though after sewing up 96 garments last year... whew ! you deserved a break. Lovely skirt and top. I'll bet purple looks great on you.

JustMeriMaat said...

For what it's worth, I LOVE purple. :)

denise@thebluegardenia.com said...

Absolutely luscious! The lining adds a real touch of luxury.