When I went to Style Fabrics in Kingston on Sunday to drop off the Elna for repair, I of course took a look at the fabrics. Most of the fabrics were cotton and were obviously aimed at a client base based more on quilters than garment-sewers. This does not surprise me as it seems to be typical in this area.
However there was one small section with some evening fabrics, which was dominated at this time of year by fabrics aimed at holiday outfits. On one wall we saw a couple of silk and rayon velvets which were very nice. They were fairly lightweight but with a nice soft hand. A deep gray caught my eye first, but then I a saw a deep plum colored velvet, a little darker than a damson plum. It was lovely.
It has been on my mind ever since.
I thought of a dress, but what dress?
The velvet dress from the November Burda world of fashion immediately came to mind. I love the seaming on this dress and the godets, but I have major doubts about whether I can wear it. I almost wrote a post about this dress. You see, I have scoliosis (I have written about this before) and I am asymmetrical. I always fear that the diagonal seaming on a dress like this will accent my own asymmetricalities and make me look even more crooked. When I have tried garments on in the store this has been my experience, but it could also be a fitting issue, and it is possible that a well fitting garment might not have this effect. But I haven’t had the heart to try.
Or it is possible that the slope of the cuts could go the opposite direction. Why do these garments usually seem to go from left to right? not right to left? There must be a reason,
Either way it is irrelevant. I cannot picture the velvet I saw in this dress, I wanted something simple but with a little interest in the bodice.
Then when I was looking though the pattern stash, in an attempt at making headway with organization, I noticed this pattern:
This has the requisite detail at the top and looks very simple and elegant. The pattern is OOP from 2000 and I haven’t made it, but I have always thought I might.
I wonder if it would work in velvet, I think it calls for silk crepe.
I might have to buy the velvet just to drape it and see what I think.
No decision yet, I have at least another week, probably 10 days, before the machine will be ready. If the fabric is still there it was obviously meant to be.
What do you think?
Comments
12 responses to “Purple Velvet”
The Oscar de la Renta looks like a truly timeless style, and as long as the velvet isn’t too heavy, it should be stunning. The neckline also looks like it would make a perfect frame for the right kind of pendant.
The Oscar de la Renta looks like a truly timeless style, and as long as the velvet isn’t too heavy, it should be stunning. The neckline also looks like it would make a perfect frame for the right kind of pendant.
I think that the Oscar de la Renta would be really nice in velvet – the neckline draping would likely be less sharp and more drapey, if that makes sense, which would probably be more flattering for a ‘real’ figure anyway.
I think that the Oscar de la Renta would be really nice in velvet – the neckline draping would likely be less sharp and more drapey, if that makes sense, which would probably be more flattering for a ‘real’ figure anyway.
Why do the asymmetrical dresses usually swoop from the L to the R? Why are side slits usually on the L side? Maybe because the side zippers usually go on the L side?
You can always reverse the pattern. I like the Burda better.
Why do the asymmetrical dresses usually swoop from the L to the R? Why are side slits usually on the L side? Maybe because the side zippers usually go on the L side?
You can always reverse the pattern. I like the Burda better.
I think the left is just the traditional side for slits in skirts, wearing pins, etc. Kenneth King says if you have (for example) uneven shoulders, always put the interest on the low side. I have begun wearing pins, etc. on the right, and it does seem to make a difference. So, I think you could just lay out the dress so that the pieces are upside down, and have your angles running the way you prefer. I love that dress too, but I didn’t care for the short sleeves, so didn’t put it on the list.
I like the de la Renta very much, and it would be lovely in velvet. Do you like waistline seams? It seems that it might be a focal point in the design.
I think the left is just the traditional side for slits in skirts, wearing pins, etc. Kenneth King says if you have (for example) uneven shoulders, always put the interest on the low side. I have begun wearing pins, etc. on the right, and it does seem to make a difference. So, I think you could just lay out the dress so that the pieces are upside down, and have your angles running the way you prefer. I love that dress too, but I didn’t care for the short sleeves, so didn’t put it on the list.
I like the de la Renta very much, and it would be lovely in velvet. Do you like waistline seams? It seems that it might be a focal point in the design.
I am leaning toward the Oscar de la Renta, at least for this dress. I don’t like the short sleeves on the Burda either, and I will mirror-image the angled cuts, but I think I might not do it in velvet. I just can’t imagine myself in that dress in velvet with short sleeves, but I otherwise love the pattern and have to do something with it or inspired by it.
I am leaning toward the Oscar de la Renta, at least for this dress. I don’t like the short sleeves on the Burda either, and I will mirror-image the angled cuts, but I think I might not do it in velvet. I just can’t imagine myself in that dress in velvet with short sleeves, but I otherwise love the pattern and have to do something with it or inspired by it.
Could I please find out what number this pattern is? Sadly, I can’t seem to magic up any information on it, and I love that neckline!
Thank you!
Could I please find out what number this pattern is? Sadly, I can’t seem to magic up any information on it, and I love that neckline!
Thank you!