That lovely stack of fabrics is still sitting on my cutting table waiting to be made, well except for the four fabrics that still need to be pressed. I have been occupied with other things, like visiting with an old friend, and wiling away the hours in idle pursuits with my sweetie.
The August Vogue and Bazaar magazines came on Friday, and of course, Vogue patterns went on sale as well, so I have also been occupying myself dreaming of fall. I know perfectly well that I haven't even started my summer sewing: not the things I have thought about sewing this summer, plus the many collections of things that I have posted here and planned for previous summers. Those things are all in my dreams, and plans.
But this weekend I have been thinking about fall. It has struck me that just as I am settling into this retired life, and beginning to really come to terms with my more casual wardrobe needs, the patterns I am lusting after are anything but casual. But sew (and wear) what you love has always been my motto.
I haven't really thought about inspirations from the magazines yet, I am still just perusing them and thinking about possibilities. This photo however really captured my attention, not because I particularly want to copy the coat (I don't) but because the shape and lines of the blanket portion of the coat caught my eye. It reminded me of a piece of plaid mohair I have had in my stash for years. I still adore the fabric, but my original plans seem so dated to me now, and I have not quite been able to figure out what to do with the fabric. This photo reminded me to look at different shapes and cuts, and try to think about the fabric in a different way. It may just be the kind of inspiration I need.
Somehow while thoughts of plaids were running around in the back of my head, my eyes fell on another piece of fabric which was sitting on the shelf. I pulled it out last winter, wanting to make it up, but again, my original thoughts no longer seem right. And then it occurred to me that instead of a suit jacket it could be a coat.
The more I thought about it the more the idea of a coat really appealed. I can see this fabric over several pieces of fabric I have in my stash, as well as with several pieces that are in my closet.
Of course the first idea that popped into my head was that I could use it for this fabulous Donna Karan coat pattern. Of course it is not quite the same kind of fabric as the original. As I think about it further I am thinking the fabric might be a little too heavy, or the pattern might be unsuitable. I really have to think about it further, but I am thinking a coat or coat-like jacket might be the way to go. The pattern is on its way to me anyway and I am sure I will eventually make it up, even if this doesn't work. I had ordered the pattern before I thought of this particular fabric anyway. And its not like I don't have other coats in the works (oh please don't remind me).
Anyway, here are the other patterns I bought:
Great selection. Although I'm amazed at how organized you are about your pattern stash. All of mine just reside in boxes and I flip through them. LOL.
The Tomatsu - 2nd row far right - LOVE that pattern. It's the basis for my pencil skirt pattern - and is very well drafted and nice shape. I just put the CF on the fold and have moved the seam and the walking slit to the CB seam.
I bought that Michael Kors dress in the top row last weekend at Joanns too on the $3.99 sale. Time, I need time to sew. sigh.
Posted by: marji | September 12, 2009 at 09:59 AM
Hah, I bought the top 3 also, as well as another 7. Was limited to 10 at the Joanns sale.
Posted by: Elle | August 16, 2009 at 08:25 PM
I heart the Badgely Mischka. I have bought verrry few patterns this year so I haven't seen that design.
My 11-year-old budding fashionista says plaid is IN, honey.
Posted by: Roseana | July 21, 2009 at 08:15 PM
Vogue must have had an amazing weekend! I think the lowest amount of patterns I heard bought was 4 and the highest 16...with an average around 8 or 9! I bought many of the same ones that you did!
Posted by: Carolyn | July 20, 2009 at 06:14 PM
This Vogue had a bunch of really pretty outfits in it, I agree. :-)
I really like all the wonderful suits they included this fall! I don't wear anything dressy to work, but I'm tempted to buy the Tracy Reese & Badgley Mischka ones just for the jackets... I can wear those jeans on my commute at least.
And I love the collar on that Marcy Tilton one!!
Posted by: wendy | July 20, 2009 at 05:53 AM