Three weeks ago, in a moment of confusion, while browsing through Pattern Review, I signed up for my first ever contest: the Ready-to-Wear (RTW) Contest. You see, for my spring SWAP I had planned to make my poorman's version of one of those dreamy drapey Alexander McQueen's houndstooth dresses from 2009, so I figured, "Why not?". Two minutes later, with my heart still pounding in my chest I was sure my procrastinating and contrarian natures would take over and I would sew anything but. Miraculously though, the contest actually had its desired effect and I was super motivated. I even got the dress (my version is two-piece) and an additional black skirt done in time! Here is the official photo for the PR contest. I am the one on the left, obviously and not the creature with the ghostly pallor... (ahem!).
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| Me and my McQueen, Paco Peralta draped top and Burda 01-2009-112 skirt |
Anyway, the top half is Paco Peralta's draped top which sewed like a dream. What a nicely drafted pattern. Even though I made a muslin I was finished in no time, with only three pieces. My fabric is heavier and less drapey than Paco recommends, but still the top falls very nicely. Here is my review for Paco's pattern in PR. I did insert the back zipper, but it wasn't necessary and I plan to omit it from now on because yes, I am definitely planning to make this top again.
Plus look how versatile Paco's top is, with so many ways to wear that neckline:
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| Paco Peralta's draped top, my favorite neckline variations |
The skirt is Burda's 01-2009-112. For my houndstooth version I made the pocket flaps 1/2" bigger all around than the pattern calls for, echoing the bigger flaps in the real McQueen dress. Indeed I found that they were needed to bring some balance to the huge area of on-grain houndstooth pattern. Here is my review of the skirt in PR.
I liked the pattern of the Burda skirt so much that I decided to make the black skirt from my Spring SWAP also with this pattern. This time I left the pocket flaps out, I pegged it more and I added a kick pleat at back. Here is my review for the black skirt in PR. One of the reasons I always planned to make my version of the McQueen dress a two-piece is that I knew I would want to break up so much houndstooth. Here is the top with the black skirt. This is most likely how I will wear it to work: tucked in. Heresy?
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| Paco Peralta draped top and Burda 01-2009-112 skirt in black twill |
Conclusion, this contest gave me soooo much energy that I think I might just enter another one. Thank you Pattern Review for being my catalyst! I have a couple of free days coming up and I was thinking of sewing up Donna Karan's Vogue 1250 anyway, so... why not join PR's The Best Pattern Contest? Why not indeed....
Lovely top, I really like all the ways you have styled it.
ReplyDeleteHi Lucia. I love the look of your blouse. Very funny all the reviews on the neckline. Thank you very much for choosing my design, really you did a nice job. Cheers !!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I like this! So versatile....
ReplyDeleteoh my gosh I love this outfit. what great variations. Fantastic !!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love your neckline variations! I will give it a go when I wear the blouse again. Did you use a brooch in all instances? I am curious about the top one, third from your right. The skirt is also gorgeous
ReplyDeleteHola Silvia, thanks for your comment on my draped top and skirt! Before I sewed my top I did a search and I remember seeing yours and loving the color, gorgeous blue! Plus it matches your eyes :-) As for the neckline variations, yes, I used brooches to keep them all in place. For the photo it is easy enough to just sit perfectly still but when wearing them for real the blouse moves too much without a brooch. For the one you liked (top right corner) I actually used a pair of earrings, since I wanted them to match and I don’t have two identical brooches. That is why they are too small to be visible in the photo. I have to say that my fabric is a heavier wool blend, so it doesn’t get permanent marks from a brooch. I am not sure if your beautiful silk would be ok after too much pinning… once I went to a conference where they used magnetic snaps for the name cards, perhaps a solution like that but with a pretty brooch would work better for your silk?
Deleteyou must be my twin. I have an armour and a linen closet filled with my favorite fabric and the rest in a bin. I have 3 hobbies and just gave up a 4th to start making clothes from my stash. So far, made one and it came out poorly and since I made it from remnant material, it went in the trash. Now working on shirt #2 which came out way too big in the neckline. I am now gathering the neckline and adding a bias cut bans. If it turns out, garment #1 from stah will be made. About 100plus to go! Elizabeth Cait
ReplyDelete:-) Take heart Elizabeth! I do notice myself getting better with every garment I make, so I am sure you will get better too. Once you start wearing what you made you will get compliments when you least expect it, and that will give you lots of energy to keep on going. Good luck!
DeleteI Love your outfit. That Paco top is great and the Burda skirt fits you so well.
ReplyDeleteI too am sewing from my stash as fast as I can so I can buy more. It's a sickness I swear.
Thanks Diana, for your kind comment and for introducing me to your blogs, they are great! It is so inspiring to see how prolific you are and that you share your tricks and techniques with those of us just starting out. Back to fabric stashing... I agree it is a sickness, but one I do enjoy!! :-)
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