Macaron

Pattern: Colette Patterns – Macaron

Fabric: Rosey, Cotton Gauze with white polka dots & Off-White cotton for contrast purchased from Hart’s fabric

Styled with: Shoes: Just Fab

Wear Again: You bet!

This was the second pattern from Colette’s that I ever remember seeing and immediately I wanted to make it! I am not sure why it took me so long to act on the urge except besides straight copying the white/blue sample from Colette’s I had a hard time finding fabric that I wanted to pair together.

However, when both Hart’s and Sew Colette 2.0 picked the same pattern for a sew-along in the same month – I had to get in on that and finally choose some fabric. Being the talented slacker that I am – I missed the deadline and this did not actually get sewn up until last month.

This is the perfect dress for work and I am sure I’ll make another in the near future.

Pattern Review:  I have to tell you there are a few moments when constructing this dress that I seriously thought to myself that this pattern and set of instructions were pure genius! (The pockets and sleeves for instance) and at least one instance (once again the pockets) that I was extremely nervous that I was reading the instructions correctly.

I did have an issue with the fit of the sleeves, but I am sure that is probably me and something I should have adjusted for – I am just not sure what and my Google searches were of no help. Basically when I put the bodice on the sleeve area was too tight to then pull the dress back up over my head without secondary party (read: husband) assisting me out of the dress. The funniest part about this issue is that I could get the dress on just fine on my own and that it felt and looked comfortable – it just didn’t want to come off. I finally went in and surged again around the armholes this time as close to the regular line of stitching as I could without going over it in hopes that I would open up the area some. This actually works and I can finally get the dress over my head on my own. Has anyone heard of this type of fit issue and what is it called?

Black Lily

Pattern: Colette Patterns – Lily

Fabric: Black Cotton Pique purchased from Denver Fabric

Styled with: Shoes: Poetic License purchased from Modcloth
Wear Again: YES! YES! YES! Maybe even make again!

This is actually my second version of the Lily dress. I made the first version a Lavender color during the Spring Palette Challenge 2012. However, I never really got around to taking pictures of it – even though I wear it quite frequently.

This version is no exception – and currently on high rotation in my closet! I love that I can pair it with everything and it is casual enough for work (when paired with a cardigan) but dressy enough for a date night out with my husband.

Pattern Review: While there are more pattern pieces than most beginner/easy patterns that is really the most time consuming or difficult thing about this pattern. The construction is straightforward and simple. I only needed my basic usual adjustments which was grading from a smaller size to a larger size and the fit is flattering and comfortable.

I could see this made up in a myriad of delightful colors! I am thinking of making a version with pocket and collar flap contrast as my next version. But first back to my goal of finishing the projects sitting in my wine crate….

SPC Item #2 - Cotton Candy Stripes

My second item for the Spring Palette Challenge is complete!  I chose a pink and white striped cotton and Colette's Hazel pattern.  I had purchased the fabric several months back with Colette's Ginger pattern in mind. I am glad I waited because this dress is so perfectly me!

Since the stripes are mostly going in other directions or gathered there isn't a real need to be too matchy - matchy with the stripes.  I didn't have enough fabric to make the bodice stripes horizontal but since they were cut on fold of the fabric - it does match up with the center of the skirt.
I am definitely going to be making another striped version of this dress and this time making sure I have some extra fabric to play with the striping a bit more.

I love the shaping/silhouette of this dress!  It is a simple sundress, but all of the shaping makes me feel extra girly and polished enough that I could throw on a cardigan and where this work.

The pattern was an absolute breeze to sew up and as usual the Colette pattern instructions were excellent.  This dress is not only a wear again, but a make again as well!

Next up in the SPC is the Yellow Polka Dot Taffy Blouse with the Yellow Iris shorts.

Mint Truffle

Pictured above is the third garment (March - I am a little late) in the Sew Colette Sew Along and the first finished garment of the Spring/Summer Palette Challenge.  I blogged about my plan for the SPC here.

I absolutely love the way this dress came together!  For the fabric I used a soft, light weight cotton I bought while on a trip to Portland.  I wish you could see the detail in the pictures.  It is a beautiful mint green with white polka dots!  It is fairly sheer so I had to line the dress in a white cotton batiste.  This was my first time completely lining a dress and since the pattern didn't call for it - I followed the instructions for lining the bodice and sort of winged how to add in the skirt portion.  The instructions for this dress are so simple and easy to follow!

The dress feels great on and is going to be a favorite - I can tell already. I did notice after the pictures the straps are a little loose on my shoulders and there is some gaping in the back bodice.  Do any of you more experienced people know what the fit problem might be?  Maybe I need to do an SBA, but would that affect the room in the back or just the fit for the front?  I am finally at the point in my sewing that things like this are starting to become noticeable.  I guess it is time to find some good fit resources.

Next up for the Spring/Summer Challenge the Pink and White striped Hazel Dress!