View B in a printed silk crepe d'chine that I dyed red.
Well........ it's finally here! My latest pattern the Tea House Top And Dress is here! I can't believe it took this long but I'm so happy with it. This pattern had a long journey into fruition my friends and I want to thank everyone who encouraged me and helped make it happen. By the way, there is a 30% off all patterns in the shop sale going on now www.sewhouse7.com.
View F in a light weight cotton yarn dye - a left over from the Pendleton Portland Collection.
My friends, family and anyone who has read any of my blog posts or interviews knows that I have a habit of complaining about how long it takes to make a pattern happen but..... this one takes the cake. I was going to release it in the spring of 2015 but something about it wasn't quite right. I thought about just releasing it as a pdf download and not having it printed and I also thought about not doing it at all as I didn't finish it until so late in the season. Then I wore the samples to work (my other job) and I had so many compliments. This last winter a few of the test sewers who worked on it asked where it went and encouraged me to carry on with it. I've also had a lovely keyboard pal relationship with Kat of Muse patterns and she was my cheerleader encouraging me to put it out there. I also owe big thanks to Binny from Josephine's Dry Goods and Heather from Closet Case Files - more encouragement to release it. So after taking a long break from it, I was able to relook at it with fresh eyes and I worked out what was bothering me about it and now I have to say that it's my new favorite pattern in my collection.
View E in a light weight cotton yarn dye - a left over from the Pendleton Portland Collection.
One thing I love about it is that I find it looks so very different depending on what fabric is used. Every time I wore it to work made up in something different, everyone thought it was a completely different dress design. Dress versions B & C can look a bit vintage when sewn in a drapey rayon or silk fabric. Dress versions E & F can look more modern and minimalist when sewn in a solid cotton - I like something with some texture or a stripe. Speaking of stripes, I sewed a few of the samples in broken striped yarn dye fabrics and changed the stripe direction on the pocket, yokes and ties to add interest. I think using a contrasting print or fabric could be great too and I think I'll try that next with top version A for a 70's inspired look. Also, versions A, B, & C can be tied behind the back or double around and be tied in the front. Versions D, E & F can either tie the spaghetti tie in the front or tie in the back if someone doesn't want anything around the waist but wants a bit of waist definition.
View F in a light weight cotton yarn dye - a left over from the Pendleton Portland Collection.
I think this pattern is pretty easy as there are no closures to sew - no zippers, buttons or sleeves to set in. The most difficult part about it (something I still struggle with after years of sewing) is making the yoke facing look nice on the inside. It's really not difficult but rather takes patience and a lot of pinning and that's why I rated it for an advanced beginner.
View C in Robert Kaufman Chambray Union Worn (I believe - I've forgotten exactly as I purchased the fabric so long ago for something else).