So, I've been poncing about in rectangles of fabric again... calling them clothes....
This idea (which is based on a Pattern Magic 3 idea)...
...got me thinking about dresses.
And in usual fashion, this is the toile (muslin) for the idea, made in fabric that I bought for $1 per metre (although it's actually ex-(swanky)-designer fabric).
I tried it in the double-sided knit that I bought at Addicted To Fabric, but I didn't have quite enough to get the right drapey effect.... and I didn't photograph it. It'll be recycled into something fabulous, at a later date...as is the way of things not-quite-right around here....
..and I'm wearing the toile.
Since it's actually winter here, this dress has only seen the light of day under this wrap cardigan... and usually a scarf and coat on top of that. Shame... I quite like the toga effect, and nobody sees it.
There was much knitting of green cotton yarn to make a dress-length version like the knitted top in the photo up there... but it all ended in tears (and the undoing of nearly 3 metres of machine knitted fabric). One dropped stitch..... I won't dwell on it... But I haven't had the heart to start again yet.
I'll be playing with more pattern-free design over the next few weeks, in preparation for my Pattern-Free Garment workshop at GJ's fabrics at the end on the month and for my 4-day workshop extravaganza scheduled for Grampians Texture next year. Gosh, I may even get around to blogging it.
I'm fully aware that this particular style isn't for everyone, and I want to assure you that there are many, many other options for pattern-free stylin'... It's all about working with the fabric around your own shape, making designs that fit and flatter, and you can make skirts, tops, dresses, jackets and wraps. It's quite endless, once you get a feel for it, and it's LOADS of fun.
7 comments:
Love this on you Nikki. Anna
you always look ertyferty in everything ;-)
perhaps you can do a photoshoot with some different sizes and shapes of person to prove your point - not that *I* don't believe you, but you know, *somebody* out there might need proof :D
Ms Penguin... I'm hoping to remember to photograph more of what goes on in the classroom, with other shapes and sizes of bodies. In the past, I've forgotten to do this, so have no photographic evidence.
Around my studio, I only have my body to work with, so all the designs are pixie-size and shape.
Ooh la la! I love it! It fits your body perfectly, but you are right, would not have the same appeal on mine. Still, I can attest to the fact that no pattern drapey goodness can be achieved for all sorts. I've just had to retire an old fave shift style no pattern dress I made ages ago.
Thanks for the inspiration to give it another go, wish I could be at the class!
Hugs
Glad you're having fun :o)
Gorgeous as always, and yes, I do need to bite the bullet and give this a go! (I even got out your book a couple of weeks ago to spur me on to try pattern free tunic) You've seen the size of my bust now, and I worry that I wouldn't be able to buy fabric wide enough! Yes, I'm still living in Procrastination City......
PS. It was one of the highlights of my holiday to finally meet you! Even better than the trip to Bendigo.
This is fantastic!
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