Just as I was making some good progress depleting my stash, a new shipment of stash-to-be shows up. And that means more rambling about sewing to you guys, instead of actually sewing! I received a couple of basics, but they’re not so photogenic in their unsewn state so they won’t be making an appearance in this entry. I would, however, like to introduce you to 3.5 yards of cotton and silk blend poplin in the perfect shade of teal blue:
I don’t think your monitor can properly convey the luxurious, jealousy-inducing qualities of this fabric. Trust me, if you were here now, we’d be tugging at both ends of it, screaming very unladylike things at each other. It’s not shiny like charmeuse, although it looks shiny in the photo. Instead it’s glowy like a sandwashed silk but without the dusty haze. It doesn’t reflect light; it gives off light. Well, not really but it sure looks like it. And the color is intense without being bright- my favorite kind of color to wear.
I had the poplin earmarked for Simplicity 2497, the lovely Cynthia Rowley pattern above. And then when I saw the fabric, I had a pang of doubt. Not because it isn’t a wonderful match for the pattern, but rather because the pattern is just so trendy. The cinched paper bag silhouette, the frothy ruffle on the neck, it’s all very this moment. But this is long-term-relationship, wear-it-for-years fabric. So I pondered, should I make a more classic dress from it? Perhaps a slim shirt with sharp collar and French cuffs to be paired with wool trousers for work? And so I agonized- go with a classic design that would maximize my time with this lovely fabric, or bite the bullet and make a cute dress for now? And then it dawned on me, like a bolt of selfish lightning: MAKE THE DRESS AND BUY MORE OF THE FABRIC. Sometimes the Selfish Seamstress surprises even herself with her cleverness and problem-solving skills.
(Ok, fine, since you’re looking at me with those envious eyes, I’ll tell you. The fabric is from Fabric.com, but don’t buy it all up or I will cut you. It won’t be the first time that the Selfish Seamstress has resorted to violence where fabric is involved.)
And next up, the Vera Wang brocade that I mentioned in a recent post:
Well, it certainly is intense and exudes vintage luxury. It has a satiny face and when I pleat it in my hands, it’s simply decadent. It does also, as some readers commented, bear a strong resemblance to curtains. But the kind of curtains that would make me think, “Ooh, those curtains would make a pretty dress.” I’m still pondering the Vogue 1117 Michael Kors pattern for it, but the stiffness of the fabric (like a heavy taffeta) is also making me think I should opt for something with a little bit more architecture to the skirt.
Anyway, that’s what turned up here at Chez Selfish yesterday. If you’re feeling sick with envy, I can’t blame you. The best way to get over it is to acquire some pretty things yourself and then start a blog so you can brag about them to other people. Such is the way of the truly Selfish Seamstress.
7 comments
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November 4, 2009 at 2:35 am
senaSews
Nice fabrics. I love the teal color for you. And to be honest i personally wouldn’t go for the Cynthia Rowley dress. Why? One point is the longterm relationship you’re intending and the other point is the all-day wearability of such a dress.
November 4, 2009 at 6:31 am
Melissa
that Vera Wang brocade is delicious! I can’t wait to see what you make with it.
November 4, 2009 at 8:07 am
spottedroo
The teal silk cotton is yummy. Not helping me break my stash habit.
November 4, 2009 at 10:49 am
Angela
I love the fabric!! It is making me jealous! I’m trying to stick to my stash since I have so much!
November 4, 2009 at 11:39 am
Jewelia14
Love the teal fabric, and really love the idea of slim fit shirt with french cuffs. I have the perfect pair of pants for that outfit. :)
November 4, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Bec
I have some extremely similar fabric, and I’m going to make a more classic dress with it (someday); something with a full skirt…or maybe something with a sweetheart neckline, a long skirt, and a risque slit. ;) Personally, I wouldn’t go with the Cynthia Rowley dress for it, it just doesn’t seem to be the perfect match for that pattern, but I’m sure that it would look just fine if you’ve got your heart set on it.
November 6, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Jessica
I came across this bag on etsy today and it made me think of this post. I feel as though the Selfish Seamstress should have a bag like this for fabric shopping. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33957121&ref=em