Vogue 1341
I see that Fabric Mart has just released the next pattern challenge to their readers---a Little Black Dress!
More about that in a minute but first I want to give a huge thanks to the many of you who have written and spoke to me about your regrets at my being "sent home" from the FM contest. Your comments have really overwhelmed me with your kindness.
I should explain to you that the winners and losers are picked not just by popular vote but by their own team of judges (it says so right on their site). They indicated to me that my loss was because of using so much extra fabric in addition to the 3 pieces in their "bundle". I DO think this is completely fair since the other contestants made such smashing outfits using just the fabrics that were in their bundle. I knew I was taking a huge chance when I did it, but after the vision came to me of adding black and making a dress and coat, I couldn't NOT do it. I wouldn't change a thing if we had "do-overs" because once I had it pictured in my head it wouldn't go away! Probably many of you know the kind of "vision" I am talking about.
Also, Fabric Mart gave me my "Go Home" notice in a completely CLASSY way---adding many compliments about my creativity, style and attitude. You that are bosses know how much better rejections go down with the rejectee when a little sweetner is added in!
When I first learned of the LBD challenge on Monday I was elated because I really need dresses and have some great Vogue patterns that I wanted to use before the new ones come out. So I went to my stash and pulled out 5 or 6 black or navy fabrics and chose some untried patterns to go with each. At the time I wished I had time to make all of them------well, guess what: NOW I DO!!!
So I will be blogging about several different "LBD"s as I make them up. The first is Vogue 1341 which is an amazing pattern. It has one humongous piece and 3 smaller ones, none of which look like a dress! It was a challenging puzzle to get it all together and who knows how to go about changing the fitting. What fun it was when I finally got it all together and it looked like a dress! Best of all, now that I'm not doing it for the contest I could take the time to crochet just the right scarf to go with it. Yes, I am still doing to self-challenge to make 30 knit or crocheted items and sew outfits to go with them---this is #12.
So stay tuned for more "Little Black Dresses"
Peggy, what a lovely post! You are such a classy lady.
ReplyDeleteThat dress looks really great! Based on our phone call, I didn't know it was going to look so good! And that scarf goes with it beautifully. You have some catching up to do, knit/crochet-wise. :D
You always interpret "conventional" patterns in such a creative and unique way. Would never have thought about using this pattern for my shape and then you go and make such an awesome version. Thanks for helping me to think outside of the box.
ReplyDeleteAlso, thanks for letting us know the comments made on your last offering for the contest. It was an amazing combo but like the real Project Runway there always comes a point in the contest when good creative people start to go home since there can only be one winner!
I'm just glad that you enjoyed the contest and the challenges...have ended up with some amazing new pieces...and now have time to engage in your other creative endeavors!
I concur with all the praise for your interesting and true-to-yourself contest entries. Pooh, too bad. However, I must say that this dress is fabulous; very becoming to you, and looks a million times better, and more wearable than on the model. How astute of you to see the potential. Keep on, you admirable craftswoman! You must be a VERY fast knitter/crocheter.
ReplyDeleteLove this dress and scarf combo.. Also loved all your entries - each one was so unique!
ReplyDeleteThat dress and the scarf are totally elegant! That pattern was incomprehensible to me on the Vogue catalog - brava for making it, and making it look so cool!
ReplyDeleteThank you also for telling us what the judging team told you. It helps to understand their thinking. I thought your "bundle" look was simply fabulous, full of your personality and style, and ambitious to boot! Now I'll look forward to the parade of LBD's from you!
I too am a fan of your last entry. Now I can see why the judges made their decision (thanks for explaining why with such grace) but bravo to you for making something so awesome and with great style that I'm sure you'll enjoy wearing. I would have been lost with the fabric choices they sent. Can't wait to hear more about Vogue 1341, it has been on my hmmm list.
ReplyDeleteHurray to FM for being so classy in delivering "bad news." That LBD is marvelous! You look great in it, and teh scarf is the perfect final touch. Keep on keeping on. I so enjoy seeing/admiring your creative work.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy you are continuing on -- I look forward to seeing each of your LBD's. And it is true -- you have ended up with some great pieces to wear!
ReplyDeleteGreat dress, and your scarf absolutely enhances it! I'm glad to know a bit more of how and why FabricMart made their decison, so thanks for that.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the info on why you were eliminated. Sounds fair but still a shame. On the bright side you now will have more time for these LBD's. Great start with this one.
ReplyDeleteOh well! Now you can sew what you really want to sew and not what you have to sew.I love this dress on you!Very classy!
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ReplyDeleteI love this dress and how you interpret patterns so creatively to make uniquely "you" designs. I can't wait to see more of your dresses and beautiful scarves. I think I'll put a LBD on my sewing list. Can you believe that I don't have one? I'm just too in to color and don't do many blacks or neutrals.
ReplyDeleteBravo -- Great dress!
ReplyDeleteThere's something to be said about not having to deal with the pressures of a competition, and Teddy Roosevelt said it: Comparison is the thief of joy.
I love it!
ReplyDeleteYour version looks much better than the one on the pattern envelope!
ReplyDeleteI am in the process of making this dress. I am an advanced sewer, yet I am having trouble figuring out how to put the pieces together when it comes to the armholes. Even though I marked everything carefully, with a fabric that is the same on both sides (which I also marked with tape), it's a tad tricky putting together when you can't see it actually looking like a dress as you go!! I should have marked the armholes with Left and Right!!
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