Recognize this fabric?
How bout now?
The Pinkness
Yes, that’s right – this is the FAMOUS fabric that the amazing Oonaballona used in her Pink challenge for Project Sewn!!! 🙂
When I found out was the lucky recipient of “The Pinkness” I knew wanted to make something really special & I spent a lot of time thinking about it, and planning the perfect project to both express my own style & do homage to the great Oona’s fabric at the same time 🙂
After careful consideration I chose the Vanamo as my pattern: I adore clean, classic designs that show off great fit & fabric and I felt it would be the perfect way to let the fabric sing, and still be a silhouette that reflects my personal style.
I absolutely love the marriage of the clean, elegant design, and intricate textural brocade.
The fabric is a poly brocade from Mood; it has a great texture & colour, on both sides – I actually had a hard time deciding which side to use, but settled on the blue as I felt it would fit into my wardrobe better.
I am admittedly kinda fanatical about pressing, so as the fabric is polyester I knew it would be tough to get a good press but vital to a good result, so I researched pressing methods for poly & discovered vinegar water solution – I just sprayed it before pressing & it works a charm!
The downside of this lovely fabric is that it is SUPER fray-ey, so I serged every edge but the serged finish pulled away in some places so the insides are not perfect. Also the skirt insides are imperfect as post-sewing fit adjustments I made on the side seams (due to turn of cloth) meant that the facings no longer fit. Still, I’m very happy with the outside of the garment as I took extra care on the fit & finish.
*** I apologize for the lack of modelled photos: my hairstylist has been off sick for several weeks & I desperately need a cut! Will update with modelled shots when I get them ^_^ ***
I love the pattern’s covered zip detail & clean finishing. I love the curved hem at the front of the skirt as well; it’s a beautiful detail that elevates the classic pencil skirt to the next level. The pattern is an excellent draft; just my regular FBA & waist adjustment was all I needed on the bodice; it fit perfectly across the upper back without adjustment, even with the stiff fabric.
I also love that Named’s printed patterns don’t include seam allowance; I much prefer thread tracing seams & adding my own SA (FYI the PDF versions do include it) – for me I find thread tracing both satisfying (like romancing my fabric before getting into the serious sewing relationship lol) and much more accurate.
So I confess: I have had a HUGE crush on Named patterns & their sleek stylish aesthetic for some time; I’ve bought several and have them in the queue but this is my first I’ve sewn… next up is the Andy Coat; stay tuned! 🙂
October 16th, 2014 at 5:06 pm
This is killah! I just love it!
October 16th, 2014 at 7:25 pm
Thank you! ^_^ I promised I’d post some interesting prints & I didn’t want to disappoint ya! 😉
October 17th, 2014 at 3:33 am
You never disapoint!!
October 17th, 2014 at 8:48 am
Aw thanks Anne – you rock 🙂
October 17th, 2014 at 2:41 am
Looks amazing – great choice of pattern!
October 17th, 2014 at 6:35 am
Thanks Lizzy!! ^_^
October 17th, 2014 at 6:42 am
Gorgeous fabric, and perfect choice of pattern. *love*
October 17th, 2014 at 8:49 am
Thank you Tia!! 🙂 I know we share a similar aesthetic so if you like it I’m doing something right ^_^
October 17th, 2014 at 5:43 pm
What a lovely fabric, you chose a beautiful pattern to showcase it! This outfit looks really sophisticated and chic, where do you plan to wear such a fancy dress?
October 17th, 2014 at 6:41 pm
Thanks Annabelle! ^_^ Ah that’s the perpetual question isn’t it? lol – I don’t really know where I’ll wear it but it was one of those things that just HAD to be made – I viewed it as an art project that can be worn ^_^ If necessary, I’ll just MAKE an occasion for it! 🙂
October 18th, 2014 at 2:40 pm
Vavavoom! This is freaking sassy! I love it!
October 18th, 2014 at 10:48 pm
Yay! Thanks, Amanda! ^_^
October 19th, 2014 at 8:13 am
That’s come out beautifully! Hope we’ll see pics of it on you at some point.
October 19th, 2014 at 8:56 pm
Thanks Catherine!! Hoping to get some pics soon ^_^
October 22nd, 2014 at 9:59 am
Your outfit says, “I’m bad, I’m bold” and if you have the body for it…DO IT! Make an occasion and go out and get compliments and stares from envious males…yes, Amanda, you can do it!
October 23rd, 2014 at 11:55 am
haha Mrs M, you are too awesome – you’re a wild thing yourself aren’t you? 😉 I don’t know if I have the body for it but you can be the judge of that cause I’ll definitely at least rock it in photos for the blog! ^_^
January 29th, 2015 at 11:24 pm
This is lovely, isn’t it. I should love to see it on you. What do you wear it with? Also i so like the underside of these brocades, so thanks for showing it. And I too love thread tracing the seam lines. Makes me feel so secure…
January 30th, 2015 at 11:15 pm
Thank you! 🙂 You know, it’s kind of odd, maybe, but this was one of those projects I was excited to make for its own sake rather than for a specific occasion – thus, I have not actually WORN it yet lol but I definitely WANT to – it’s just a matter of figuring out where to lol. I had a tough time deciding what side to use actually cause the “wrong” side is just as pretty as the right ^_^ Thread tracing is so zen isn’t it? 🙂
February 27th, 2015 at 2:52 pm
[…] did finally get the chance to wear the Vanamo skirt that I blogged about here – while it’s been fairly mild for winter (especially compared to the East coast!) it […]