Knock Off

I dont know where I found this dress but I love it! I think it would be easy to knock off by using two patterns, One is a McCalls Jacket pattern which has the same exact bow collar and with a little tweaking you can adapt that and attach it to it simple sheath dress. Take a look

McCall 5530 for Collar

Vogue 8511 for Dress, I would split open the pattern at CF expand it and then gather it or pleat it to create the look and I would prob keep the princess seams on the pattern because it helps in the fitting process.

I would place an invisible zipper on the side so I would not have to worry about messing with the CB

Never Really Noticed

I never noticed this pattern before, but look at how nice this dress looks!

Vogue Pattern V7762 – Misses’ Dress. Semi-fitted, straight dress, below mid-knee, has side front pleats and back zipper slit. A: elbow length sleeves. B: long sleeves. C: longer than regular length, two-piece sleeves with slit shaped hemline and narrow hem. No provision made for above waist adjustment. $10.77

Not noly that but Vogue Fabrics carrys th efabric used for the Vogue Pattern magaizine..

A terrific solid knit that complements everything in this collection, “Angelou Raspberry” is a lusciously fluid matte jersey that’s certain to fly off our cutting tables! Due to limited yardage, please don’t delay…order yours today!

100% Polyester. Machine wash. 59″ wide. Priced per yard. As seen in Vogue Patterns Magazine October/November 2008 for Vogue Pattern #7762 – scroll down to order the pattern. $9.99 per yard

It would be just as fabu in a print:

Generously dappled with cloud-like blooms, assorted berries & curving stems, “Angelou Abstract” is an intriguing jersey print, indeed! With its soft hand & lovely drape, we suggest you whip up a chic wrap dress from this 100% rayon novelty! Due to limited supply, however, we urge you to order at your earliest convenience! (See also VF085-34 for brown/blue.)

100% Rayon. Hand wash, line dry. 58″ wide. Priced per yard. As seen in Vogue Patterns Magazine October/November 2008 for Vogue Pattern #8351. $10.99 per yard

You can always keep up to date with:

Get one year (six issues) of “Vogue Fabrics By Mail” delivered straight to your door.
Prices are for North America — international clients can choose their country from the drop down menu below.

  

Receive a new issue every other month. New catalogs are released in the beginnings of Jan., Mar., May., July., Sep., and Nov. Each issue has 54 fashion fabrics. Each 9 page issue is full of inpirational color coordinated fashion fabrics for wardrobe building. We make fabric shopping a breeze by providing recommendations on matching up your linings, threads, buttons, and patterns so that your package arrives ‘neddle ready’.

The $30.00 1 year membership cost includes the catalog, shipping (USPS – First Class), and handling.   This membership is shipped out international, and rates are higher for our International members due to increased shipping costs.

Great Buys! Fall is a comin’….

A loosely knitted delight, “Hannah Glimmer” features metallic filaments enmeshed in its fluffy, deep coral yarns. (See also VF081-14 for sea green.) Combining wool, acrylic & Lurex, this sweater knit could become enticing new tunics, cardigans & scarves! Imagine this as a loose over-blouse to top off a camisole of VF081-43 “Hannah Dupioni”.

Wool / Acrylic / Lurex. 50″ wide. Dry Clean. Priced per yard $9.99

Romantic Tweed” is perfectly “suited” for fitted jackets & straight skirts. Like wise, this marvelously textured, loosely woven suiting could become a chic 3⁄4 length coat to wear with everything depicted here! Wow!  Cotton/ rayon/ polyester blend. Dry clean. 57″ wide. $9.99 per yard. Line with Ambiance #902 “New Pink”.

Since “white” wool is a scarce commodity these days, we were thrilled when this woolen knit became available! Stitch a cozy cardigan with pearl buttons! Then, whip up a simple vented skirt with an elastic waistband. Above all, enjoy this classic, subtly ribbed sweater knit with our compliments!

100% Wool. 61″ wide. Dry Clean. Priced per yard $9.99

Tweeds

The centerpiece of this collection, “Galinda Glamour” is a textured tweed suiting extraordinaire! Tailor a trim jacket & skirt from this delightful melding of turquoise, aqua, black & white to effortlessly coordinate with everything else depicted here! Ooh la la!

55% Acrylic 36% Polyester 9% Rayon. Dry Clean. 59″ wide. $9.99 per yard. Line with Ambiance #721 “Blue Teal”.

Free McCall Pattern

Details

Make the Look!

OC by Oleg Cassini Belted Taffeta Dress

Using MCalls Pattern: 5525 You can easily create this hot little number! You can change the sleeves and make the fabric belt. If you are not comfy drafting the sleeves you can use the sleeves from Butterick 4985

Iridescent taffeta comes in beautiful colors for your special occasions. Tailor sheath dresses, ball gowns, princess seamed jackets and much more.

100% acetate. 60″ wide. Dry clean only. Priced per yard. $7.99

Saks Knock Off

A reader sent me the following comment:

Comment:

I love this thread on “making the look” and I love that you have featured Jcrew.  I love JCrew, but not their prices.   I have a question.  I really want to knock off this $345 Black Halo Jackie O dress:

front:

http://images.saksfifthavenue.com/images/products/04/789/8872/0478988721420/0478988721420_ASTL_375×500.jpg

 

back:

http://images.saksfifthavenue.com/images/products/04/789/8872/0478988721420/0478988721420_A1_275×275.jpg

 

Can you give me any suggestions for any patterns I might morph together? I have no idea how to come up with a pattern on my own.  I would be willing to try.  The front bodice is what looks the hardest to me.  Thanks.

 

(I dont have your blog Rachel, send it to me)

 

So in an effort to help her I sent her the following:

 

** Disclaimer: I am giving her what I would do, this may not be the “proper way” but it’s my way** I am going on the assumption that most of you have a knowledge of minor pattern alterations so if you are a real newbie to sewing you may not be able to follow along. I might make a video showing the process. *maybe* LOL

 

Here are the pics of the Dress she wants to knock off: If you go to the link you can see close ups of the bodice. Now I took a really close look and this is what I came up with.

 

Using Vogue 8146

 

Here is a sketch of the dress she wants to knock off:

Let’s Make the Look!

This dress is so fabulous! Let’s see what we can do. This is very similar to the dress I made using Vogue Pattern: V 8413 View D (listed below) The only differnces really are the covered button closure on the back of the dress instead of the zipper. Also this dress has pockets in the front. Easy enough to self draft without much of a headache at all. Let’s explore! Make this look for $25.00 instead of buying it for $180.00!!!

Here are the covered buttons on the back. I would keep the shaoe of the collar in the Vogue Pattern and simply do a button closure instead of the awful zipper. Or you can but in a Faux Buttonhole closure and do an invisible side zipper.

Now when I made my dress I used a wine color Double Knit Fabric for comfort and ease of wear since the dress is pretty close fitting. Here is a Double Knit you could use:

Double Knit has long been a traditional favorite bottom weight fabric. Great for skirts, suits, choir robes, tablecloths, and so much more. You can also use double knit as a affordable substitute for speaker cloth. 60″ wide. 100% Polyester. Machine Washable. $5.99 per yard.

Now by the look of this pattern envelope most of you would be turned off, it’s not the best Vogue Pattern Cover I have seen but I was able to look beyond that: Vogue 8413

Here is the dress I made using the DK fabric and Vogue 8413, Now just add the cuffs and your done!

Let’s say you need:

2.5 yards of DK = $14.97

1 Vogue Pattern = $3.99 (Wait for the Joann or Hancocks Sale!)

2 Pkg’s of Self Covering Buttons = $6.00

Total: $24.96

An Amazon Store: Sewing Related Only!!!!!

My Amazon Store! Hi Guys, I wanted to introduce you to my own personal Amazon Store!

What makes me different than the “amazon” you are use to, well let me tell you. First of all you no longer need to go on a manhunt to find books related to sewing, fashion design, pattern-making or anything else.

My store is fully loaded with all things sewing and design related. I have books covering, Patternmaking and Fitting, Sewing How -To’s, Couture Sewing, Fabric Manipulation, Shirtmaking, Tailoring, Linings, etc. ALL IN ONE PLACE!!!

The best thing however is that all the items in my store are all books, dvd’s, notions that I Own, have read, have used or have read about, so you will get hands on knowledge of what I think are really informative books. The store has a right side bar with many categories so please take you time and visit.

Enjoy!!!!

~Mimi

Dont Get the Look, Make the Look!

Let’s see how close we can come to “Making” the look!

Todays Make the Look: Original outfit by J.Crew

Let’s start with the Jacket: Vogue 1037

with minor additons this jacket can become the one in the picture below. I would start by making sure I used gold buttons and adding two patch pockets to the upper bodice.

We can make it super casual and easy to wear by using a Double Knit Like this:

Polyester Double Knit has long been a traditional favorite bottom-weight fabric. Great for skirts, suits and so much more. You can also use double knit as a affordable substitute for speaker cloth. 60″ wide. 100% Polyester. Machine Washable. $5.99 per yard.

Or we can kick it up a notch and use something like this:

With its fluffy, loosely-woven “face” & its more sedate, nubby tweed “back”, we trust you’ll adore this glamorous designer novelty as much as we do!

97% Wool, 3% Nylon. Dry Clean. 60″ wide. $19.99 per yard. Line with Ambiance #282 “Port Wine”.
$19.99

Now lets cover the Jeans: McCalls 5592 or 5392

I personally dont wear skinny jeans so I will give you two options:

Gorgeous Fabricshas a really nice White Denim for $10.99  yard

T-Shirt

Let’s change it up a bit and go with a funky print from Gorgeous Fabrics

Or my Favorite also from Gorgeous Fabrics:

And there you have it!

 

More to come this week

Hello Everyone!

Welcome to my recommendation blog, This will be a place used strictly for recommendations, reviews and my thoughts on certain products. Many of you will know me from my “personal” blog Domestic Haven. Because I have so many wonderful readers who frequent my personal blog I wanted to separate that one from this new blog. I hope you enjoy my recommendations and reviews and please tell your friends

Peace