Project Minima:

Tuesday, June 18, 2019

We're Talking Flower Power!


~ yeah, need I say more? ~


~ it's a Waxed Cotton African Print fabric from Mood ~

Yes, I finally succumbed when Mood Fabrics had a sale of 6-yard cuts of the stuff.  I'd never seen prices so low before.  I had to jump for it.  I know it's not the typical African pattern, but this one is sold out.  There are, however, several other patterns/colorways still available at 6 yards for $29!


~ and the inside is just as colorful and the outside ~
It's just not waxed.  


There are a few considerations to keep in mind when using the fabric:
  • It only comes in 45" width.
  • Pre-wash it in cold water, without letting it spin in the washer! 
  • Air-dry it.  I used the clothes line and that worked perfectly.
  • Only iron it on the reverse (non-waxed) side and still cover it with a cloth.
  • It ravels like crazy and instantaneously.  Finish all the seam edges! 
  • Use a pattern without gathering or a lot of fussy elements.


~ the pattern in its full glory ~

Because my fabric was one huge print that I didn't want to disrupt, I used it on the cross-grain, from selvedge to selvedge.  That's the selvedge as the "hem" for the duster and the sleeves.


The following is all sewing nonsense, so feel free to skip to the end.



I started off using Sandra Betzina's Vogue 1356, but changed a few things along the way:

  • First up, the sleeves were incorrect on the pattern - being the wrong size by 2 inches for the armcyce.  
  • Then I decided I'd rather not have two-piece sleeves for this fabric anyway.  I drafted my own one-piece sleeve pattern so as not to cut up the flowers any more than necessary.
  • The duster was ill-fitting with the center front barely touching some places and widely overlapping at other points.  I ix-nayed that center flap.  This also led me to not want to use the  facing I had interfaced that was to go around the neckline and down the length of the duster on both sides. 
  • Instead I sewed it on backwards, so to speak, to form an extension down each side like a kimono lapel.  That brought the two sides together more evenly and gave it some heft.  
  • I tried using the back neckline interfacing to form a mandarin collar and failed miserably.  Off it came.
  • I happened to have matching (?!) seam binding and used that to make a clean, simple neckline.
  • I placed the patch pockets at the sides, centered over the side seams, again because I didn't want to disrupt the flow of flowers on the front.


~ ending with my yellow Docs from ebay ~

Now whatever shall I make with the rest of the fabric????

I'm linking up with Catherine's I Will Wear What I Like.  And Spy Girl's Summertime for June.  And Patti's Not Dead Yet Style.  Join us, won't you?


20 comments:

  1. Matching pants. I have ensembles. Pants, top, hat. A couple of dresses that ate fabric. All cut on the crosswise cause that's how the patterns run. The fabric really varies by manufacturer, and I let the shine go away.
    Ya look faboo.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh my, I don't have that much fabric left. After all, I did cut out the 2-piece sleeves (wasted) and some of the long facings that I didn't end up using. But we'll see. You'll certainly see me coming! I don't know if the shine goes away. I like it either way.

      Delete
  2. That coat is insane, I want it! x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can make it, Vix. Especially if you don't complicate it by using a pattern it doesn't need. It is so bright and out there, I've only worn it wearing all white or all black so far. Anything else pales in comparison.

      Delete
  3. I loooove your adaptations and result. The yellow shoes are a nice touch. When you mentioned patch pockets I was hesitant thinking inseam would disrupt the pattern less, but the result just adds to the complexity in a stunning way. Bravo!
    xo Jazzy Jack

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, I thought they would work well over the side seam line since the fabric wasn't matched up there. It kinda added to the mix.

      Delete
  4. WOW, what a beauty. Best, biggest print of the day! Love those shoes too. xo

    Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Like a big ole smiley face, it is. Only better, of course.

      Delete
  5. What a delight - no way can your look be described as minimal! (And I'm coveting those shoes!)
    Miss Cellany.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You got that right, Miss Cellany. I don't believe I've ever been called out as a minimalist.

      Delete
  6. That is such a stunning kimono coat! I really wish I was talented enough to make my own pieces like this, kimonos are my favourite, especially in summer!

    I hope that you are having an awesome week :)


    Away From Blue

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Mica. It was an easy make once I eliminated everything extraneous.

      Delete
  7. Replies
    1. As are you and Art for Housewives, Cynthia! Thanks.

      Delete
  8. Replies
    1. Hey Radostin! Now isn't that a song? ah, no. It's Afternoon Delight, isn't it? Close enough.

      Delete
  9. Gaaaa! I imagine a "Where's Wally" image of you with this amazing coat! Hahaha. Stunning. That pattern and how you worked the fabric to show it in the best possible light. How about a little zip bag with a long strap as a purse? Or do they just annoy you? Or a little fanny-pack type deal but not annoying. Anyway, this is enough on its own. I'm caught in your world, Pao.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gaaaa is right! Bags are a great idea for the left over fabric. I still haven't approached it yet. Like a spider to a fly? oooo.

      Delete