Variations on a pattern - Colette Macaron

There is a great post over on Tilly's blog right now about Stitcher's Indecision (an ailment I suffer from mildly but that's another blog post entirely...). She talks about "the ability to design bespoke garments exactly how you want them. You choose the colour, the style, the fit, the neckline, the sleeve, the buttons..."

This is one of the reasons why I love dressmaking so much. We've been making design changes to our pattern recently but I keep having to remind myself that the beauty of home sewing patterns is you have the freedom to make those changes yourself! I love to see how different people interpret patterns and I also love how the same pattern can look completely different simply by changing up fabrics and embellishments.

One of my current favourites is the Macaron by Colette. Here are just a few versions which prove how versatile it can be.

The classic LBD by Sibeli- simple but so chic, I like the sheer fabric next to the Ikat print. The skirt looks more fitted and not using a contrasting fabric for the waistband gives it a really nice, clean look.

The vintage fabric day dress by Kathie - colourful, summery and cute. This version uses vintage fabrics and I particularly love those stripes. She's added piping to the bodice and also a small fabric detail at the bust but otherwise has remained true to the original pattern.

Source

The a-line, rose print slip dress by Natasha - this one is the most altered but possibly my favourite! She's kept the sweetheart neckline and sleeves but completely changed the shape of the dress. I like how there's no contrasting fabric but by using lining you can still clearly see the shaping at the yolk.

Source

Got a favourite? Check out some of the OWOP posts for some more variations on a theme!

Progress and Packaging

Things are still ticking along nicely at gather HQ. Our pattern is SO nearly there, but we've decided to make a few last minute design changes which has slowed us down a little. We've tweaked a sleeve, lowered a neckline - all little details that you don't realise make a massive difference until you have a few finished dresses in front of you! 


Our slow-down has given us chance to start thinking about our packaging though. Here's some of what we've been looking at for inspiration.

From top left clockwise:
Wax Seal by Follow Studio
Striped String by Folly & Glee
Printed Paper Bag by Peach Blossom
Striped Ribbon by Jane Means
Canvas Bag by Under the Sycamore
Mast Brothers Chocolate

What do you think? Have you got any examples of amazing packaging that you've seen - sewing related or not? We'd love to see!

Tuesday's Gathering

I'm always drawn to richly-coloured dense prints. As hard as I try for the benefit of my wardrobe to buy and make plain classic clothing so that I can at least pretend that I'm sophisticated, I always get sidelined by yet another an amazing print dress or wildly patterned fabric. Ikat therefore, is just my thing.

1. Kookai Ikat Print Shorts (via Asos)
2. Matthew Williamson Ikat Print Stretch Coton Blend Skinny Pants

3. Anthropologie Ruffled Ikat Chemise

4. Warehouse Silk Ikat Print Jacket

5. Thakoon Ikat Print Silk Crepe Top (via Net-a-Porter)

6. Topshop Ikat Print Leggings

Traditionally ikat fabric is produced in a similar way to tie-dyed fabric, except that the threads themselves are bound and dyed before they are woven into cloth. The good old V&A has some wonderful examples of traditional Central Asian ikat clothing from the 19th century here.

Although I doubt these are strictly ikat fabrics, there are some fabulous takes on the idea out there.

1. Amy Butler Lark Persimmon
2. Magnificat Avocodo
3. John Kaldor Cannes (via Sew Essential)
4. Liberty Landis A Tana Lawn
5. Robert Allen Plaid Ikat
6. Ada Chartreuse

A progress update

We're hard at work at the moment working on our final samples and we've now made what will (hopefully!) be our last design alterations. The dress is looking great! To the relief of both of us we've also moved on from making up calico versions to using fabrics we're considering for our kits. We're testing various fabrics, seeing what works best with the design. It's so lovely to be working with great prints rather than endless beige!

Hopefully we will soon be ready for pattern testers to volunteer their services. If you're at all interested in testing our pattern then keep an eye out on this blog or come and follow us on twitter: @gatherkits

We'll be putting the call out as soon as we're ready for you!

Tuesdays Gathering

The Spring/Summer 2012 collections were full of this classic print. Stella McCartney, Jil Sander, and Pucci are just a few of the big names who showed some of the hottest ways to wear it. Here are a few of our current favourites!

1. Warehouse Paisley Print Dress
2. Alexander McQueen Black Paisley Flower Silk Scarf Cape
3. Stella McCartney Christine Paisley Print Silk Pants
4. Etro Paisley Print PVC Cosmetics Case
5. Gucci Paisley Print Wool & Silk Blend Scarf
6. Whistles Liliy Paisley Shorts

If you're inspired to make your own, how about these fabrics as a starting point:

1. Ghostly Paisley by Cate Anevski
2. Heirloom Paisley by Joel Dewberry
3. Mumbai by Domesticate
4. Grey Whimsical Greyhound Paisley byJane Walker
5. Paisley Ahoy Koi, Oh Boy by Vo Ako Virginiao
6. Paisley by Andover

Patterns - how do you use yours?

We're spending an awful lot of time at the moment working with our pattern pieces. We're currently also doing a lot of research into the best paper to print on to.

Which brings me to this question: What do you do with your pattern pieces?

Are you a cutter or a tracer? Having spent precious ££s on your pattern do you like to trace the size you need and leave the original intact or do you go for it and cut it out?

Traditionally, patterns are printed on very thin tissue paper. Do you find this easy to work with? Or do you find yourself transferring onto something stronger and thicker for longevity? Would you pay more for a pattern printed on better quality paper? (Incidentally, there is a very good tip over here on the Coletterie blog which talks about reinforcing patterns with interfacing!)

We'd love to know your thoughts!

A gather day out

Today was a good day for gather. After a "we are grown up and responsible really" meeting at the bank, we decided to do what we do best and go fabric shopping! Although being the responsible people we are, we didn't buy (yet!) but instead just wondered around the biggest fabric warehouse we've ever seen getting all excited about the possibilities for our first dress pattern. As we were restrained for the moment, there's not much to report back on the fabric front so instead I'll leave you with a few pictures of the wonder that is a massive textile emporium of loveliness...!