The Crepe, My Kind of Party Dress
With the arrival of new voile (and more on the way from Denyse Schmidt) and Colette's relatively new Crepe pattern, it was clear that at least one new sample was needed for the store. The floaty voile might not seem weather appropriate at the moment, but pair it with tights/long slouchy socks, heels and a cardigan, and you have a dress that moves from season to season.
The pattern is designed for folks gaining confidence in apparel sewing. It's a wrap dress that comes together in the back, creating a polished neckline in the front and some interest from behind. There are no set in sleeves and the pockets are quick and easy to insert. I made the most straight forward version, in a size 10 with no modifications, opting for the scoop neck and non-contrasting ties. I was hoping the fabric would provide all the visual oompf I needed. A friend and I were just discussing how we don't have very many reasons to dress up, and how dressing down seems far more normal even at nicer events in Portland. The word "schlumpy" was bandied about. I think this pattern hits it right in the middle, making it the perfect party dress for someone like me.
The Anna Maria Innocent Crush voile has such a silky hand that it's hard to believe it's 100% cotton. I was looking around the store today and imagined this dress in that grey hemp blend, batiked cotton lawn, or straight up silk. There are plenty of very helpful tips and sewing how-tos from the folks at Colette here, and their flickr group is a great place to see what other folks are up to. I'm pretty excited about the new pattern Negroni-- we don't have it in the store yet, but I will let you know as soon as we do!
***edited: Gertie is hosting a Crepe Sew-Along! It's not too late to come and get your pattern and get started!