Colette Patterns Mabel Skirt

More work appropriate skirts.

The Colette Mabel had recently been released, and again was proving to be a quick and successful make in the blogosphere.

I made my first one, Version 3 in the pattern, in a plain charcoal ponte, straight off the pattern. I lined the waistband in cotton lycra, which again gave the waistband a bit more recovery.

The fit was pretty good, and certainly wearable.

For subsequent makes, I have lowered the front waist slightly, and added a little more length to the back to accomodate my ample bottom.

It turns out I really like this skirt, and find it really comfortable for work, so have made a few!
Currently, I have 6 in regualr rotation, and another two cut out!

Indie Pattern Month

Indie Pattern Month is being hosted by Mel of the Curious Kiwi, and Kat of Modern Vintage Cupcakes. Head on over to their blogs to find out more, and join in the fun.

Despite, having quite a substantial pattern stash containing both Big 4 patterns and Independent pattern designers, it is the Indie's I tend to reach for the most. 

Case in point, the last few patterns I have made;

Hot Patterns Cabana T shirt

Hot Patterns Superfantastic Shirt

Made By Rae Parsley Pants 

Colette Laurel

Jalie Winter Accessories

Jalie Mens and Boys Rugby Jerseys

Liesl + Co Woodland Stroll Cape

and about a dozen different wallets and bags from Michelle patterns.

On my immediate to-do list (this list is really long, so this is just the highlight reel)

Jalie's .... so may Jalies.

Most of the Hot Patterns catalogue, most notably their pant/trouser patterns ;-)
And these beauties below ...

Decades of Style 1930's Capelet

Decades of Style 1950's Object dArt Dress

Onion Coat with cut on Collar.
If you order your patterns from shopOnion, you can even have the instructions in English!

For even more Independent Pattern Designer inspiration, head over to A Good Wardrobe for an ever expanding list.

Colette Laurel

Well! After my camera went AWOL for a bit, it has turned up again so I can get on with photographing a bunch of finished projects (not necessarily in the order they were completed, though)

First off, is Colette patterns most recent release, the Laurel shift dress.

I will be the first to admit that when this pattern was released, I was not really very ennthused. I just wasn't convinced this was going to be a good shape for me. After having seen a few iterations made up though, I felt it was at least worth a try.

I chose a cotton poplin that I just loved when I first saw it, but have had sitting in my stash for a bit because the 'right' pattern hadn't presented itself. It is a happy fabric, but not too out there.

I made the pattern up as drafted, except for tracing off the length of the largest size, which gave me about an extra inch to play with. The only other deviation was to machine stitch my sleeve and neck bindings down rather than slipstitch by hand as suggested in the pattern.

This is a really quick sew, particularly as I left out the back zip. I basted the back seam together to check the fit and discovered I could comfortably take it on and off without a zip, so didn't bother!

While this dress is comfortable, and I'm pleased with how it came out, I'm still not sure if this is the right style for me. Time will tell how often this makes it out of my wardrobe.

Final Word: happy enough, but no immediate plans to make it again.

Colette Sorbetto

Pattern Description: ultra-simple and swingy little top! With its ultra simple construction, elegant loose cut shaped with bust darts, and the box pleat detail down the front, this is a pattern you can throw together in a huge range of fabrics for summer.

Pattern Sizing: 0 - 18

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? This version doesn't quite look the original, due to a minor design change.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Super easy!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I have now made this pattern up three times, with plans for at least one more. You can make quite small changes, that give a completely different look

Fabric Used: This floral fabric is a mystery length that has been lurking in my sewing box for several years. No real idea what it is, but it drapes nicely!

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: On this make, I did the front pleat as an inverted pleat, rather than a box pleat.
On previous makes, I've done the neck and arm bindings to the inside, and another version with an inverted pleat.
I also lengthened it by 2".

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I have plans to make at least one more of these, as they are easy to make, and easy to wear!

A great wee top, with lots of design possibilities.

Colette Crepe

I recently made a muslin of the Colette Patterns Crepe dress, to check it for fit and alterations needed, before moving on to some rather special fabric I had in mind for this pattern.

It is described on the Colette website as 'A sweet and easy wrap dress with no closures to sew. The dress wraps in back and has cap sleeves. The wide ties encircle the waist for a comfortable dress with a fitted look'. 

I used some fabric that I suspect was destined for bedsheets sometime in the 60's, as it looks very similar to some my Mum has lurking in the back of her linen closet.

This dress was very easy to sew, rated as a beginner pattern by the designer, and had extremely well written instructions complete with diagrams. As with all Colette patterns, the instructions are in a wee bound booklet with a pocket in the back that the pattern tissue slips into.

In all, I am very happy with how my muslin came out. My only minor adjustments I would make for next time, are to cut the neckline a size smaller, as I feel it sits just a little too wide on me, and to raise the waist seam by about 1" .

Colette Macaron

I finished my Macaron dress, by Colette patterns a wee while ago, but have only recently worn it again to get a photo or two.

Pattern Description: A flattering and curvy dress. Includes a bodice fitted with darts, along with a contrasting top yoke, sleeves, and narrow midriff band. Short sleeves are gently scalloped along the sleeve hem, echoing the shape of the bodice. Skirt has large pleats, with pockets hidden in the front pleats. Closes with an invisible side zipper.

Pattern Sizing:Size 0 -18. I made a 14 in the bodice, transitioning to a 16 in the waist and hips.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, pretty close.

Were the instructions easy to follow?As with all Colette patterns, the instructions were extremely well written with lots of helpful diagrams.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked that there was the opportunity to try out different fabric combinations, and that the design of the dress lends itself to being dressed up or down depending how you style it. I have worn it with heels and a wrap for a wedding, and also with tights and boots as a more casual outfit.

My only minor dislike was the facing around the neckline won't stay put very well, despite stitching it to all available seams inside. Next time I may just use binding as a facing.

Fabric Used:The main fabric is a stretch cotton sateen, and the contrast sleeves and yoke are a poly/cotton poplin.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: As previously mentioned, I made the bodice a size 14, and transitioned to a 16 from the waist down. 

If I were to make this again, I think I might omit the waist band, and sew the skirt to the bodice, as I feel the waist might be a bit low. Also next time I would keep the waistband at a size 14, thus getting the bodice to fit a little better.

The shoulders are also binding a little bit, if I try to lift my arms too high - not sure if this is just the style of sleeve, or how I would go about fixing this for next time. 

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I would like to sew this again, once I figure out how to fix the few quirks I found. I would definitely recommend this and other Colette patterns, particularly if you are of a more curvy persuasion!