I'm going to Houston at the end of the month for the awards ceremony for the International Quilt Festival. Of course, you know, I have nothing to wear! I emailed the contact for this event regarding what would be appropriate - this is a quilt show after all, and most of the time, attire is casual. Due to the descriptions of the event in the show catalog, it seemed like this event might be a little more dressy. The response I got was, "I would dress up a bit, but definitely not formal. Many wear nice slacks. Some dress up a bit more than others."
Hmmm. To me, that means a dress. Most likely, a vintage dress or a vintage skirt and dress. So, off to the pattern bins I went to see what I could come up with that wasn't heading to cocktail or evening gown land. I also checked out what fabric I had in stock to see what I'd be working with.
If I were to go with a skirt/blouse ensemble, here's what I have for patterns:
The skirt from the advance pattern in the center in black, drapey wool (I have that fabric and lining) and one of the blouses from the other patterns, either in crisp white or possibly green moire taffeta (see below for that fabric).If I were to make a dress - this would be ideal, because I am doing a trunk show/lecture in November, and I'm making a dress for that anyway - here are my choices. They're not terribly exciting, but I think they're safe enough for the event.
The red Advance on the far left isn't bad, I wouldn't do the triangular pockets - I'd make inseam pockets instead. I'm not super crazy about the Advance on the far right (the other view of that has a really huge collar, which I can't do. At 5'2", it's a bit off proportion for me, besides the fact that I don't like big collars). At any rate, dresses from these patterns could be made from the green twill or red linen. 
The McCall's directly above I don't actually have yet - it is on it's way. I'd use the bodice from the version on the left with the skirt from the version on the right. Either of the above dresses would look good in the navy crepe (see below) or red linen.As far as fabrics, I have six yards of the emerald green silk twill, and 2.5 yards of the green moire taffeta. I also have 4 or 5 yards (can't remember) of blue/black taffeta, 4 yards of a navy blue silk/crepe and 4 yards of the navy/red/white dots (which will most likely be a lining - this is a fall event, not a spring event!). I also have 3 or 4 yards of red linen, too.
So, what do you think? I'd like to use what I have as far as fabrics, and only buy white fabric if I decide on that or linings if I don't already have them.Parting Shot: One More Pond Photo. Here are the children, leaning over the pond to see the small fish.
15 comments:
I love the Advance skirt and the McCalls dress. You will look great in either and will be dressed better than anyone else there.
I vote for the McCalls in the navy blue silk crepe. I think it would be a stunner, very Grace Kelly, and would not be overdressed. Can't wait to see what you decide.
"If I were to make a dress - this would be ideal, because I am doing a trunk show/lecture in November, and I'm making a dress for that anyway - here are my choices. They're not terribly exciting, but I think they're safe enough for the event."
I think your statement above is definitive. Since the Houston show is essentially a one-time only event AND you require a dress of your trunk show, I suggest you do double-duty. I know you're a speedy seamstress, but why make 2 outfits in a hurry when you could "take your time" and make 1 dress that you would have the time to put your special touches on it that will make it shine. 2 "ordinary" dresses don't make up for 1 lovely dress.
Your comment about the dress patterns not being very exciting but that they were safe enough is unsettling. Unfair! I know you know that even the most ordinary, plain-Jane pattern can be extraordinary with exceptional fabric.
With the choices of fabric that you have and with your incredible imagination, I'm sure you can think of some unique (but not terribly time-consuming) embellishment that would make your plain-Jane, non-exciting dress patterns an outfit that you would be pleased to wear for the awards ceremony *and* to your trunk show.
I vote for the McCalls dress in the navy crepe...I think you would look sophisticated and well put together without being over the top!
I vote for the red advance. I think the cuffs are what snared me. I'ma sucker for a fabulous collar or beautiful cuffs.
The McCall's dress is beautiful! Pick that one, it would look awesome. :):):)
Ok, so here's the thing... have you been to Houston before? I'm a lifelong Texan and Houston is what we politely call "steamy." I see the word 'wool' and I'm already feeling the sweat sticking to one's back. Unless there's a serious cold front, you're probably not going to like anything too warm. I've been in that room and it's big enough that the humidity is a factor. Even the silk crepes may be a little heavy depending on the fiber content of the lining.
For the pattern, though, I really like that last McCalls. The room is dark, so I would pick a bright color if you want to stand out. Maybe the red linen?
First thing, congrats on your award!
I think it is a rotten shame that everyone goes casual for practically everything these days. It's one thing being practical and comfy in jeans when you are doing physical work, but any opportunity to dress up a bit should be grabbed with both hands!
I like pretty all those patterns, although I take your point about no big collars on your small frame. The thing that would make any of them look couture and expensive is how well they will fit you - an expensive but ill fitting RTW dress will instantly look cheap. So all the dresses you've ever made look a million dollars ;-)
Yes, I do like the green! The red linen would be cool and comfy, but might wrinkling be an issue here? Especially if they have a photo shoot at the END of the event. As long as you have breathable lining and don't use a lot of fusible interfacing, you should be fine.
2 or 3 sets of detachable dress shields and if necc you can change for a fresh set in the loo!
Cheers,
AJ
This is a tough decision to make! I love the McCalls too but the one I love the most is the Simplicity.
I agree with Vicki!
Any of the above dresses would be great, but reconsider anything wool or warm-ish. I am a native Houstonian, still live in Texas in similar temp area. Trust me, you have a 90 percent chance it will be a warm, humid day. By then, we are looking for those cool/cold fronts. And last year, it was warm until sometime in November. The sleeveless ones with the bolero to layer or skirt/blouse combos would be lovely.
I vote for the advance on the right. I just say a Calvin Klein dress like that at the store.
I love the McCalls View A paired with the bolero from the Simplicity.
Very classy outfit!
I agree with Ann's Fashion Studio. I love the simple lines of the dress. The bolero in the Simplicity I would rather see with a longer sleeve. I think the short sleeve is a bit too casual, especially for the dual purpose you described. Finally, my choice of color would be the navy for the dress with the jacket in green and maybe trimmed out in navy. A bakelite cuff bracelet from the 50's would finish off the outfit.
I think that the dress MCCALLS any version ..... is divine, is for you. hugs, Paco
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