Hawthorn Dress by Colette Patterns

This pattern was on my wishlist for a long time, so I was very happy to find it under the Christmas tree. I was visiting my older sister and her family on Bainbridge Island, WA over Christmas/New Years, and  they have a very nice fabric shop where I found this most amazing Italian Cotton on sale. I knew right away it would be perfect for this dress. It is lightweight with a beautiful drape. It is a black and purple herringbone weave. It shimmers differently depends on which way one looks at it. Very tough to photograph.

It looks good with petticoat...

...and without. Although I prefer the petticoat look.

The only change I made is I didn't interface the collar. Otherwise I made a size 2 without any alterations.

 All seams besides the waist seam are finished with black rayon seam binding. The waist seam is serged. I forgot why I didn't use the seam binding here as well.

Pattern Description: 

A semi-circle skirt provides volume without the extra bulk of pleats or gathers at your waist, so you get a clean, streamlined look that's still beautifully feminine. The bodice is fitted with waist darts, while still providing just enough room to keep things comfortable.

Pattern Sizing:

0 - 18 (Bust 33" - 46")

I made a size 2 according to my bust measurement and it fits perfectly.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Very thorough and easy to follow instructions. They also offer a Sew-Along

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

Nothing to dislike about this pattern

Fabric Used:

Italian Cotton in purple/black, lightweight, very nice drape

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I didn't interface the collar

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I did already sew it again, and I highly recommend this pattern.

Conclusion: 

Love this dress!

On my playlist

Colette Truffle Dress

The Truffle Dress was the pattern I fell in love with first from the Colette Sewing Handbook. The version in the book is so cute. It was also the pattern I tried first after receiving the book for Christmas that year. I had just started sewing in September 2011, and so of course I made some stupid mistakes with this dress. It ended up laying around for over a year unfinished. But I finally finished it last September with help from my mom.

The fabric is Crepe Back Satin from JoAnn's. I was thinking about to play with the shiny and matte side of the fabric, but decided against it and used only the shiny side. I made a muslin of the bodice and the fit was spot on. But for some reason the bodice from the dress was gaping a lot in the back. Which was one of the reasons why it ended up in the UFO bin. 

The other mistake was using the wrong interfacing. At that point in my sewing adventures I had not clue whatsoever about different interfacings. I learned, mostly the hard way. The wrong choice of interfacing is not really visible, and the dress is for sure wearable.

The dress is fully lined with blue Rayon Bemberg. And of course after I set in the zipper and tried on the dress it ripped a hole in the lining. Zippers aren't exactly my friends. 

Finally last September I got around to open some seams and taking in the back of the bodice to get rid of the gaping. It still gapes a little, but it might be just me being too picky about it. It really isn't that bad. 

It is a cute dress, and I will attempt it again. Maybe a version without the drape in front. 

Pattern Description:

Dress with wide scoop neck, darted bodice, straight skirt with assymetrical flounce.

Pattern Sizing:

0 (33") - 18 (46"), I made a size 2

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Very easy and detailed instructions in the Colette Sewing Handbook.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I love the flounce, and the fitted bodice.

Fabric Used:

Shell fabric: Crepe backed Satin
Lining fabric: Rayon Bemberg

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I had to take in the back an inch. No other alterations.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I will sew it again, and recommend it.

Conclusion: 

A lovely dress that works with fancy fabric as well as with cotton. It is also cute without the drape on the skirt.

Cooper Bag by Colette Patterns

Tada! My finished Cooper Bag. Actually it's not completely finished. I still have to add the jiffy rivets.

I am soooo excited about this bag! It was a really quick make. But be warned if you decide to make it out of waxed canvas. Pressing the seams was new to my, but it's no problem with a tailors clapper. It really helped getting neat flat seams without melting the wax too much.

You also have to clean your sewing machine really good afterwards, but it is worth the trouble. 

As mentioned in my previous post, I bought the kit from Colette Patterns new store 'Gifts for Crafters'

I also added a hook for my keys.

Even thou it is a quite easy and straightforward pattern, I enjoyed the picture detailed sew-along on the Colette blog.

The inside of the bag. It is a very roomy bag with four inside and four outside pockets.The adjustable strap is one of my favorite features. Can't wait to take this bag with me on the plane to Seattle!

 

Pattern Description:
Cooper gives you three different bags from one basic body: messenger bag, backpack, and satchel. These highly durable bags can be made in a range of sturdy fabrics such as duck canvas, waxed canvas, twill, and heavy ticking.

All versions are lined and feature eight large pockets, magnetic closures, and hardware details. The messenger bag (version 1) has an adjustable cross-body strap. The backpack (version 2) has two shoulder straps and a hang loop. The two-handled satchel (version 3) does double duty as a bike pannier. (from website)

Pattern Sizing:
One size, different bags

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

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Like all Colette Patterns instructions very easy to follow. They have a sew-along on their website with lots of step-by-step pictures.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
There is nothing to dislike. It's great that it gives three different bag options and offers lots of room for customizing.

Fabric Used:
I bought the kit, which came with waxed cotton canvas for the outside and nylon ripstop for the lining.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I added a strap to attach my keys to.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I will for sure sew it again, and highly recommend it.

Conclusion:
I love my new messenger bag!

In the making

A quick view of the two projects I am currently working on:

First one is the Cooper Bag from Colette Patterns. I love this version in waxed canvas.

I bought the kit from their new online shop Gifts for Crafters 

I like that the pattern offers three different takes on the bag. My first go will be version 1, the messenger bag.

So far I have finished the lining and the strap. I am still waiting for the tailors clapper to arrive so I can press the waxed canvas. As usual, Colette Patterns has excellent instructions. They also have a sew-along for all three versions of the bag on their blog. I am looking forward taking this bag with me on my Christmas vacation.

The second project is this wrap dress from Burda:

I made it before in the short version with cap sleeves. The fabric I am using is a dark purple strech poly silk charmeuse. 

I would have loved this fabric from Mood Fabrics

 Silk Crepe de Chine in crushed berry, but it was slightly out of my budget. Maybe next time.

Why am I making this dress? Because I can!

Colette Chantilly Dress

Voila! The Colette Chantilly Dress

The fabric is some polyester georgette, I think. Or maybe polyester chiffon. Either way it was a pain to work with. But the result was worth it.

I lined it with black polyester something. Since both fabrics are part of the lot I bought on sale at Denver Fabrics in Denver I have no idea what kind it is. Sorry!

The dress was a bit time consuming, due to the full lining. And I had some trouble with gathering the front bodice correctly because of the thin fabric. It stretched quite a bit while handling. But it couldn't hold me back from starting a second one :-)

Pattern Description:
This fully lined dress is designed to be made in a soft fabric. A neckline yoke and flattering curved midriff provide shape, while gathers at the bust and six gore skirt give soft fullness. Closes with an invisible side zipper.

Pattern Sizing:
0 - 18, I made a size 2

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

Were the instructions easy to follow?
As usual, very easy to follow instructions

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like how the neckline is designed. And the gathered bust area. And that it is suitable for more lightweight fabrics.

Fabric Used:
I think it is a polyester chiffon

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I didn't make any alterations or design changes

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I started already a second one. I absolutely recommend it!

Conclusion: 
I love this light summer dress.

More Crepe Dresses

 I will keep this short, since I already blogged about the pattern here. I made two more last weekend. It is just the perfect summer dress.

Here it is in Anna Maria Horner's Diamond Mine in Sky Voile. I just love the quality of her voile fabric.

 

Back view

The tie is Free Spirit Voile in Heather. The same quality as the print voile.

In this version I only lined the bodice part.

 Anna Maria Horner Innocent Crush Sixpence in Maybe

 Back view

This one is fully lined

Meringue Skirt by Colette Patterns

Tada! The Meringue Skirt by Colette Patterns. I finally made it. Now that I have the book and fabric laying around for nearly a year. The Fabric is a linen blend by Valori Wells. I thought it would go nicely with the scalloped edge. Oh, and Hugo again walking through the picture. 

The skirt was really easy and quick to make. I made a straight size 2. The only change I made was with the hem. I used fusible hem tape instead of stitching the hem facing with a catch stitch to the skirt. I am not a big fan of sewing by hand. Hence the sewing machine ;)

Petticoat in action

First with my Circle Skirt. I love how much fullness the petticoat gives the skirt.

And I just realize that I don't have feet in these first pictures. Well, isn't that a bummer.

 Here is finally a picture with me wearing my last year creation of the Colette Crepe Dress. With the petticoat of course. It's cotton lawn lined with white cotton lawn and voile.

 This is my seersucker version of the Colette Crepe Dress, also from last year. This one isn't lined.

Thanks Hugo for walking through the picture!

Finally...the Taffy Blouse

So I finally got around to take some decent pictures of my take on the Taffy Blouse from Colette Patterns. I bought the fabric off the sales rack of Denver Fabrics. The actual store in Denver, not the online store. It seems to be some kind of polyester chiffon maybe. It wasn't hard to work with at all. And again, no alterations needed. I will wear it with a black cami underneath.

The focus is a little off in this picture, sorry about that. The bias tape is store bought. It is such a nice pattern. I will make more of this for sure.

Crepe Dress by Colette Patterns

I couldn't wait to finally get my hands on the Crepe dress pattern and make my own version. I had seen this dotted cotton lawn fabric online and knew instantly it would make a cute Crepe dress.

 

I call this dress the Confetti Crepe. The ties are from Cotton Voile.

I didn't have to make any alteration on the bodice muslin. I guess I just got lucky with my built :)

Because the Cotton Lawn was very sheer I fully lined the dress. The plan was to line the whole dress in the same white cotton lawn, but I had only enough for the bodice. So I lined the skirt with the same cotton voile as the ties are. 

I used these two tutorials for lining the Crepe dress: 

Sew Country Chick

Sew Mental Mama

Thank you guys for posting these helpful tutorials!

 

And because I love the dress so much and had this awesome cotton seersucker around I made another one (within a week). As you can see I do like pink!

 Here is a back view. The perfect summer dress. Fast and easy to make. More to follow :)

 

Colette Peony

My third attempt on a Colette pattern and my first blog post about it. I guess I have been a little lazy blogging about my Taffy blouse. But there is a picture of it in the 'Inside my closet' section. The first pattern I tried was the Truffle dress. It is one of the five patterns from the Colette Sewing Handbook, which I love. But unfortunately even after making a well fitted muslin the dress is gaping on the back...a lot! The dress lacks the hem, and the Bemberg lining has a hole that needs to be fixed thanks to the stupid zipper. I seem to have no luck with zippers, ever! The stupid zipper in my riding boots keeps braking too. I might write a blog post about it when it's done. 

But back to the subject here, the Peony dress. Oh my, how I LOVE it! I made one muslin of the top part and didn't need to make any changes. The fabric I used is some kind of lightweight twill, which I bought at the Albuquerque Bernina dealer. What a lovely fabric. I intended to make a pair of trousers out of it, but am now very happy I decided otherwise. The drape is gorgeous! 

Front view with cummerbund

Back view with cummerbund. I replaced the button with two pearl snap fasteners.

 Front view without the cummerbund. Don't mind my face, I do love the dress!