Oh, friends, I have acquired more fabric -- much, much more!
I swung by my local Salvation Army on Saturday -- really just to keep cool as we have no air-conditioning this summer due to our ongoing construction project -- and stumbled upon a bedsheet bonanza.
Research tells me that this Ralph Lauren pattern is called "Isadora Cossette." The fitted sheet is King size (pillowcases too I believe), so not really of use to me as bedding, but the fabric was just too good to leave behind. (There are also some top sheets that seem to have been turned into a rather badly sewn duvet cover.) The whole kit and kaboodle cost me $6.50, which wouldn't buy you a Ralph Lauren placemat, frankly. Wouldn't you have done the same?
Now, while I do like florals, I find this particular design -- would you call it French country or English garden or shabby chic?-- to be on the intense side, though when it comes to bedding I would sleep on anything as long as it's soft. As clothing however...
Many of you may remember that three years ago (how time flies) I made Cathy a McCall's 80's dress out of another Ralph Lauren floral bed sheet.
To be honest, when I look at that dress I start to doze off but it was a cute look on Cathy.
I thought lush florals were an Eighties look but it seems they're back in a big way. At the recent Paris Men's Fashion Week for Spring/Summer 2014, bold floral
Dries Van Noten...
Gucci...
Prada...
Rick Owens...
So a shirt made in this Ralph Lauren bedding would be on-trend -- maybe even pre-trend! And that would still leave me enough to whip up a...I'm not sure what.
In closing, a few questions:
1) Do you like this type of floral bedding either to sleep on or to wear? (two very different things I realize)
2) If you had yards and yards (and yards) of this fabric what would you do with it? (Would this work as a vintage 40's sundress?)
Your gentle guidance greatly appreciated!
 |
| This is a shot of these sheets new. Mine were second-hand and not packaged. |
No to sleep on.. I'd go crazy! But a pre-trend shirt; that sounds the go.
ReplyDeleteIn about 1977 I made a half circle skirt out of cotton not quite as bright and large, but still pretty intensely floral. On the principle that if you remember wearing it then, you shouldn't repeat it now ... I'd go for a long sleeved shirt for you (maybe with a plain black band, collar and cuffs). Or how about a nice kimono for Cathy to sit in while her nails dry and she drinks her coffee?
ReplyDeleteI, myself could not wear this, but just love the look of it. I'd turn it into all manner of little goodies (aprons, pillows, zip bags, even potholders! At my size it would overwhelm me BUT a shirt for you would be perfect.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind the print as a print, but could only imagine using it for a skirt, if that -- it's very loud.
ReplyDeleteThe sheet print seems very different from the ones used on the runway. The Ralph Lauren is romantic and English Country, the runway versions are sophisticated, very different in tone and hue. A garment made with that sheet would not read pre-trend to me.
I like it for a sundress with a halter bodice and a very full skirt. If you wanted to make a shirt, you could consider tea staining the fabric to make it more sophisticated.
ReplyDeleteI love the print but can't imagine it as clothing. I can see it as a retro 80's dress, but who needs more than one? A nice slipcover to change the look of a room, perhaps?
ReplyDeleteI would just remake the fitted sheet to fit the bed. It's not hard. You can also make the pillowcases smaller. Simple sewing. Or you could take the pillow cases and make a couple of co-ordinating cases. You could remake the duvet. Home dec sewing is pretty straight forward and the results are fast. It's also a good place to practice some techniques. That fabric might make an interesting contrast bias binding too.
regards,
Theresa
I just reread the post. You say "the fitted sheet is king sized" but the photo is of a twin size. Really changes up things. I didn't think of a sundress. Gertie posted about the "Marilyn Dress" pattern, that would be really pretty in the print.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that I did with a shirt that Husband felt was too high contrast for him was dip it in color remover. It went from cobalt blue with bright cyan blue turtles to greyish with pale yellow and brown turtles. Much better on his low contrast summer coloring.
regards,
Theresa
To be clear, the photo of the packaged sheet is off the internet. Mine were all second-hand, albeit still in great shape.
Deletei love the idea of aprons made from it. i certainly couldn't pull of any type of clothing made from it, but you definitely could make it work.
ReplyDeleteSince I don't sew clothing, this is exactly what I would make with it. I love to sew for the home, and I know several women who would love this fabric in a retro apron design.
DeleteI would use some as a trim, collar ,etc
ReplyDeleteOh my, those are SO PRETTY! I would have snatched them up instantly myself had I come across them! And, king size? PERFECT. We have a king size bed!
ReplyDeleteI just picked up a Sunbeam Steam Master iron for seven bucks; the sole plate was dirty and it was a bugger to clean! I don't know WTH was stuck to it, but Bo-Nash iron cleaner sheets hardly made a dent in whatever-it-was and I had to resort to scraping it with a paring knife to get the worst of the crud to come off, and then I scoured it with salt. But I am now as pleased as punch with my "new" iron; it's heavy, the cord tucks away inside, and it has its own built-in water spray feature and LOADS of steam!
Oh, I think it's beautiful and would wear it in a heartbeat. Shirtdress was the first thing to come to mind, with a big full skirt! It does remind me of the 80s, but in a good way... reminds me of the pretty dresses women used to wear to church when I was a little girl, before going in jeans and flipflops became perfectly normal. (I digress.) Anyway, with the black background, it would be easy to find shoes and purses. But I'd keep the pattern simple. The big elaborate collars and ruffles plus the big lavish florals were too much!
ReplyDeleteWow Rick Owens showing prints! I don't ever think I've seen a single print in his womens line. No, I could never sleep on them. I do see you in a shirt out of this. A dress for Cathy, definitely. Maybe even pants but never together with the shirt.
ReplyDeleteI'll bet it coordinates with the purple corduroy- hmmm...
ReplyDeleteI think that's the one thing is doesn't coordinate with! :(
DeleteThese are lush! I would so make them into a tea dress, I think that is quite an inspired choice. Or alternatively (or in addition, given you have loads and loads) a really simple shift. And that pre-trend shirt sounds like a good idea too.
ReplyDeleteIn fact I am quite envious about your find :-)
The idea of a shirt is great and you maybe will still have enough frabric to do a gorgeous 50's Style dress with full skirt for Cathy!
ReplyDeleteThat fabric is begging for a second life as a long, diamond-quilted jacket, paired with solid pants...or a blouse with an antique lace yoke...or... ;) So many possibilities - beautiful pattern
ReplyDeleteI could think of a thousand things I could make with it for the home. However, they would be gifts for someone else. I think if you like this kind of print it might be too busy for a shirt. You could make a jacket with it and tone it down with a solid color. I think the longer jacket would be ideal for this print. The floral prints in the photographs are much more muted and the colors of the brighter shirts are more in tune with fabric rather than bed sheets. I say give it a go and see what you can come up with. Maybe, you can make an amazing suit with floral jacket and solid pants. Surprise us!
ReplyDeleteI think your idea for a sundress is perfect. A print this loud would make a great "skimpy" garment. I think it would also make a great tunic for wearing over neutral skinny pants. I wouldn't sleep on them, as I don't like "loud" sheets. I would think a shirt for you would look great out of this print. I would let it sit until I was inspired. I would not have been able to resist either, Peter. Great buy!
ReplyDeleteThose sheets are on my parent's summer home on Cape Cod - Ralph Lauren florals are THE BEST! I love them - they just make my heart happy and my current bedroom scheme of Hotel modern taupe seem so blahhh. I miss my RL florals! They were the first sheets I purchased after I purchased my very own bed way back when. Ahhh, nostalgia!
ReplyDeleteI don't have any recommendations for what kind of garment to make, but I'm sure you'll do the gorgeous blooms justice!
I think you would totally ROCK a floral shirt! A nice fitted tailored shirt:)
ReplyDeleteIt would be a bold move, but I so totally see you rocking the long coat from the Rick Owens collection photo...it would look awesome on you!
ReplyDeleteI bought three tablecloths in this print a couple of years ago. They were a linen-like weave, but 100% cotton. I made a kimono jacket of one and, when the fabric faded BADLY when dry-cleaned, I made a kimono dress cinched with a black belt. I get compliments on it. It is lined with Bemberg rayon, but I will have to wash it as I know what happens to the colors at the cleaners.
ReplyDeleteI would definitely make a shirt from one of these beautiful sheets. But I'm also on the hunt for them for weaving. I cut them into various widths and weave them into heavy textural cloth for making rag rugs, coats, vests, hats, bags, pillows, and a variety of other things. The variety and intensity of colors is what adds a lot of depth and energy when weaving them into heavy cloth.
ReplyDeleteDon't like sheets (or towels, or plates) anything but white. Of all the photos above, only the Prada ensemble looks less-than-truly-ridiculous. A man in a floral dress, that's fine. But a man, dressed as a man, in a floral outfit? No, thanks. Shirt, sure. That could be daring and, well, pretty. And of course, a floral tie is always nice. But a coat or pants?
ReplyDeleteHey -- how about a vest? Like, a weskit. You've got too much fabric, I know. But could you use a little and make a nice, fitted vest, to wear with a normal shirt and trousers/jeans and (in cooler months) a solid or striped jacket?
If I had endless yards of it, I'd make slipcovers/pillows for a sunroom or porch (I am not ashamed to like cottage style). If I only had a few yards, I'd make a full skirt or strappy sundress.
Ok - I really like the Rick Owens coats and the Gucci look - so thanks for putting those in. I don't think I could pull those off - but fun to see. For the fabric - it's a LOT of pattern. I wonder if you could do a quilted vest with it? Or maybe lining for a 3/4 length coat. If you're doing something for Cathy - maybe a sort of modern jumpsuit.
ReplyDeleteI think the print and colour of these sheets is gorgeous, but perhaps a tad intense for a shirt. might try overdyeing them just a little, with either a gray tinge or a beige one. I would do a test first on a small piece. Of course not RIT dyes (rit is sh!t), but Procion dyes, which are pretty stable. Or a sundress, toned down with some plain black fabric.
ReplyDeleteNice! I love. I'll be happy to take the decision off your hands
ReplyDeleteand give you triple your cost plus the shipping.
Joy
I think you'd look awesome in a pair of skinny pants made from that fabric. Overdoing it would be making the same pants for Michael. Obnoxious is if you make something for your dogs, too.
ReplyDeleteI only like such dense, intense florals for sleeping if I can be absolutely sure that the sheets match the wallpaper, both of which match my negligée - it's something I learned from Barbra in On a Clear Day (a film the fashions from which would make a terrif Cathy pictorial, by the bye...).
ReplyDeleteWow, I think you should somehow make another jacket out of that ... lucky you!
ReplyDeleteWoah! I wouldn't know what to do with that if I had it. Maybe a dress. It's so intense!
ReplyDeleteI imagine it as a full-skirted, petticoated 50s dress, but it may be too cliché all in all. But the style and colour just screams "full skirts" to me. It may be that this dress and its colour scheme is partly responsible for the mental image:
ReplyDeletehttp://blog.fidmmuseum.org/museum/2009/07/meet-madame-olympe.html
Sorry, Peter. I'm not fond of this one.
ReplyDeleteSo lucky! When I worked in retail I would always admire the Ralph Lauren sheets because the fabric itself was usually of better quality than that my clothes are made from! I might try shorts from it? With underlining of course. It makes me think of Kaffe Fassett prints, which I would love to have some of.
ReplyDeleteOooff gorgeous! I would make a bombshell dress I think, something with a boned bodice and possibly a 50s style skirt:)
ReplyDeleteAs other suggested, I'd go with a vest, or a 3/4 coat like the one on the Rick Owen runway. I'm not sure a shirt would do it justice, but a coat would be a fashion statement in itself and a vest would pop out nicely over a white shirt.
ReplyDeleteAAAaaagh! My retinas! That is a LOUD print! LOL I sent my hubby a pic of one of those suits and suggested that he could get a new suit to wear to court and I think he is still laughing.
ReplyDeleteIf I saw those sheets, I would have bought them immediately and then... torn them into 2" strips for my friend to make rag rugs out of. She loves bright colors and they are hard to find. Yeah, I know I just horrified and gave the shudders to about everyone who would wear that as clothes, I can't do it. Sooo not my aethetic. But it would make a bang-up stripe in a rug!
Curtains--if you were into (loud) florals for decorating. Then, again, if I had that much fabric, I'd consider making a pleated or gathered floor length skirt. I also like a floral jacket, but this print maybe just too high contrast for that.
ReplyDeleteI was about to type a really encouraging comment, but after looking at so many pictures of that pattern I fear I'm getting a migraine... (jk)... LOL... it's a bit "intense" for me, although I do have a skirt I found in the back of my closet that is classic floral-on-black (higher black-to-floral ratio than your sheets, though, so not quite as overwhelming to the eye), and if the style is coming back, perhaps I won't give it to Goodwill after all. Sorry... getting off topic...
ReplyDeletePersonally, these sheets would keep me awake all night, so I don't think I could sleep on them.. LOL... but the pattern would work nicely as an accent piece/contrasting stripe, etc, for something else. Of course, the irony here is that you have TONS of it, so just making a dress with a floral accent seems rather silly when you've got so much of the floral. Maybe a floral dress with solid accents to break up the busy-ness?
I'm lousy with fashion, but what about a floral sheath with solid black panels on the sides or solid black triangles (widest part of triangle near hips) whose points meet at the belly-button to give shaping? It would sort of be a "modern" take on a retro print, I think.
I'm sure whatever you come up with will be BRILLIANT as usual! I look forward to seeing the result! What a great find! Congrats!
Loud? I don't think so. You should see my stash, mainly chosen by Hubster. In the mid-nineties I had about 6 tea dresses, from Poem, with retro 50's bodices, and tea length full skirts. Got on sale, as the store said - they fit nobody. I add maybe nobody's taste. Such dresses are very comfortable, and are great paired with ballet flats, or flat, simple sandles. I love your fabric. I have also made retro tent dresses of similar. And would again wear with flats. Dresses here above knee. Colours rock. Cathie, in Quebec. Even summer evening wear....
ReplyDeleteI like my sheets white, crisp and heavy (cotton) - sanitorium style :)
ReplyDeleteI didn't like the pattern at first, but have warmed to it and can see it as (in order of preference):
1) a kimono for Cathy
2) a shirt for you or Michael (if the colours work with his current season)
3) a 50s halter dress with solid colour trims. Something like this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/dress190-BLACK-PINK-FLORAL-40s-50s-ROCKABILLY-SWING-PROM-VINTAGE-DRESS-14-16-/400523041694
Spud.
That print took me back to the early '90's and flower print dresses were popular. I had about 6 or8 that I would wear to work and I loved 'em! The prints like yours were my favorite. The black background had to be there for me I think because if I wasn't wearing a dress to work my clothes were usually dark brown or black or black sweater and jeans. Plus the black made the flowers stand out.
ReplyDeleteCathy has enough for now. So for you, how about a floral vest and a floral lining in a jacket? If you make yourself a shirt, make it a dress shirt with contrasting solid color collar and cuffs.
I'm too old for the big flowers now. Oh the wheel of time rolls over us all. But I would love a slipcover for my chair or just safety pin the flat sheet to the top of my comforter. I think duvet covers are way too heavy even in winter.
That's a great find.
Make a trench coat!
ReplyDeleteIf you go back to the Salvation Army I think you'll find the matching drapes.
ReplyDeleteRather than try to tone it down I would embrace it in all its madness: a 1950's full skirt dress and a solid black bolero (3/4 sleeves) lined with this to match the dress.
If there's anything left over, a nice Mamie Eisenhower-inspired hat to top it all off.
Don't forget your white gloves;)
I would make a kimono style robe for the summertime. Trimmed with one of the colors, with a belt in the trim color. Something to lounge around in and feel beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI love the print, I think it would be cute made up as a boatneck wiggle dress.
ReplyDeleteI have to say I don't like the print. I loathe most floral prints for clothing. The thing about this floral is that the repeating medallion floral is not at all like the fabrics being shown in the photos you selected. The new fabrics have no large bouquets of flowers, but more single blooms. It looks like drapes to me too.
ReplyDeletePatterny shirts are back after several years of candy gingham, eeew!! My man would wear that in a heartbeat!
ReplyDeleteSome of those designer looks remind me of 1700's outfits for men at court. Very OTT in today's look, but then considered the height of fashion. If I had those sheets I'd be making a 1770 Polonaise.
ReplyDeleteLions, and tigers, and bears, oh my . . . I'd give away the stuff after finding out that it was "no iron". Not that I am a a total nature freak, but the idea of formaldehyde- resin soaked material makes me itch just thinking about it. Even after it has been washed a few times it just never feels like real cotton to me. Still, it was such a good deal. . .
ReplyDeleteI adore flowery bed linen, to sleep in rather than wear. My current faves are Betty Barclay orange and purple flowers; very groovalicious.
ReplyDeleteI would say
ReplyDelete1 traditional mens waistcoat
2. Dark shirt, use this for band collar and cuff accent.
3. Asian inspired mid.calf length vest-topped dress, with band collar. Collar, and lining in complementary color.
4. Knee length hammer shorts, lining optional, undies not so much.
5. Ascot
6. Pocket square.
Just to name a few
Pants. Very cool in Australia right now. See http://www.ripcurl.com.au/shop/Girls/Winter-Surfwear/Denim/springtime-cord-pant.html
ReplyDeleteBedding? No way.
ReplyDeleteA woman's shirt? Absolutely not, gross!
A men's shirt? Absolutely GORGEOUS!
But why not a dinner jacket? You have so much of it and you'd be able to wear it almost year round. A shirt is too predictable, IMHO.
I notice the darker shorts and pants on the runway look overdyed. Maybe taupe, oxblood or plum. That would be cool.
ReplyDeleteI would make a 50's or early 60's sundress or a vintage style shirt dress with that. One with a full skirt. I would wear it proudly. But I'm kind of weird and don't care if anyone else likes what I wear or not.
ReplyDeleteHi Peter I realize this thread is two years old but if you happen to still have all that - I love it! You should sell it to me!! Just tell me what you want for it! My email is txtoydogs@yahoo.com. (Love your chis).
ReplyDelete