Friends, are you planning to attend the Pattern Review 12th Anniversary "Little Black Dress" party at Elliott Berman this coming Friday? (You can read more about it and/or RSVP here.)
I can't make it, but when I mentioned the event to Cathy, she insisted I whip her up an LBD so she could attend (Is she even a member of PR -- hello?). And she's got Michael going as her escort!
I reminded her that I already made her an LBD, four short years ago, that is still taking up space in the closet. Why couldn't she wear that?
You'd have thought I'd suggested she go in nothing but Spanx! I'm not wearing cotton in November, she said. Then I reminded her about her glittery black stretch ensemble that's so very Liza-in-Halston, but she wasn't hearing it. She wants something new.
I think she's going to be disappointed when she realizes this isn't a red-carpet event. (Or is it?) Fortunately, I have a fair amount of black fabric on hand, but Cathy is going to have to live with synthetics.
Next up is choosing a pattern. I was envisioning mod Sixties but Cathy seems to be leaning Forties. Granted, the Advance below isn't a true LBD but it does seem appropriate for cocktails. Cathy's eager to show off her strung minks again, and this would be perfect for that. But is it too mature?
Another possibility that's certainly more Holly Golightly-on-the-hairspray is McCalls 6564. It would go together faster, I think, but would require more depilation.
Version A of McCalls 9341 (below) is cute, with crisp white collar and cuffs, but it's a little...boring.
Naturally, I have to work with the patterns I have on hand; if it's not a 36 bust, fuggitaboutit. Have you looked through my womens pattern stash lately? If something calls out to you, let me know.
As far as Japanese jackets and blanket coats go, it's all still happening, just with a slight delay. Actually, this is a good thing, since it allows me to reflect a little more on the pros and cons of color blocking.
Can I finish an LBD by Friday? We're wasting valuable time just thinking about it.
Have a great day, everybody!
I'd go with 4743, the right-hand view with the hip swags. Perfect with the "strung minks." Maybe play with the neckline a bit to "open it up for evening?"
ReplyDeleteIf they can design a dress, go shopping & make something in 10 hours on project runway, it seems like you should be able to make a LBD by Friday, right? After all, you have the doggie treadmill to walk the dogs. :-)
ReplyDeleteI would also suggest 4743 with the minks, the first commenter is right about suggesting a different neckline. Depending on how you want to wear your minks during the party, the front neckline on the pink dress in pattern 6564 would work and it would be faster to sew given the time frame.
ReplyDeleteI agree 4743 with the swag hips would be more flattering for Cathy's figure. You could open the collar, but that would bring up depilation issues again.
ReplyDelete6564 center design view. it is very simple and elegant. With the minks, it will be a knockout. (and maybe V the neckline a bit. )
ReplyDeleteI love 6564! GORGEOUS,do you sell any?
ReplyDeleteRebecca, check Etsy -- there are a couple for sale right now.
Delete6564. Whichever, I hope Cathy appreciates it!
ReplyDeleteWill you also whip up the grey suit for Michael? ;)
Spud.
Oh thankyou for the lovely 10 minute interruption to work browsing your stash. (Boss please note I didn’t add it to my billable hours.) Almost all the ones I thought would be lovely, lucky Cathy already possesses, but how about S4227 with the cute little flowered bolero she already has? Otherwise the Advance pattern in your post would be great in any fabric regardless of content. Given the nice details, maybe Cathy wouldn't notice even if you used cotton. On the other hand, it serve the ungrateful wench right if you use a scratchy synthetic and she comes out in a rash.On the other other hand, poor little Simplicity might be upset if her mum is itchy ...And now I must get back to work!
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of Simplicity, pattern 1119 shows a version in black, and it is divine.
DeleteSkip the rash, raid the stash.
With black tights, it will be a sweet November indeed. That silhouette could flatter Cathy's post-baby waistline.
This public appearance could catalyze Cathy's comeback! Why, with the right publicist, Claire Danes might not be the only new mother to pose in the buff.
pull something out of that closet and put a scarf or bangle on and go somewhere, you dont aways need something new
ReplyDeleteI like the Butterick B4513-Retro Butterick '57 design A in your women's pattern stash because it looks easy to make but fun and flirty.
ReplyDeleteInstead of a Little Black Dress what about a Big Black Dress a la Kathleen Battle?
ReplyDeleteI'm so mad I had to cancel going, but I got a work call and at this point I need to take anything I can get. I even found my black Macaron I made and never posted. Le sigh.
ReplyDeletei'm in the same boat...only i don't have the fabulous choices hanging in my technicolor closet that cathy does.
ReplyDeleteif you ever purge that glitzy black shebang, i am SO your gal. i may have choked on my coffee.
Well, considering I'm in Chevak, Alaska working on Friday, I doubt I'd make it either. And if you want a really cheap thrill, you should look it up on a map.
ReplyDeleteThat Cathy Lane! You spoil her! She needs to learn how to make her own gowns.
Anyway, I hope SHE has fun wearing all of your hard work.
That ungrateful PITA cousin of yours needs a dose of reality! Stuff those strung minks down her throat and let her go in her birthday suit! She so doesn't deserve you! I feel sorry for Michael being stuck with her for the night...and I suppose you get to stay home and play babysitter to poor Simplicity. Peter, your life is starting to sound like Cinderella! ;-P
ReplyDeleteOooooh, what a perfectly bitchy thing to say.......I love it!! LOL!!!
DeleteThe center view of 6564. It looks to be the easiest to sew.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone can make a dress by Friday, it’s you! I hope Cathy appreciates your efforts. Sound like she’s getting a little spoiled.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely adore the Advance pattern, but my preference is for the one on the left. The pink, middle dress of 6564 looks elegant and seems like it would be quick to sew.
Thanks for letting me look through your pattern stash. Is it wrong for me to love a pattern from the Quaker Oats company? I think that little number is divine.
Whatever you do will be great.
the Advance by all means the one on the right would enhance those slender hips.
ReplyDeleteYour cousin is rude and selfish. Leave her at home and go yourself. You're the one people really want to meet.
ReplyDeleteI'll be there and would be so psyched to get a photo with Cathy!
ReplyDeleteThat Advance pattern is to die for!
ReplyDeleteWell, I don't know if you can finish a LBD by Friday or not. Cathy may have to wear cotton and I am SICK that I won't be there to meet her. Good luck!
ReplyDelete