Issue No. 25 Tucks and Polka Dots
Sad about Joann Fabrics. An inspiration from Kate Middleton and . . . clowns? A tangent about capri pants. And, loads of tucks and polka dots. The happiest thing I stumbled upon at the fabric store.
This is coming hot off my learning that Joann Fabrics will be closing a majority of their stores. This is sad to me….very sad. I know many sewists who sometimes talk about the beauty of buying fabric and patterns from small, indie shops and online (and I agree). But we need these stores, with many locations, and coupons(!). My 8 year old daughter needs this! I need this! And, grandma needs this! The people that work at my local Joann’s…..I gotta say….I don’t know where they will go once it closes.
My local Joann’s is right across the street from our local Party City, which is also closing. It’s so strange to me that these big stores are closing because they were once the “big” guys and now they suffer just like the mom and pop shops. Long live mom and pop shops. My 8 year old will be crushed to learn of this and we will be sure to go and get some crafting supplies for her (and me).
The Pattern + Inspiration
The pattern….which I see the irony….I did not get this pattern nor the fabric from Joann’s (but I’m sure I got my thread there and my sewing needles and perhaps the interfacing!).
The Pattern is a 1980’s Vintage Vogue pattern by Albert Nipon. Not a household name, he had a quick rise and fall. But, after serving time for tax fraud he rose again. The pattern is for the dress and a slip!
It features 24 tucks in total. 3 ruffle pieces. Two small inserted shoulder pads made with the slip fabric. 12 buttons down the front and 1 on each wrist. No buttonholes, but rather button-loops created with the same fabric.
I’ve been inspired lately by…I just have to say it….clowns. The neck ruffle that clowns usually sport. ha! But, you wouldn’t think “clowns” when seeing this dress. But, I wanted to give that a mention, And, more than clowns….I am always inspired by the Princess of Wales. I desperately covet her royal ascot dress of 2022 by Alessandra Rich. Just divine. I want it!
Tangent!!!
The dress pictured above is by Alessandra Rich. Her designs are lovely and feminine. All good things. I subscribe to their emails and had to share this image from their marketing…..
Why am I sharing this?? Well, because not even one year ago I saw a popular influencer make an April Fool’s joke about capri pants. What does she have against Audrey Hepburn? Or Capri? Let’s be honest, she was likely doing it for the hate AND love comments that generate engagement.
The best way to find your style is to not worry about trends but to wear what you have, and what you enjoy to wear. After I saw that post, I saw a women wearing capri pants out in the wild! You go girl! She was wearing what worked for her body and style. And, that’s the most stylish thing you can do. Having said that, I think I’m ready to buy a pair of skinny jeans that fit me. I like how skinny jeans work with shoes and over-sized button-down shirts regardless of how popular barrel and flare jeans are right now. Plus, how cute are the capri pants styled in this marketing email??
End of tangent.
The Fabric
I ordered from Mood fabrics, they titled it “Famous Australian Designer Black and White Burnout Satin Polka Dots Polyester Chiffon” but anyone with Google can figure out that the designer is Zimmermann.
The Final fitting
This was a win for me. I’m very happy with how it turned out! I wore it out and loved it! Need more excuses to wear these dresses.
Bonus: moment of happiness
There’s a BIG button bin at our local fabric store. My youngest would love to swim in it and play. I’m beginning to learn that I really can’t take her there anymore since I can’t pick out any thread or fabric because she beelines it to the button bin. Then she climbs and pulls herself up, making all the workers look for me because they worry she will tip it over. WELL, after I picked up some needles I went to the bin and saw that a gentleman put her on his walker!! LOOK!!
Thank you forever for reading. What do you want to see next?!
xo,
Elissa
Your dress! How did I not know about Joanns? I just googled and the Burlington store, a few miles from me is on the list. I'm sad. I was going to go tomorrow night to get some bias tape but now I might buy them out of it!
Hi Elissa! I don’t sew but I love seeing your creations and you have the best style. The sweet old man letting your daughter stand on his walker made my day! Thanks for sharing inspiration in each newsletter.