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First Look: Colette Patterns Fall 2011

You asked, so we decided to answer. Here is your first look at our three newest patterns, now available for preorder!

Let’s start with the ones pictured above.

Jasmine is our newest blouse. I wanted to create a top that was great for Fall layering, body flattering, but easy and quick to sew.

Jasmine is cut on the bias, so you don’t need any closures. Version 1 (the black and cream version above) has a cute little kerchief collar made in a contrasting fabric. The sleeves on this version have a little notch in the cuff… I could see adding a decorative button or two!

Version 2 (in the starburst pattern above) has longer gathered sleeves, and the collar can be tied in a pretty bow.

And then we have Clover, which I have a feeling will be the real hit of the season. Our first trouser pattern!

First, I know many of you are intimidated about making your own pants. So I set out to make a pattern that is both chic and dead simple, so that you can concentrate on getting them just the way you want them. We’ll be posting plenty of fitting tips, and likely doing a sewalong at some point too!

With just a few pattern pieces, you can make a pair of elegant cigarette pants that will carry you through Fall. Version 1 (the tweed ones above) are ankle length, with subtle pockets inset into the waistband seam. Version 2 (the aqua-green pair above) are mid-calf and will be great for warmer weather (or for those in the southern hemisphere)!

These pants should be made in a fabric with a bit of lycra for stretch (1%-3% is good).

I don’t know about you, but I plan on making at least three pair before Winter! Stretch cotton twill, a tweed pair, a wool, maybe a velveteen or corduroy…

Finally, we have Peony!

Isn’t she so lovely? Peony is a boat-neck dress with short or 3/4 sleeves and a fully removable cummerbund-style belt. The belt can be made in a contrast fabric (version 1) or in your main fabric (version 2). This dress lends itself to countless variations, and especially to embellishments. Caitlin is going to share a few of those in the coming weeks.

I’m planning to do one this Fall in a light pumpkin silk, and I cannot wait.

So hop on over to the shop and place your order! The patterns are just getting bound, stuffed, and glued as we speak, and should start shipping from the warehouse in 1-2 weeks, so it’s not a long wait at all!

Photo Credits:
Photographer: Anja Verdugo
Model: Kari Ann Tilson
Hair / Makeup: Robin Carlisle of Holiday Hair Studio
Art Direction: Sarai Mitnick / Colette Patterns
Styling Assistance: Caitlin Clark

Sarai Mitnick

Founder

Sarai started Colette back in 2009. She believes the primary role of a business should be to help people. She loves good books, sewing with wool, her charming cats, working in her garden, and eating salsa.

Comments

Louise

August 31, 2011 #

I just swooned, I don’t swoon but when that Peony dress appeared on my screen I swooned! I love that, the simplicity, the flow I can’t wait to see the variations that you have lined up!

Melissa

August 31, 2011 #

Beautiful! I’m soooo excited to make all of these!

Seraphinalina

August 31, 2011 #

How truly lovely! Oh I think my pattern collection will be expanding…

Samina

August 31, 2011 #

All three are just fantastic! I’m looking forward to seeing more variations. I definitely plan to order them.

Emily

August 31, 2011 #

Just placed my order for Peony and Jasmine. I can’t wait to make them! Thank you for putting pockets in Peony–not enough dress patterns include pockets and they are a necessity for me! I can’t wait to make them.

Em

August 31, 2011 #

Absolutely stunning as usual. I can’t wait for these patterns to be available in the UK! Your patterns are by far the best ones out there, I love them.

elle

August 31, 2011 #

Wow Sarai, you have completely outdone yourself with these. Beautiful and so chic. Have just pre-ordered all three.

Lauren

August 31, 2011 #

wow, these are gorgeous! i love them all, but especially those pants – super sleek & flattering. win!

Anna | Mormor hade stil

August 31, 2011 #

Wow they all look great but I’m especially tempted about trying the trousers!

Kerry

August 31, 2011 #

Ooooooh! I’m so excited! The blouse is lovely, from the cute tie to the little notch detail, the dress is classic and gorgeous and the trousers are finally enough to make me want to try making trousers. I’m so glad to hear you’re planning a trousers sewalong too – wn I first heard there would be a trousers pattern I was thinking a sewalong would be great.

eunny

August 31, 2011 #

omg. I’m so excited! Peony has my name all over it.

Roisin

August 31, 2011 #

Oh my. Peony is so beautiful! I LOVE the longer-sleeved version. Excited now for autumn x

Hillary

August 31, 2011 #

Woot! Ordered- and now I get to start out Self-Stitched Sept with a Peony, fabulous!!

Natalie Peeters

August 31, 2011 #

Wow! All of the patterns look really amazing. I really like the fit of the Clover trousers. Can’t wait to get my hands on these patterns…Well done!

Casandra Riddle

August 31, 2011 #

LOVE the new dress!!!! I love the teal-green fabric. Could you please tell me where you got it from. I would love to make your dress out of that color. I know that the teal pattern is the one you made (I think) I love that too BTW. Thank you so much….

Sarai

August 31, 2011 #

It really is a beautiful fabric. We bought it locally at Mill End here in Portland. It’s a very lightweight wool, smooth and not at all itchy.

casandra

August 31, 2011 #

Such a bummer. I would love to have ordered some, but I did just order some of your awesome fabric that you designed.

Michelle

August 31, 2011 #

Love them all! Will the Peony variations include any neckline variations? The shape of the dress would be very flattering on me, but boatnecks tend to not be the best neckline for my large bust.

Sarai

August 31, 2011 #

We shall take that into consideration! Perhaps when we do a sewalong at some point. It would be a very easy modification if you just wanted to lower it to a scoop neck or something.

Jaynie

August 31, 2011 #

Pre-ordering all of these!! I love them all! And thank you…this is just what I needed today :)

rosesred

August 31, 2011 #

That little blouse is devine. I love how the biascut fabric flows around the model. Great look.

Stevie

August 31, 2011 #

I like everything. Especially Jasmine. Is there availability to the UK if we pre-order?

Sarai

August 31, 2011 #

Yep, we ship anywhere!

Heather B

August 31, 2011 #

Love the new patterns! Makes me wish I looked good in cigarette pants.

Ms.Cleaver (Leah)

August 31, 2011 #

So excited for Clover – you have no idea.

Jessica

August 31, 2011 #

Absolutely gorgeous – all of them! What type of fabric is the white peony made out of? It looks absolutely classic and elegant… I am already envisioning sewing all three of these up!

Sarai

August 31, 2011 #

The white one is a lovely wool crepe.

Emma

August 31, 2011 #

SWOON. Glad to see everyone else is as excited as I am. All three are a fall NECESSITY!

liz

August 31, 2011 #

I love them!! I already know my first request for a tutorial, which is how to narrow the shoulders and upper back on these great wide necked patterns?

allison

August 31, 2011 #

wow. just wow. i have pants super similar to your clover trousers which i purchased for loads of cash from j.crew. they are perfect and the prospect of being able to make my own in any fabrics i choose …. ! and everything else is super lovely too. i am an absolute novice when it comes to sewing but you have inspired me to work hard at it because the prospect of making these items for my closet is just beyond awesome.

Mary Danielson

August 31, 2011 #

Oh, my. These are absolutely lovely, Sarai! I am already daydreaming about the versions of Jasmine and Peony I’m going to make. My shipment can’t come soon enough!

Sara

August 31, 2011 #

I couldn’t be more in love with Jasmine! Such a wonderful addition to an already stunning collection. Way to go ladies!

Kelly Jeanne

August 31, 2011 #

Holy cow! I die!

Silke

August 31, 2011 #

I really love all three patterns and especially the blouse with the sweet collar. Can’t wait to sew some nice styles for the upcoming season. A great outlook for the cold part of the year. :-)

Amanda

August 31, 2011 #

I just ordered all 3! I’m excited about my first challenge in sewing pants. :) The ensembles above are just gorgeous – I just LOVE the look of that black and ivory top with chambray bottom in that first image (is that chambray? what type of fabric was used there?)!!!

I cannot wait! I already know that these 3 pieces will be a part of my Fall Palette Challenge!

Sarai

August 31, 2011 #

I always forget to list what types of fabric we used! That fabric is a really beautiful tweedy herringbone in silk (so it’s not itchy!)

Alex Sand

August 31, 2011 #

What pretty clothes! I love the detailing in the top.

Rachel

August 31, 2011 #

I had sworn off ever making pants again, but I will give these cigarette pants a try. I am excited to see them.

Erin

August 31, 2011 #

You are so talented! Thank you for designing such cute clothes!!!

Mara Donofrio

August 31, 2011 #

Oh my! These patterns are all so lovely. I especially like…oh wait, I especially like all of them! I’ve really got my eye on Clover – I’ve been looking for a pants pattern and haven’t been able to find anything just right from the Big Four.

juliette

August 31, 2011 #

Oh la la ! Gorgeous ! All of them (and so nice to think about people living in the southern hemisphere) ! Wonderful sewing season to come,thank you so much, Sarai

Sarai

August 31, 2011 #

Well I know we have lots of lovely folks sewing in that half of the world too!

Beth

August 31, 2011 #

I love all three! They are going on my Christmas wish list right now. I especially love that you’ve got a pants pattern. I have no hand sewn pants and that’s really what I need for the fall and winter.

Mary

August 31, 2011 #

I like these VERY much. Of the three, the Peony dress with 3/4 sleeves is my fave. I am interested to see how I could translate it into various styles. Well done-these are more sophisticated styles-really nice.

Jeanne Marie

August 31, 2011 #

The Sencha top is next on my sewing list, but I’m going to put Jasmine right after. I’ll have to figure out how to incorporate it into my Fall Palette Challenge. Lovely job. It’s exciting to see your work blossom.

Michelle

August 31, 2011 #

Seriously, I have been looking for a cigarette pants pattern!! So excited! I am going to get this pattern and wait for the sew-a-long! My first pair of trousers didn’t work out very well, so I think a sew-a-long would be perfect for me!

Melanie

August 31, 2011 #

OMG, I am swooning over these! The neckline on that blouse is spot on! I was just thinking of an ivory silk too! And I love love love the dress in pink. I happen to think that a boatneck is flattering on a large bust, but it would be easy to lower it too.

I would also like to commend your choice of model. All your models are fabulous, but it’s fun to see someone a little older who could be a mom like me! I know this has been a topic of discussion in the past, but I really do think it’s much easier for customers to shop if they have an idea of what the clothes may look like on their own bodies. Providing a variety of models makes this easier.

I had just crossed off the idea of wearing a pink dress myself to baby girl’s birthday, but now I’m re-thinking. I’m off to pre-order the blouse and dress. (those pants are so chic I also wish I looked good in cigarette pants, but not usually. I’ll watch the sew alongs with interest to see if I change my mind.) thanks so much for sharing these early!

Charlotte

August 31, 2011 #

I am just so excited I could pop! I want all of these patterns now, they are all so gorgeous. I’m currently working on Violet, so that will keep me ticking over until I can get my hands on these lovelies. And with all the gorgeous Autumn fabrics to choose from….bliss!

Carla

August 31, 2011 #

Ahh all of them are so lovely!!

Juli

August 31, 2011 #

Love all of these new patterns! I’m really excited to see that there is a pattern for pants! As a fairly garment sewist I’ve never made any before, but I’m excited to try! I’m also really loving that blue and white star patterned print fabric that you used for the Jasmine blouse. I remember seeing it in an earlier post as well – is that the Spoonflower fabric that you made, Sarai? If so, is it available to purchase through their site? I would love to make one of the Jasmine blouses using that fabric – it’s adorable! :-)

Sarai

August 31, 2011 #

It is! I didn’t even think about making it available to buy on Spoonflower. I just went back and made it available for purchase. I called it “aqua starburst.”

I really enjoyed designing it!

Juli

August 31, 2011 #

Yay! Thanks so much! :-)

What fabric type did you use for the blouse in the photo, if you don’t mind me asking? Was it the quilting weight or a lighter fabric from their site?

Sarai

August 31, 2011 #

It’s the silk, which is quite pricey. I imagine the voile or cotton-silk blend would also be lovely (though not cheap!)

Nikki

August 31, 2011 #

Oh, time to drool!! Just got back from a tough choir rehearsal in the hopes this post was up and there it is! I shall sleep well tonight dreaming of what I can make! The jasmine blouse looks so fresh and easy and no buttonholes!! :-) I love that patterned fabric you’ve used too. Methinks I’ll be ordering the dress and blouse tomorrow!

Will reserve judgement on the trousers for now – I hate seeing myself in them, but you never know, a sewalong may help me change my mind!

Vicki

August 31, 2011 #

ditto to all of the above! (except the ordering part – have yet to do that)

AND KariAnn looks gorgeous!

Amanda

August 31, 2011 #

Oh, they are all lovely, but that dress! Perfection.

claudiaharper

August 31, 2011 #

Peony is GORGEOUS!

Malorie

August 31, 2011 #

I love the simple lines of these patterns, they are so inspiring! I love the peony, thinking about using a nice wool to recreate one of my favorite vintage dresses. Would it do well in a slightly heavier weight fabric? And I am intrigued by the challenge of pants, the sew along will be a must!

Sarai

August 31, 2011 #

I think it would look great in fabrics heavier than these! A little body is good for the dress, as long as the fabric isn’t super bulky.

Handmade

August 31, 2011 #

Congratulations – these all look divine!!

Ali

August 31, 2011 #

Gorgeous, as expected. Love the cigarette pant and have a lovely navy twill (with lots of stretch) and a brown tweed (no stretch!) which I think would serve my wardrobe beautifully for fall.

Since I’m trying to sew from my stash, do you think I could make these using a non-stretch woven? And is there any harm in sewing it up with too much stretch? Many thanks!!

Sarai

August 31, 2011 #

I actually originally designed the pants for non-stretch fabrics, but I found them to be more comfortable with a little lycra, so I changed it. You can certainly make them and get a good fit with non-stretch, but my main concern was with movement and sitting comfort, particularly in the knees since they have a slim leg. I’d advise a muslin, which is very very quick with this pattern. Then try moving around and sitting before you decide.

If it has more stretch, that could definitely work! I’d try draping the fabric and seeing how it looks… depending on the weight and the amount of stretch, you could get into leggings territory.

Rochelle

August 31, 2011 #

Love love love! I’m so excited for these, especially the Jasmine top.

Jenelle

August 31, 2011 #

I am so excited for fall sewing! Love the Peony option with the longer sleeves especially. I also noticed that all of these patterns are for beginners. I was wondering if there would be any intermediate patterns on the fall horizon or if the sew alongs would detail optional and more advanced techniques to work into these great patterns. Thanks!

Sarai

August 31, 2011 #

We’re doing lots of embellishment and detail ideas, many of which fall more in the intermediate territory.

Tonya Richard

August 31, 2011 #

I just found your patterns and already have a long list of the ones I want to buy, the 3 newest ones are at the top of my list now! LOL I will be making these for myself and my teenage daughters. You are so talented!

Sarai

August 31, 2011 #

Thanks and welcome!

K-Line

August 31, 2011 #

What fantastic new patterns. They’re all elegant and modern.

Cinnamon

August 31, 2011 #

Bravo! You know, I think I would have never made a pair of those cigarette pants, but with a sew along and fitting tips, plus fabric ideas…sign me up! And Peony is just fantastic! (Three !, I must be excited ;)

Karen in VA

August 31, 2011 #

They are all gorgeous!!!! So simple and elegant… Will definitely be ordering all 3…

Sarah

August 31, 2011 #

I have just swooned with joy! What gorgeous patterns!!! Jasmine is definitely making an appearance in my fall/winter sewing. Sensational!

Jessica

August 31, 2011 #

I want them all! Hmm, I think I know what I’ll be doing once my tax return comes through …

Gemini

August 31, 2011 #

Love the new patterns! The “you don’t need any closures” part of Jasmine is very exciting. :D Peony looks so elegant – I’ll definitely be making it as part of the Fall Palette challenge!

Robin

August 31, 2011 #

goodness, I just love all three new designs!
And I especially enjoy seeing them sewn from the fabric you selected during your shopping trip.

Robin Kataja

August 31, 2011 #

Beautiful!!! I LOVE all three of them…especially the Jasmine top and I love the white w/black version of the lovely “Peony”dress…which by the way is my all time favorite flower as well :)

LadyKatza

August 31, 2011 #

Oh! OH! I love them so much! I’m going to get the pants. They will be awesome for layering the big flowing tops that are in right now.

Alicia

August 31, 2011 #

omg. all. amazing. I’m getting them all! The pants are just what I need!

Jess

August 31, 2011 #

What type of fabric is the beautiful pimk peony in? Can’t wait to sew these up… so gorgeous.

PascalefromParis

August 31, 2011 #

I like Peony, but I am still unsure about it. But the one that caught my eyes was Jasmine: The perfect blouse en version 1! Probably not for winter season: the flattering on every one neckline will be too low to wear under jacket… I will have to test this.
But I have a question about Jasmine: the contrasting collar seemes to be scalopped, this detail doesn’t appears on the linedrawing… Is this collar slitly scalloped or is it just an effect due to the cut on the bias???
I love this blouse!
Pascale

Sarai

September 1, 2011 #

It isn’t scalloped, no. It might be waving slightly in the photo… it’s cut on the bias in a very light fabric.

Francesca

September 1, 2011 #

Absolutely fabulous – I love them all. The pants won’t suit me :( – too bad.. Styling is gorgeous too, great pics, lovely model (who doesn’t look like a mom to me, by the way) and that fabric you designed is sooo pretty.

Emilie

September 1, 2011 #

I’m a recent follower of your blog and I discovered you Fall Collection : it’s really beautiful !
I love every single pattern, especially the Peaony with long sleeves :-D
I’m also in love with the Trousers but I’m wondering if it’s a high or low waist pant ?
High waist are definitely not for me….

Can’t wait to see more of every ones’ Fall Palette with those new pattern !!!

Sarai

September 1, 2011 #

It’s a medium waist pant. The waistband sits just below the natural waist, so not super high by any means.

Lindsay

September 1, 2011 #

Wowsers! These are all really lovely – especially the dress and the shirt for me (love the cigarette pants but unfortunately not so good with my thighs and ankles). Like the other poster I’d be very interested to see some neckline variations on the dress if you were to do a sew-along.

Kathryn

September 1, 2011 #

Jasmine is exactly what I’ve been looking for! I had a very similar blouse from Uniqlo which was incredibly flattering, and I’ve been trying to re-create it for ever. I love this pattern.

Tors

September 1, 2011 #

Oh my gosh, I adore all of these, and can’t wait to get my hands on them! Thanks for another great set, I’m sure they’re going to do amazingly well.

Kate

September 1, 2011 #

Oh.. I’d love to add Jasmine and Peony to my fall palette challenge projects.. I hope it wouldn’t take to long till they are available at european online retailers..

Leah

September 1, 2011 #

Oh holy hell. I love these patterns! I love love love that Jasmine has no closures! And the pants, the pants are divine. I love peony as well, but I share another commentator’s concerns that the style might be less then flattering for my less then subtle bosom. But I’ve been pouring over slim fitting ankle length pant patterns with pockets on Burda style for weeks, unsure which one might really be the one for me, and now, Colette, a company one can really trust, has come out with trousers. Sarai, have you been reading my dream journal? And by that I mean my tipsy late night inner monologue?

Sarai

September 1, 2011 #

Wow Leah, what a flattering comment!

Melanee

September 1, 2011 #

These are all so marvelously classy. I love the pants, but am not sure they’d work on me. I have a good fairly sz 6 figure; however, after 7 kids I’ve got a tummy.. How would these work with someone who’s not Audrey Hepburn?

Sarai

September 1, 2011 #

You body type sounds a lot like mine (except I have the tummy sans kids), and I love them on me. But I do like things that emphasize my legs.

Leigh

September 1, 2011 #

Very cute top! I really like it.

Natasha

September 1, 2011 #

How high do you think the blouse’s neckline could be raised before it would need to have closures? I would love to make this blouse, but I don’t wear low scoop necks…

Sarai

September 1, 2011 #

Natasha, it just needs to be big enough to fit your head through. You could raise it quite a bit, especially since the neckline is a bit wide.

thezenofmaking

September 1, 2011 #

Those pants, oh those pants! Swoon.

Annelise

September 1, 2011 #

Amazing amazing amazing! I am very excited, especially about the dress!

Gemma

September 1, 2011 #

These new patterns are just so beautiful … after making clothes for my daughter for the past few years I have now bit the bullet and am sewing for myself … eeeek! It’s addicitive … with your beautiful Peony dress … would it be possible to make the dress without sleeves as well? WOuld I just have to fashion some armhole facings? Congratulations – so glad I found you … will be ordering patterns soon!

Laura

September 2, 2011 #

I don’t normally wear blouses but jasmine is so perfect that I’m going to branch out and have a go! I have one (slightly silly) question…previous experiences with blouses have left me with an irrational fear of getting stuck inside a blouse that has no closures!!! Is jasmine easy to get on and off? (I hope so because I really love it!)

Sarai

September 2, 2011 #

IT should be easy to get on and off, since it’s not tight and is cut on the bias, meaning that it can stretch.

Marit

September 2, 2011 #

I absolutely love the new patterns, especially Peony! The pink version you made up is so sweet and elegant at the same time, my absolute favorite:) Can I ask what kind of fabric you used?

Sarai

September 2, 2011 #

The pink fabric is a plain woven silk… slightly crisp, but not as stiff as dupioni.

Andrea

September 2, 2011 #

LOVE!!!

Robin

September 2, 2011 #

I want…no, I need a tutorial on the cigarette pants. I would like to make a pair in black for Christmas. That’s my goal. Hope you have the tutorial by then.

Murielle

September 5, 2011 #

Beautiful i love the fall patterns. I make my preorder ….so exicted To recevie ……

Z.

September 6, 2011 #

I love the peony pattern! Would it work in a cotton lawn? I’m thinking no, not crisp enough. But I have a cotton lawn it would be so cute in (Liberty of London, Pauly Parrot, pink) , so I’m really hoping it would work.

Sarai

September 6, 2011 #

I think it could work in lawn, though if it seems a little light, you may want to line it or underline it.

gillian in portland

September 6, 2011 #

love the dress pattern!! what level of sewing do you think this would require? i would say i’m an intermediate or sometimes overly confident beginner :) thanks!!!

Sarai

September 6, 2011 #

these are all labeled beginner!

Jeri

September 12, 2011 #

Are the patterns getting close to shipping? The suspense is killing me!!!

Sarai

September 13, 2011 #

The patterns are now shipping!

Francesca

September 13, 2011 #

Silly question perhaps, but I was just looking at the Peony yardage to make sure i bought enough dupioni (wedding shop has it on sale at €8 a metre woohoo so I bought loads of different non-wedding colours!) and I noticed that the hem width is kind of narrow… in the larger sizes it is much narrower than the bust… it looks like a slightly A-line skirt to me – am I wrong?
waiting for my patterns with great anticipation :)

Sarai

September 13, 2011 #

Yes, the pattern is an aline. Hmm, I will double check on the hem width.

Francesca

September 14, 2011 #

Thanks, I was hoping it was:)… like A-lines…. shipping – yes!

K.M.

September 13, 2011 #

Do the pants have a place marked on the pattern to help with shortening? I always have to shorten the crotch length and lower the center front a bit because I’m petite and my waist is higher in back than in front. Also, since your sizes include larger sizes, will they look all right on curvy figures?

PS: Just finished making the Oolong dress for an upcoming wedding. I’m glad I made a muslin first, because I did have to shorten it about an inch and a half above the waist. The finished dress looks and fits wonderfully, and the lining underneath really makes it flow beautifully and look great.

Sarai

September 13, 2011 #

It has marks for adjusting leg length, though not crotch length. Good suggestion. But we’ll be covering this in the upcoming sewalong!

My Roman Apartment

September 13, 2011 #

Peony! I’m DYING for this dress. I’m in Italy for the next three months, and this dress would be perfect for my travel wardrobe. Alas, I have no sewing machine here and will have to wait until I get back to the states.

I know. This is the epitome of a First World Problem.

Can’t wait to see the sewalong to see everyone’s variations on this.

Thanks for the pockets!

Jessica at Me Sew Crazy

September 14, 2011 #

Oh my goodness – I am in love! I cannot wait to try that dress and those pants! Amazing!

Francesca

September 20, 2011 #

I received my patterns today and am so buzzed! They came really quickly – to Europe – thank you! Great clear explanations as usual – I am already working on the blouse – I haven’t decided on which sleeves and collar yet, I have 3 yards of a silk from Egypt which is only 40″ wide so I am going to see which sleeves and collar fit in and go from there….
then the dress with long sleeves in black and white check dupioni with a red cummerband. And I have more planned for each…. lovely.
I am also waiting breathlessly for the book – yay!

sarah

September 21, 2011 #

oh, Sarai, how lovely! I have to tell you, I’m seriously eyeing the Jasmine. I wonder – I have some ralph lauren fabric in his classic (small) red plaid that I snapped up a few years ago. I’ve matched plaids before – do you think it would be a hassle to match a plaid on the jasmine? I was just thinking this would be a perfect way to satisfy my craving for a plaid blouse for fall! And those slightly puffed sleeves would give me an opportunity to do some russian peasant-blouse-inspired embroidery work at the shoulder! (in white sashiko cotton or crewel wool!)

Sarai

September 22, 2011 #

It would be very easy to match the plaid on the CF and CB seams! They’re symmetrical, so it should be quite simple. If you want to match the plaid on the sleeves, that’s always a bit trickier of course… for any sleeve!

Leslie

June 8, 2012 #

Hi, I love the fall patterns, I’m just a bit intimidated. I usually sew with extremely simple patterns if I use a pattern at all. I mostly make simple super full elastic waist skirts, paperbag skirts and restyle thrift store finds. How tough are these patterns? I’d also like to say thanks for making them in larger sizes. I’m still waiting for alot of designers to catch on that not everyone is as svelte as Zooey Dechanel, although we are all just as cute. ;-)

Sarai

June 8, 2012 #

From your description, it wounds like you’re ready to venture out of the really simple projects but don’t want to get in over your head. I think our beginner patterns would be perfect for you (and these are all beginner patterns). I don’t know if you’ve seen our patterns before, but they are well known for having very explicit directions and lots of extra tips and tricks. They’re meant to guide you. :)

Having said that, I’d probably start with something not too tricky to fit and without too many pieces. The Peony dress above could be a good one to start with!