My favourite fabric designer, Brett Lewis, has released another collection! I was very excited when I saw the new designs because they perfectly represent the area that I grew up in, very close to the Rocky Mountains. This pattern has bears, wolves, birds, and other forest animals that I am very familiar with.
I wanted to make sure that the fabric would shine when I made the dress, so I did not want it to have too many seamlines. I decided to go with a pattern that I made this summer out of rayon that fits perfectly with no alterations whatsoever and has the most incredible flutter sleeves. This pattern is a modern Vogue pattern (V9327), but I think it has a real vintage look to it. The skirt is a gentle A-line made of 3 pieces, which meant that I could fussy cut the front skirt piece so that it has the bears centred down the front. The side seams have large pockets, and the bodice is also in 3 pieces with some intricate dart shapes. I love the high neckline and how streamlined it is, so it isn't too complicated looking with the busy print. The sleeves are the star of the show, and they gave me so much room to show off the colours and designs in the fabric. I have spoken about it time and time again, but I find this style of dress so functional because they are long enough that I never have to think about how I move since I always know that I am staying covered, and the skirt is loose enough that I can move about with ease. I love how long the sleeves are, and the length makes sure that the fabric drapes really nicely. Overall this pattern is so comfortable and really easy to wear while still being elegant and beautiful (in my opinion).
I started making this dress a month or so ago, but I finally had lots of time to work on it when I finished my semester and came home for the holidays. I ended up finishing 2 dresses over the winter break and cutting out a new one! I often get asked about what I do with all of the dresses that I make, and this winter is a good example of how I utilize all of my makes. Some of the dresses I have made in the past were ways for me to practice new methods or techniques, or ways to try out new styles. Not all of them ended up being my favourite to wear, so those I either give to friends or donate to a women's shelter in the area. The more that I sew, the better my dresses end up and the more they suit my style. Now that I am a bit older (I started learning how to sew my own clothes when I was 15) I know what kind of clothes I enjoy wearing and feel confident in, and I know what kinds of clothing I need for my life. The dresses that I really love - that fit me well, that are made out of fabric that I love, and are made in the styles that I love to wear - I wear all the time in my everyday life.
This dress is going to be a very well-worn garment in my everyday life. The colours go well with all of my other clothes, and I am so thrilled with the way that the dress turned out. Plus, I absolutely love having clothes that are made out of fabric prints that show my personality, like this forest print!
If you want to check out Brett Lewis' other designs, check him out here - all of his prints have tons of detail and use the most beautiful colours (this post is not sponsored, I just really love these designs).
Happy New Year and thanks for reading!
~Katherine
Comments