Second thoughts...

This dress was inspired by Prince music ("Alphabet Street") a long time ago. I only wore it once or twice, with a purple turtleneck beneath it. The stripes are irregular, and the fabric is challis-like.

I used to play music for inspiration, and most things I made for about 5 years were done to music by Stevie Wonder, Bobby McFerrin, Eryka Badu, Roberta Flack, and Dave Matthews.

Okay, I have to be strong... almost all of my Prince Albums on Ebay have bids and many watchers. Funny how letting go of a piece of my history (I didn't even realize I still had, mind you) makes my stomach do flips. But hey, I know I have no intentions of buying a record player, I wouldn't play any of this with my children around, and I just feel an incredible need to de-stuff...

Can anyone relate?

The urge not to purge... (Part III)

Happy Halloween! (Well, almost) I made this blouse when I was about 19 years old, and wore it until I turned 30. This is a strange example of a two-layered top that worked so well, that it belongs in the "happy accident" category. The orange fabric was a poly chiffon, (believe it or not)and I sewed two fabric layers as one, with a lightweight black challis-like fabric beneath. I made a hidden snap closure for the front. Yes, it was loud... and I loved it! I miss it. I usually got only a few wears out of it - around halloween, against an all-black outfit... I do still have the pattern... I would need the perfect fabric, though.







This pattern was never a candidate for the Ebay purge. Despite the frumpy, weird series of photos on the front of this pattern envelope, this is one of my very favorite patterns. I made the top (pictured in a grey fabric), in a blue washable silk with an "outer-spacey" splatter-dyed effect, and it was the most comfortable, flowy, feminine top in the world. I just retired mine (now, 12 years old) this summer! This whole pattern works really well for me...

Urge to purge... NOT!!! (Part II)

More things I considered Ebaying...




And when I make it, let's hope I feel as good in it as that model (in the middle) looks in it!





I love the mature, exaggeratedly conservative look of this pattern.

Urge to purge... or not? (Part I)

I have considered and reconsidered putting some patterns on Ebay for two days, and today... they all go right back in the stash. I'm just not ready... I'll have to get to these someday.

I thought I'd share them with you, though, because they are interesting... It will take a few posts to cover them all, so let's just call this one "Part One"!



Did you know DVF developed a pattern for Butterick? I have never sewn it, and I don't know why... I believe I will, but heck, I said that ten years ago, didn't I?




The next pattern intrigues me. I can't quite figure out what is going on with this jacket, and I really want to make it, with a really rich combination of jewel-toned colors. Then... I'll need an event to wear it to!

Oh, Byron... now we must part...

I know that two and two make four - and should be glad to prove it too if I could - though I must say if by any sort of process I could convert 2 and 2 into five it would give me much greater pleasure.

--Lord Byron

I give in... after years of believing that one day I would make these fabulous little numbers for myself, I now know that I am not the body type for these designs. Oh, Byron (Lars), I wanted it to work out, but after 10 long years in my pattern boxes... why do we continue to perpetuate this false hope?

In my urge to purge, I am sacrificing these to the Ebay gods. Bid if you like...

Here's the URL if you you would rather paste into your browser...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280163150426

Oh, and if you do, here are some suggestions:

Two of these are quite small sizes. If you are small, or comfortable altering patterns, no worries. If you are not, ask a dressmaker to alter the pattern for you, or, have the entire garment made by a dressmaker for you!

Pattern 1506 is really photographed as the mirror image of what it will be if you follow the instructions. No other problem, but if you want it to look like the phtograph, know to switch the sides when you cut.

The years written (in red) on the pattern backs refer to when they were discontinued.

Click photos to enlarge and read pattern details. All are new, factory folded, and uncut.








What sealed this decision for me? Well, it has been more than 10 years that I've been holding on to these now. Also, Byron Lars designed for Barbie. While beautiful, look at these dolls. You kinda need to be Regal/Barbie-esque to carry it off, dontcha think?