Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Je T'aime, Colette Patterns!

Colette Patterns is a new line of sewing patterns from Sarai Mitnick of Portland, Oregon. When I first saw them, I knew it was love. More Anthropologie than Ann Taylor, these patterns are gorgeous, vintage-inspired, and best of all, come in the most adorable and amazing little stitched booklets with watercolor illustrations!


The first season has five patterns (four dresses and a skirt), and I immediately snapped up three of them. I made the Parfait dress in a pink seersucker check from B&J, and I have to say I'm over the moon about the pattern. The drafting is great, the instructions are awesome, and the aesthetic is so beautiful. Look at the little gathered patch pockets! Also, a view of the back (you can also catch a glimpse of kitty in the lower left hand corner).




The only change I made to the pattern was to cut the pockets and midriff pieces on the bias to add a little visual interest.

If you're interested in trying Colette patterns (and you should!), one thing to note is about the sizing. I cut an 8 in the bodice, and transitioned down to a 10 in the skirt. The sizes are closer to ready-to-wear than traditional sewing patterns, and they're made for the very hour-glass shaped. Sarai says she drafts bodices for a C cup, and makes sure they can fit a D as well. I am neither of those (understatement of the year alert), and as a result the fit is a bit off in the bust.

I just learned how to do an sba (small bust adjustment) from Fit For Real People and I am SO psyched to try it out on this pattern. It's like magic! Next up is the Macaron dress, and then I think I'll redo the Parfait in this lovely washed silk I have--it's the color of pistachio ice cream. Yum!

18 comments:

  1. You had me a pink and white seersucker check. It's adorable!

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  2. This is so lovely....I've been trying to fit a pattern purchase into my budget for their spring line and I think you may have just pushed me over the edge! Awesome job!

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  3. Thank you, ladies! And thanks for stopping by. :)Sarah, you won't regret it. It also feels good to support an independent designer, doesn't it? I want her to stick around so I can see what she does for fall!

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  4. It's lovely! I was looking for a link to a blog after seeing your dress in the competition and am so glad to have found it via the Colette Patterns blog! Looking forward to seeing what else you make!

    Have you considered joining us at Sew Retro? http://sewretro.blogspot.com

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  5. Hi Gertie.
    I love your dress, Parfait (and your tattoos). I bought this pattern and have been anxious to make it. I have a few projects to finish up first. You mentioned the vintage Vogue book for better sewing. May I suggest Couture Sewing Techniques by Claire Shaeffer. It is to die for. I have been sewing since I was 10 and this book has opened my eyes to true couture sewing. It is well worth it even if just for the history of couture sewing. I got it used for really cheap on Amazon. I am going to look up the Vogue's new book for better sewing.
    Thanks for sharing
    Kathi G

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  6. Love the pink dress. And feel free to post more pictures of kitties. Us sewers love dogs and cats, but especially cats in my case.

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  7. Thanks, ladies! Anna, I'd love to join Sew Retro. I look at it periodically, and it's a great site.

    Kathi, I've been coveting the Claire Shaeffer book for a while. Vogue's New Book for Better Sewing isn't the best sewing guide, it's more of an interesting peek into 50's patterns and techniques. And it's got great photos! I'm going to post on my other fave sewing books soon.

    Meredith, there will definitely be more kitties! :)

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  8. The dress looks gorgeous on you and is very sweet with your tattoos!

    Despite the goofy cover, Fit for Real People is really good. I have to do a fba for just about everything.

    Also, I'm in Queens too. Love living so close to so many sewing resources.

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  9. I love how your dress turned out!
    I am going to order the book, Fit for Real People. I've got the "boobs too small" problem also and I am swimming in my bodice!
    I'm freaking out. I'm usually the kind of person that just puts a project away if it causes too much trouble. I am determined not to do that this time. I've spent too much time and money on this baby.
    Send some good sewing vibes my way so that I might get it done the right way before my anniversary get away.

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  10. Hey Julie, I'm sorry you're having so much trouble! Do you have enough fabric to cut another front bodice? The small bust adjustment basically involves taking a tuck right across the front bodice, so you'll need to make the change to the pattern. I'm working on a tutorial on this for the Parfait dress, but I don't know if it will be done in time for you. When's your trip?

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  11. Wire Monkey: thanks for stopping by, neighbor! The Fit For Real People cover cracks me up every time I look at it. But the book is excellent--it really simplifies things, doesn't it?

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  12. Your interpretation of the Parfait dress is awesome! This pattern is the one that speaks most to me in her collection (but I like all of them). And thank you for the heads up on the bust size, I won't be able to fill up those lovely gathered cups either.

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  13. ou look stunning and the dress is wonderful! I came across your pic in thr Flickr pool. Great job and your tats rock!

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  14. Sooooooooo cute! Looks great on you.

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  15. wouahhhhh ! j'adore ! great dress, great blog !

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  16. I love your blog, you are about the same measurements as me so your adjustments are very helpful, I'm in the process of finishing my dress and adjusted the bust area. Looking good and very pleased with my effort

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Thanks for your comments; I read each and every one! xo Gertie

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