Here it is! The lovely pattern I tested for the new Colette Patterns line. This is the Rooibos dress, which I adored the moment I saw the pattern.
This is a sweet little number with the flattering shape and retro details that Colette Patterns is becoming known for.
The tiny collar is formed by a facing in a contrasting fabric, which provides lots of opportunity to play around with color and texture.
The only changes I made were to raise the neckline about half an inch and add two little buttons on the front bodice. The fabric I used is a camel-colored wool for the body and black silk charmeuse as a contrast. The pattern provides optional instructions for piping the neckline and pockets, and I did both, using a store-bought package of black satiny piping.This project came together very quickly. I cut it out one night, and sewed it up in a few hours the next day. A total joy to sew! I know a lot of you are drooling over the new line, and I think this one is a must-have. I'm even considering making it again in a different color scheme.
And here's a video if you'd like to see the dress in action! Are you sick of these yet? I hope not! It was a lot easier to get in details like the piped pockets on video.
Very cute! And I think you sell it even better than the Colette Pattern pic, as one gets to properly see the cut of the dress on you (which disappeared a little in the navy fabric on the official pic). I was very tempted by a couple of the patterns before, but now I'm going to have to add this one too... naughty! And the fact you mention it goes together in a couple of hours is even more of a selling point!
ReplyDeleteI love the dress - it looks great on you. The buttons are a genius touch
ReplyDeleteLooks amazing!
ReplyDeleteI agree with the above comment. You can really see the pattern detail on your version. I wasn't so keen on the pattern before, but now I'm interested darn it!! I rather like the Sencha top, and the Lady Grey jacket. They have great lines, and the sencha top has a nice vintage feel. Nice work. You clothes always seem to have this lovel polished finish!
ReplyDeleteAnd the buttons look really cute! ;p
ReplyDeleteWow! What a sweet dress. It looks amazing on you and I love the color wool you chose. Now I may just have to do this one too! I love love love Colette patterns.
ReplyDeleteOh, Gertie. I was trying to be a good girl and wait until I had sewed up my Parfait and Macaron patterns before buying the Rooibos and Ceylon dresses, and then you had to go and confirm just how freaking cute to Rooibos is! Great job, it looks amazing on you!
ReplyDeleteI think you sell it better with your version than the model, to be honest (mostly because the fit seems off on the model and if it doesn't look good on the gorgeous model, it certainly won't look good on me).
ReplyDeleteFabulous! The details are much easier to see on your version.
ReplyDeleteGretchen, this looks gorgeous, and I agree with the others; it looks better on you than on the models, and your fabric choice and photography also make it easier to get a sense of the details.
ReplyDeleteWell done, you! I think Sarai will sell more copies of this pattern because of you!
I agree with the others. I just went to the site and the way they have the dresses displayed on the models is not a fair representation of the dress. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that the models aren't wearing the appropriate undergarments, particularly bras, for the styles. You can find decent reproductions or items that give a similar silhouette for the same amount as a regular bra, like a longline bra.
ReplyDeleteThey are lucky to have you blogging about them because now I may try one of the patterns, whereas if I just came across them on my own I wouldn't.
So cute! Perhaps I'll give this pattern another look...it looked a bit short on the model, but it looks like it's a nice length on you. I agree...the buttons are a sweet touch.
ReplyDeleteI love the two little buttons, very cute. And pipping, such a siren song for me *sighs*
ReplyDeleteI was wondering about the bust fit, actually. In the Parfait, you did a tute for SBA. No such problems with this one? Did you make it straight out of the envelop?
Gertie - I didn't notice this dress on Sarai's website - now I feel it's a must have - thanks for modeling and doing such a great job. I have a RTW dress (two actually) with similar cuts and without the details) that I wear workwise ALL the time.
ReplyDeleteThat dress is adorable! I was on the fence about that particular pattern as I thought the whole collar/facing thing would be too much for me to handle. But, since you're saying its a quick sew, I'm off the fence and adding it to my cart.
ReplyDeleteThanks!!
You speak just like my Sister-in-Law. It's kinda freaky. Love your dress! It looks amazing on you. I need to get a picture of my Lady Grey so everyone can see it's fabulousness. It's really is a great coat!
ReplyDeleteLaKaribane, thanks for reminding me about the bust fit! I didn't have to make any adjustments for this one, so I'd say it seems more like it was drafted with a B cup in mind. (rather than the previous line, which ran big on me in the bust)
ReplyDeleteAs for the sizing, I made a straight 10 with no alterations. Sarai had warned us that this one was running a bit small in her test version, so I sized up. Normally I make an 8 in Colette Patterns. This might have changed in the final versions, so I recommend making a bodice muslin before you cut.
As for the difference between my version and the one on the site, I do think I have a different fit than her models - a bit more ease and a longer length.
But I don't think any special undergarments should be required for this line. A regular bra and some control-top tights worked just fine for me!
It looks even better on you!
ReplyDeleteOne question: I have a thick waist, would that pattern still be suitable?
Love your dress! You're certainly helping Sarai sell patterns! I bought the Sencha pattern after your post the other day. I have been dying for a button-back blouse ever since I saw yours. The Rooibos dress is super cute but wouldn't look good on me (I look awful in a square neckline). But it looks fab on you! Can't wait to get my Sencha pattern...
ReplyDeleteLove it. You look stunning. I love her patterns I only wish she a few longer ones maybe right below the knee. But it should be easy enough to lengthen the pattern. I adore seeing what you have made you such an eye for choosing fabrics and colors. Well done.
ReplyDelete♥Darla
Hey this vlogging thing is great! I must confess, seeing your version does make me more inclined towards this particular pattern.
ReplyDeleteThe button detail is delightful, and the fabric choice with the colorful shoes is so fun!
I'm curious tho, why did you decide to bring the neckline up?
I love it! I have to throw in a neutral garment from time to time too! I tested Sarai's bias dress-- I will post soon! Need a photo.
ReplyDeleteThis is so so cute. I didn't even notice the collar until you pointed it out (I thought you were wearing a shirt under the dress) but it really makes the design special
ReplyDeleteVery cute dress!
ReplyDeleteThe dress looks great - a neat pattern that you have paired with nice fabrics and details!! I agree that your pictures are better than the ones on her site!
ReplyDeleteI am sure Colette Patterns is quite pleased with the extra business you have sent that way today!!
So happy that you could finally reveal your Colette Pattern Project. I love it!
ReplyDeleteSuper cute, and it looks really great on you! I love the pockets too, and I havce promised myself to sew pockets in every dress I sew!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! I agree with what others have said, where with the lighter fabric it is easier to see/understand the lines of the dress than in the navy, and makes me want to start one even more! Great job, thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting us know about these fabo Colette patterns. I'm happy to support pattern makers who cater for real women. Her designs are really appealing to a broad age range.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the look of the Sencha tops... but your version of the dress is gorgeous. I am tempted by them, but I wonder how I will go being VERY top-heavy. I fear the clothes will look rubbish on me.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful version of it, you are giving her some good publicity with your version. I particularly like the beige/black contrast. It also looks like with a bit of of ease, it could be a great jumper.
ReplyDeletelove it!!!
ReplyDeleteI've just ordered that pattern after seeing it on you. I love it in that wool and think that the fit on you is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteLooks lovely on you, and better than on the original model!
ReplyDeleteBut ugh, I thought Colette Patterns were drafted for a C cup (a big selling point). And now it appears these are not. Would be nice if Sarai would address this because it keep coming up.
What a fabulous dress! I have never tried any Colette patterns and am going to have to order one now, it looks perfect on you.
ReplyDeleteThe dress looks beautiful on you. Good to see you paired it with the red shoes. An all neutral utfit isn't any good in my books. I bought four of the new patterns on the weekend including this one even though I was unsure whether I liked it or not. But I'm glad I got it now - the details really make it.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! And loving the red shoes. I loved the photo shoot at Colette Patterns but I must say as well that I think what you've done with this pattern is fab and I also am more inclined to it than I was.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous!! I think you now to need to make yourself a red ginham or a red houndstooth version...Or maybe an apple green... hmmm... the options are endless...
ReplyDeleteCatherine, I only brought the neckline up for optimum tattoo placement. :) With my tats, I either need a high or low neckline - nothing in between.
ReplyDeleteverobirdie, I think you could certainly wear this. I think an a-line skirt probably would work nicely with your body type.
As for the cup size issue, I can't really say for sure that it wasn't drafted for a C cup. I'm wearing a bra with a wee bit of padding, so maybe that changed things. :) Again, I would definitely recommend making a bodice muslin for this one.
I LOVE it!!!! I have to get that pattern.
ReplyDeleteThat looks fantastic! I agree that your dress looks much much better than the pics on the Colette website. Your choice of fabric is spot on.
ReplyDeleteSo cute! It looks great made up in wool. I love the little buttons, too.
ReplyDeleteThis dress is so similar to the parfait dress .sarai seems to have one template on which she is drafting her patters.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely adorable! I love that it is so stylish and chic, yet work appropriate... Hmmm...I'm suddenly feeling an uncontrollable urge to buy some brightly colored wool flannel!
ReplyDeleteSo, so lovely! I adore all the little details on this pattern; it's now on my "after Christmas" wishlist for any extra pocket money I might have. ;) lol. I too really love all the little details Sarai packs into her patterns (I tested the Ceylon dress); it makes them so special!
ReplyDeleteIt was so fun seeing the dress in action too--what a cute idea! :)
So so cute!! I was drawn to that pattern on their website, but seeing it all made up has solidified my need for it. :)
ReplyDeleteHello, first visit here. I really like what you made of this new pattern. Actually, i ordered mine the day the new line came out! i can't wait to get my hands on the pattern.
ReplyDeleteMacaron was a very good experience and i'm sure Rooibos will be too.
Ps: the video is cool!
Whoowee that's cute! And the dress is too. Love the whole get-up. Pockets even! Greetings from SF Bay Area ;)
ReplyDelete