The Sewing Place
The Emporia => In the wardrobe => Patterns Discussion => Topic started by: annieg on July 27, 2018, 10:36:39 AM
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I have to go to Belgium on 6th August for a week of presentations/business meetings with senior management.
Does anyone have any suggestions of suitable cotton/cotton jersey based dress or two piece patterns ?
Its going to be hot so I need lightweight, comfortable but not casual clothes.
I'm 63 years old, 5'2", size 20 so I need clothes which look professional but not too fitted......
(I'm going to feel inadequate anyway - as the women colleagues I'll be meeting with are much younger, taller, slimmer, expensively dressed!)
Any suggestions gratefully received.
:D :woof:
Annieg
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I'd go with cotton/linen rather than a jersey - I think for workwear you'd need a heavier jersey/ponte which is going to be too hot at the moment. Any shift dress in a plain colour would work great and I'm sure that you'll feel much more "adequate" in a dress you've made. Shirt dresses are very current right now but I think that they don't look very formal on those of us with a fully figure. Its not a shift but the Cashmerette appleton could be lovely (its on my sewing table at the moment in a very unbusiness like bright red poppy print :) )
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Just a thought - will you have pressing facilities when you get there? If not you might want to think about the creasing potential in your fabric.
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Thanks for the suggestions. I've gone with:
Hot Patterns Chameleon Dress Pattern
Cashmerette Lennox Shirtdress pattern
(I like them anyway and I think the Hot patterns will be really useful as long as it doesn't look like a tent when its made up!!) :D
Thanks again.
Annieg
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Viscose elastane jersey is cool, comfortable to wear and doesn't crease. I would only go for one that doesn't have more than 5% elastane (or less) as anymore it is thinner and a bit more stretchy.
It's not difficult to sew up either. And there are some lovely patterns around too. Also plain and polka dots.
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Thanks for the suggestions. I've gone with:
Hot Patterns Chameleon Dress Pattern
Cashmerette Lennox Shirtdress pattern
(I like them anyway and I think the Hot patterns will be really useful as long as it doesn't look like a tent when its made up!!) :D
Thanks again.
Annieg
Don't get me started on Hot Patterns ...if it DOESN'T look like a tent I'll be amazed. If it goes together as it should, I'll be even more so.
For future choices, and I'm close to your age, one inch taller, and only a couple of inches larger, it's Style Arc all the way.
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@DementedFairy
Do StyleArc send paper patterns by post?
(I don't want to get involved in printing and sticky tape!!) :D
Annie
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@DementedFairy
Do StyleArc send paper patterns by post?
(I don't want to get involved in printing and sticky tape!!) :D
Annie
You can get them from Oz [which allows for more postage but you get a freebie], delivery time about two weeks as I recall, or from Amazon [no freebies] or Etsy, or PDFs. Lots of choices
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I think Amazon uk sell some style arc printed paper patterns although not sure which ones and they deliver very quickly, especially if you have Prime too?
lizzy
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Thanks again..
A
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Thanks again..
A
I just typed in 'style arc printed paper patterns' in the Amazon search function, if that helps?
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I think Minerva Crafts do Style Arc printed patterns but not sure what they stock.
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I always wear self-made dresses to work, generally in jersey and with a jacket dressed up with smart shoes and jewellery.
I have made several versions of the michael lots vogue v1191 that people seem to like, but I needed to Google how to raise the neckline.
Most of my others are self-drafted but with a bit of dealing around the tummy area to hide the my flab.
I have realised that most people see the fabric but not the actual structure of the dress; in the 20 years I have been re-using patterns only one person has commented on me making the same dress in a different fabric - as his mum was a seamstress.
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I have to go to Belgium on 6th August for a week of presentations/business meetings with senior management.
Does anyone have any suggestions of suitable cotton/cotton jersey based dress or two piece patterns ?
Its going to be hot so I need lightweight, comfortable but not casual clothes.
I'm 63 years old, 5'2", size 20 so I need clothes which look professional but not too fitted......
(I'm going to feel inadequate anyway - as the women colleagues I'll be meeting with are much younger, taller, slimmer, expensively dressed!)
Any suggestions gratefully received.
:D :woof:
Annieg
Annie, do not, repeat not feel inadequate. Their age, height, body shape and the clothes they buy are irrelevant. You have talents they will envy (anyone who doesn't sew will think you're a genius) and you'll feel comfortable and confident wearing your own creations. Do let us see them, won't you.
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an alexander mcqueen :-)
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Vogue 1191. Thus is much admired
But not cool as the bodice is a double layer. I also have it in black and a black nd blue floral version
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One of my favourites. This is a cool fine fabric. I wear is with a grey pearl necklace and earrings.
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Last one. Also self drafted. The tulip skirt is a good shape for me.
I have an amethist pendant and earrings for this one.
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Style Arc Twiggy is very wearable and smart, and VERY comfy. I have three. This one in monochrome
(https://thedementedfairy.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/dscf58611.jpg?w=523&h=698)
This one for my devilish days :devil:(https://sewing.patternreview.com/images/thumbnails/pattern/104144/photo2.jpg)
And my Bette Lynch version (https://i.imgur.com/4e0cjco.jpg)
These have been wardrobe bound for a while, but will re-emerge for my return to teaching in school!
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I did a Pattern review on it too...bonus, you can easily find Nicola's version there too https://sewing.patternreview.com/review/pattern/104144
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Princess line dresses, without a lot of fussy details, always look "professional" (in the sense of formal work attire).
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Thanks to all for your responses.
@DementedFairy I LOVE the twiggy dress and will order that pattern.
I cut out style arc Linda dress in tunic length this afternoon in an animal print linen mix which may be too casual for the day but could be useful for drinks at the bar in the evening.
:toast:
Annieg
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Stylearc Twiggy is fantastic - I really love that dress and its a pretty quick and easy make. I only have one but I think I'll knock up a few more for Winter. I know its short sleeves but I can't be wearing ponte in the Summer. Twiggy can be as formal or as quirky as you like. Personally, I prefer quirky - I don't want my me made clothes to look like they've been store bought :D
Nik
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I just add a cardigan in any case. I suppose it could be feasible to add sleeves, but I like the colour blocking options as it is
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@DementedFairy : Took on board your comments about HOT patterns but the pattern has already arrived now so its too late for me to cancel it.
I think I'll make a toile to see how the sizing works and let you know..
Annieg
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Has anyone tried the Sew Me Something Patterns?
I really like the look of https://sewmesomething.co.uk/collections/patterns/products/miranda-dress-pattern
Annie g
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I love that dress Annie! Just a bit curious about the left arm, looks to be a strange shape at the top/back.
That could be great for work.
Jessie
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I have cut out and quickly sewn up for fitting purposes this:
https://www.minervacrafts.com/shop/sewing/patterns/burda-6972-burda-ladies-plus-sizes-easy-sewing-pattern-6972-tunic-top-dress?awc=5270_1533312417_ef5804ea78e474858add3a68d504382a&utm_source=Affiliate_Window&utm_medium=Affiliate_Marketing&utm_campaign=176013
its gone together really well and should be finished this weekend.
Its made up in cotton and should be comfortable and cool.
I will post picture of the finished article.
Annieg
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..
(I'm going to feel inadequate anyway - as the women colleagues I'll be meeting with are much younger, taller, slimmer, expensively dressed!)
Any suggestions gratefully received.
:D :woof:
Annieg
Go with our support and blessings. No need to feel inadequate. Just realize you have different skills and talents to add.
Dress classically. Add flair wth an accent of color. I aways like a pretty blouse. Other women I have known used a scarf or other acccessory. Make it yours and realize if you were not worthy, you would not be there.
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@sdBev :D your words are very encouraging - thank you to all for your support.
Annieg
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Its going to be hot so I need lightweight, comfortable but not casual clothes.
I'm 63 years old, 5'2", size 20 so I need clothes which look professional but not too fitted......
(I'm going to feel inadequate anyway - as the women colleagues I'll be meeting with are much younger, taller, slimmer, expensively dressed!)
Any suggestions gratefully received.
:D :woof:
Annieg
I'm a 60-year-old tall plus size woman. I'm taller and larger than any of my co-workers. There is no missing me in a crowd. I've learned that it is important to feel comfortable with what I am wearing. When it is hot, I go for a cap sleeve top and a long flared skirt. Ponte knit is my best friend for meetings. Louise Cutting Relax A Little is my go-to pattern for a long skirt. I love slingback shoes for warm weather and you can find them with different heel heights. I wear cool jewelry and a nice handbag. Look at Pinterest for some ideas.