May 15, 2017
The early 1900s witnessed many avant-garde innovations as people freed themselves from the constraints of the late Victorian society. Both fashion and the arts were tremendously affected by new interpretations of classical styles, with outright revolts against recent tradition. Isodora Duncan (1878-1927) was an influential figure in the 19010s and today is regarded as the founder of modern dance. She revolutionized dance with her free-form interpretive movements and scandalized audiences by wearing non-restrictive, flowing robes that she adapted from Classical Greek vase paintings.
Our Greek Island Dress pays homage to this unforgettable woman. The dress is a loose fitting sheath with back zipper and narrow shoulder straps. A jacket or tunic is made to be worn over the sheath dress. The jacket has a center back goddet that adds flair without adding fullness and a dramatic collar that extends over the sleeves like a filmy canopy. The tunic is a breeze to sew, with front and back sailor collar and floating sleeve panels that can hang or be attached along the top of the arm. This classic dress/tunic is on trend right now, with statement sleeves and the cold-shoulder look.
We are featuring #266 Greek Island Dress this month, and it is on sale for the entire month of May! This dress would make a fabulous summer gown to wear at a wedding or to the beach. Made of soft filmy fabrics like chiffons or gauze, it is a perfect and unique summer make. Do you have some beautiful sheer fabric in your stash and not sure what to do with it? This is the dress to try!
Also, to help you make this dress, I will be posting some tips on sewing with sheer and lace lacy fabrics later this month. So, keep an eye out for it!
Enjoy!
April 17, 2017
Kimonos are a beautiful and classic garment of Japanese origin and influence. The Folkwear Kimono pattern is for the yukata, or unlined informal kimono, worn by all classes of Japanese in summer. The word "kimono" literally means "clothing" but has come to distinguish the Japanese national costume from other clothes.
Kimonos are great garments to be used as robes, house coats, jackets, or outwear. They can be statement pieces or simple and elegant garments. Kimonos can be made with beautiful silks, medium to lightweight cottons (cotton gauze is a favorite of mine right now)., or even heavier fabrics like denim or brocade.
I found a great book in our collection entitled Kimono Inspiration: Art and Art-to-Wear in America, from the Textile Museum at George Washington University. I've put some pictures from the book on our Facebook and Instagram accounts. If you want to know more about the history and tradition of kimonos, as well as see some amazing artistic interpretations of them, you should check out this book. Kimonos can be a canvas for your art - quilting, painting, dying, embroidery, weaving, etc.
Traditional kimonos are a work of art themselves, so however you want to make one (traditional interpretation or modern art interpretation), it is a rewarding garment to make.
In our kimono pattern, we give information on the history and use of the kimono, styling and dress information, and instructions for traditional handwork (sashiko) and dyeing (shibori).
Have you ever made a kimono? What would you be inspired to make now?
** FYI, #113 Japanese Kimono is on sale for all of April (it is a great deal). Enjoy! **