small town frocks

I am a sewing geek… I still use the terms I was taught in school and look for any opportunity to ‘teach’ them to others. I also love knowing when and how they came in to use. On that note, my very favourite garment detail is the Biba dart. Named after the London design label from the 60′s. I prefer a rounded version as I feel it’s a more flattering cut then the sharp angles in the traditional version. This is such an iconic chelsea look that I felt the chartreuse and fuschia colour combination were vibrant enough to be reminiscent of the colours that were popular in the 60′s even though these are not the colours that were originally sold in the shop.

Pink and green is one of my favourite colour combinations. It reminds me of spring and fills me with energy. Bright colours for a bright start to the new year…that and I found this amazing drape in the thrift store back in the autumn… who could turn down chartreuse brocade.

Originally I wanted to do a matching coat, but there wasn’t enough fabric… so pencil skirt with corset details helped use the fabric wisely. I found the Thai silk dupioni in my silk bin which made it’s way to me through family members who travel there regularly.

The chiffon matches the wool I had dyed to make the wig, and the sequins are the remnants of a chain that was used to spell out the name on my awning when I had a shop in Canada’s smallest city.

I made the piping and the gathered ruffle… which admittedly appeals to the hand made geek in me. The advantage to not living less than a full days drive to any decent notion selection is that you have to make it yourself, and let’s face it, it’s so much nicer when it’s made to order. These are the sorts of details that take a dress from custom to couture.