Let It Be ?

27 May Let It Be ?

 

If asked, I would name this fabric jazz.

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It’s spontaneous but unified, improvisational yet clearly designed. I see a colorful keyboard.

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But there is a problem.

IMG_0057Can this free spirited cotton voile be transformed into a singular sensation?

IMG_0070Will its unique voice be heard once it’s cut and sewn?

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Tell me, dear Readers……. what would you do? Would you sew it or let it be?

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…. and what would you make?

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goodbyevalentino
goodbyevalentino@gmail.com
125 Comments
  • Myra
    Posted at 05:18h, 27 May Reply

    It’s a beautiful piece of fabric Sarah! Frankly I like the swimsuit cover-up! This piece of fabric is very busy, and I think it would work well being color blocked with a solid color,… Maybe one of your very nice tunics?

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 19:44h, 27 May Reply

      Ah……that’s a good suggestion! Many thanks, Myra 🙂

  • Rosalie Message
    Posted at 05:25h, 27 May Reply

    Sadly this jazzy voile is all sold out.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 19:46h, 27 May Reply

      Ugh…. I’m sorry about that, Rosalie ;( I did notice that Mood has received a huge shipment of Liberty of London voiles – definitely on my list!

  • Jacana
    Posted at 05:36h, 27 May Reply

    Let it be

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 19:47h, 27 May Reply

      🙂 Good advice and many thanks, Jacana.

  • Jenny stead
    Posted at 05:52h, 27 May Reply

    Beautiful as it is! Doesn’t need to be cut up and transformed.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:01h, 27 May Reply

      It’s definitely the cutting up part that gives me pause 🙂 Many thanks, Jenny!

  • Jenny
    Posted at 06:57h, 27 May Reply

    Oh, such a tough decision! I have to say I love it every way you’ve styled it here. Maybe a scarf/sarong rectangle is its purpose in life.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:02h, 27 May Reply

      LOL! I narrow hemmed the edges just in case. No wonder I’m hesitant to cut it 😉

  • Linda L
    Posted at 07:00h, 27 May Reply

    I like it as the halter dress!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:03h, 27 May Reply

      Thanks, Linda! It’s been a while since I’ve worn a halter but I too love it tied as one 😉

  • Cindy Aymes
    Posted at 07:01h, 27 May Reply

    L LOVE it as the last photo – what it is a dress/wrap/cover over jeans, swimsuit, by itself! The colours are fabulous and look gorgeous against your skin! I would use it just as is – a sarong with many possibilities and not tied down to one! cindy

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:05h, 27 May Reply

      Thank you, Cindy! A sales clerk at Nordstrom taught my daughter and I how to tie a scarf into a vest type garment. I’ve had a lot of fun playing with my scarves using this technique. I too love the voile styled this way 😉

  • Annie Trish
    Posted at 07:01h, 27 May Reply

    Let it be!!! I agree with Jenny (though I don’t think styled as a skirt is the most attractive version).

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:05h, 28 May Reply

      LOL! I would never wear a gathered skirt around my waist with a tucked in tank – just trying to show the stripes vertically 😉
      Thanks for you comment, Annie !

  • Regina Gee
    Posted at 07:12h, 27 May Reply

    Let it be! You have styled it beautifully as is.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:05h, 28 May Reply

      Thank you, Regina!

  • Susan
    Posted at 07:20h, 27 May Reply

    It is just beautiful as it is; the fabric (and you) look wonderful in each photograph!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:06h, 28 May Reply

      Thank you, Susan!

  • Nathalie
    Posted at 07:21h, 27 May Reply

    let it be! At least until you get tired of wearing it as a scarf or cover-up.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:06h, 28 May Reply

      Thanks, Nathalie …… I’m sure that day will come eventually 🙂

  • Becky Bagwell
    Posted at 07:31h, 27 May Reply

    Let it be!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:07h, 28 May Reply

      🙂

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:07h, 28 May Reply

      What a great pattern, Susan – thank you! Sadly I do not have enough fabric for this lovely dress 😉

  • Ana
    Posted at 07:44h, 27 May Reply

    Hi! I would love a sort of “ensemble” composed by sarouel pants + simple top. Just playing with stripes. ( sorry for my english, I am brasilian and love your blog )

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:09h, 28 May Reply

      Thank you, Ana!! Very creative indeed – but I’m not sure if I can pull off that look 😉

  • Debbie Findlay
    Posted at 07:46h, 27 May Reply

    LOVE the options for the fabric especially the loose top ! LOVE the fabric!!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:10h, 28 May Reply

      Thank you, Debbie! This fabric is extremely soft too, now that it’s been through the wash 🙂

  • Betsy McKee
    Posted at 07:51h, 27 May Reply

    Let it be!!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:10h, 28 May Reply

      Most likely I will ….. for a while 😉

  • Alethia
    Posted at 07:52h, 27 May Reply

    Let it be!), a b day wear it like you have here…few options instead of one, and maybe you’ll discover more. Beautiful fabric; jazz is the perfect name for it!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:11h, 28 May Reply

      Thank you, Alethia! Pinterest must have 101 tutorials on tying fabric 🙂

  • Eileen
    Posted at 07:54h, 27 May Reply

    Wow! How did you make that halter??? Did you have to make a cut to wrap it around your neck? Beautiful fabric. Personally, I loved the fabric next to the chocolate brown dress as a wrap or next to your skin as the cover up. Aren’t you the creative one!!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:12h, 28 May Reply

      Thanks, Eileen! Pinterest has endless tutorials on tying fabric, scarves, etc…. No cutting , yet 🙂

  • Mimi Jackson
    Posted at 08:12h, 27 May Reply

    I would use it to make a tabard (apron-like garment) to be worn over something form fitting beneath. Could be work over a tank dress, or something more substantial, depending on the weather.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:13h, 28 May Reply

      I love that idea! Thank you, Mimi 🙂

  • Charry Camara
    Posted at 08:22h, 27 May Reply

    I would make a top or dress and play with the stripes. Sorry no particular style in mind.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:14h, 28 May Reply

      That’s OK! Many thanks for the comment, Charry. I can definitely imagine it as a dress 🙂

  • Anne Kendall
    Posted at 08:43h, 27 May Reply

    I vote for the beach wrap…having just returned from the Mayan Riviera, and having also brought along interesting fabric panels that I too used as wraps, I think until you really fall in love with a definite pattern, this is the best choice for this fun fabric!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:24h, 28 May Reply

      Great suggestion and many thanks, Anne!

  • Deborah Jalving
    Posted at 08:54h, 27 May Reply

    You clever girl! You took a fabric that didn’t speak to me, and you made it sing! Well done!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:24h, 28 May Reply

      Thank you, Deborah!!

  • Kathy Levy
    Posted at 08:55h, 27 May Reply

    Let it be! You’ve done so many lovely things with it – it’s especially nice over your white jeans. Why limit it to just one garment?

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:25h, 28 May Reply

      Many thanks, Kathy! I think the white sets off the colors 🙂

  • Laura Casey
    Posted at 09:07h, 27 May Reply

    Oh my….a perfect name for the fabric….”let it be”….and I think I’d leave it at that. Makes such a versatile scarf…one that can be used many ways….a wardrobe stretcher!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:28h, 28 May Reply

      Versatile it the operative word here, isn’t it Laura? Thanks for the comment!

  • shehadmeinstitches
    Posted at 09:10h, 27 May Reply

    I really like all of these options but also remembered that I saw a pretty tunic top on the tea collection website under their women’s clothing. That could be an option. It’s busy but in soothing colors and not in a bad way.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:31h, 28 May Reply

      Definitely some great ideas at the Tea Collection – thanks for the introduction!!

  • Shams
    Posted at 09:13h, 27 May Reply

    Wow, it’s pretty darned cute styled as a big rectangle!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:32h, 28 May Reply

      Hi Shams!
      Indeed it is! It may just stay that way 🙂

  • NaTisha
    Posted at 09:14h, 27 May Reply

    Although, I love every way you styled it in the pictures I say see it up into a beautiful garment. What’s the point of getting your hands on a gorgeous fabric if not to turn it into something beautiful

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:33h, 28 May Reply

      You’ve got a point Natisha! Sometimes, however I’m happy just looking at a piece of fabric, LOL 😉
      Many thanks for your comment!

  • Mary Helen Crowe
    Posted at 09:37h, 27 May Reply

    Since your Jazz fabric is voile, I like your halter style wrap. It is a really good problem to have..

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:34h, 28 May Reply

      LOL – most of problems arent this good 😉
      Many thanks Mary Helen!

  • Nohline
    Posted at 09:37h, 27 May Reply

    Let it be, let it be, simple words of wisdom, let it be – so much more versatile 🙂

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:34h, 28 May Reply

      Indeed 🙂

  • Diana Deap
    Posted at 09:39h, 27 May Reply

    I vote for the halter design. That way the stripes will fall where they may and you don’t have to decide how to “place” them. Does that make sense?

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:35h, 28 May Reply

      Yes, Diana…… that makes so much sense it escaped me! Great suggestion 🙂

  • Ginny winter
    Posted at 10:05h, 27 May Reply

    I would make a simple dress using the stripe going one way for the body and then add a band to the bottom using the stripe the other way-it is very pretty fabric

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:36h, 28 May Reply

      Many votes are coming in for a dress, Ginny, and I like the multi-directional striped maxis. Thanks for the suggestion 🙂 🙂

  • Deborah Williams
    Posted at 10:11h, 27 May Reply

    Let it be! It’s wonderful!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:37h, 28 May Reply

      Thank you, Deborah!

  • Anne Rhodes
    Posted at 10:15h, 27 May Reply

    Sew. Maxi-dress

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:37h, 28 May Reply

      Maxi dress is ruling the comments 🙂 Many thanks, Anne!

  • Ruth Lombard
    Posted at 10:47h, 27 May Reply

    Sew it! The last photo gets my vote (the vest or cape). Something that flows loosely, definitely.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:38h, 28 May Reply

      Loose and flowy will definitely work – just trying to decide. Many thanks, Ruth 🙂

  • Becky Maxwell
    Posted at 10:52h, 27 May Reply

    The halter dress is wonderful and shows off the beauty of the fabric so very well. Gets my vote for sure! Love the fabric!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:42h, 28 May Reply

      Dresses are ruling the comment, Becky! I haven’t worn a halter in years – hoping I can still pull it off 😉

  • Margaret
    Posted at 10:52h, 27 May Reply

    I love the way you’ve “made” it into so many different things……don’t sew it, just style it, depending upon your mood! 😉

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:42h, 28 May Reply

      Thank you, Margaret! This may be the most versatile piece of fabric I have ever purchased!

  • Ebi Poweigha
    Posted at 10:57h, 27 May Reply

    The maxi skirt and twist-tie dress look great! Perhaps anything that shows off the full impact of the fabric would work well.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:43h, 28 May Reply

      I agree with you, Ebi! Many thanks for your comment 🙂

  • Claire Kennedy
    Posted at 11:21h, 27 May Reply

    Ooooooooo – this looks so breezy and fresh and cool!!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:44h, 28 May Reply

      It’s definitely that, Claire! Now, if I could just make up my mind 😉

  • Robin Walston
    Posted at 11:46h, 27 May Reply

    Let it be. That is gorgeous in every way you have used it. I’m bummed Mood is sold out of it.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:56h, 28 May Reply

      Thank you, Robin! I just noticed Mood has received a huge shipment of Liberty voiles. 😉

  • Ally - Design Rewind Fashions
    Posted at 11:59h, 27 May Reply

    The halter dress is my absolute favorite! When I got to the last picture my thought was, “THAT’S IT!” The color is wonderful on you and it makes such a happy summer statement.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:56h, 28 May Reply

      Many thanks, Ally!! 😉

  • Nancy Evans
    Posted at 12:23h, 27 May Reply

    When I saw the first picture, I thought that’s it, but by the time I oohed and ahhed over them all, the last one was my favorite!!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:57h, 28 May Reply

      Thank you, Nancy! I’m having such a hard time on this one for that same reason 😉

  • Kathryn Kastama
    Posted at 12:35h, 27 May Reply

    So, what hole in your wardrobe can this piece fulfill? If you make a skirt do you have a top that can be worn with? Until you identify the “hole” why not keep it as is, use as a beach cover and when need arises it becomes a piece of fabric to make into a skirt, a blouse, a turban or a bathroom curtain. That is what creative sewing is all about.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:58h, 28 May Reply

      So true, Kathryn! Believe it or not I can use any of the designs in the photos…… I just need to make up my mind!

  • Linda Galante
    Posted at 13:05h, 27 May Reply

    I”d let it be! That way, you can enjoy it however your mood dictates. It’s so gorgeous, why limit its lifespan to being worn only one way?

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:59h, 28 May Reply

      So true, indeed! I don’t mind sewing it if I know I’ll do the fabric justice. Many thanks for your comment, Linda 🙂

  • Carol Tuntland
    Posted at 13:35h, 27 May Reply

    If it is really calling your name, make it up in any one of the ways you have posted…or all of them, if you have enough fabric and time. If it isn’t really calling your name, put it back in the stash and move on to another project. I have found that when I can’t decide what to make, I ponder and ponder, only to lose my creative time to sew something.
    Carol

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 16:25h, 28 May Reply

      Thank you, Carol for your comment. You’re right – wait until it speaks to me 😉 – Hopefully soon!

  • Nancy Nardozzi
    Posted at 14:54h, 27 May Reply

    All of the above — it looks just great!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 16:25h, 28 May Reply

      Ah……. thank you, Nancy!

  • Meg White
    Posted at 15:23h, 27 May Reply

    That fabric is gorgeous! I just made a maxi version of Jennifer Lauren Vintage’s Felicity dress with a mitered bias bodice, and now I want to make it again and again with alllll the stripes. The way you wrapped it as a halter reminds me of the Sewaholic Lonsdale Dress. But no need to decide right away! It’s so lovely in it’s current state, you can enjoy it for a while as is. You are fabulous!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 16:28h, 28 May Reply

      Meg, Thank you for introducing me to Jennifer Lauren! What a cute dress 🙂 I’ll take your advice and enjoy it as is for a while .

  • linda n
    Posted at 15:44h, 27 May Reply

    All of the above!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 16:29h, 28 May Reply

      LOL – OK, that’s easy!

  • Martha Ann Murray
    Posted at 15:59h, 27 May Reply

    Let it be . . . At least for this year! Love the twist, enjoy it as a cover up, then maybe next year a new life for it!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 16:30h, 28 May Reply

      …….. at least for this year sounds like a plan. Thank you, Martha 😉

  • Kathy L
    Posted at 16:00h, 27 May Reply

    The halter beach cover-up sang a cheerful tune.
    The maxi skirt wasn’t very complimentary, IMHO.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 16:31h, 28 May Reply

      LOL – I never intended to make a gathered skirt tucked into a tank, but want to show the vertical positioning of the stripes. I agree with you, Kathy – that skirt doesn’t do a thing for me 😉

  • Cindy C.
    Posted at 18:12h, 27 May Reply

    I like where you have just turned it into a scarf on a turquoise sweater. Picking up the lighter turquoise makes all the colors just pop, which in turn really pops your face. I’m not sure that any particular pattern would do this fabric justice because, to me, it’s the contrast shade you paired it with that really makes it sit up and bark. Second choice would be a summery boho top, dress, or lightweight pants like vintage Vogue 1215, a Carol Horn classic.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 16:34h, 28 May Reply

      Cindy, I love it paired with turquoise too – and white 😉 This is the second Carol Horn suggestion I received and I’ll definitely look into her patterns for Vogue!

  • Gayle
    Posted at 19:08h, 27 May Reply

    Love all of them except the maxi skirt. My favorite would be the twisted tie beach cover-up, but if you can’t decide, put it away until you know exactly how you want to use it. Lovely fabric!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 16:36h, 28 May Reply

      Thank you, Gayle! As I said to another reader, I never intended to make a gathered skirt tucked into a tank top – rather wanted to show the vertical stripe option 😉
      I may need to wait until a particular option speaks to me !

  • Joyce Love
    Posted at 20:05h, 27 May Reply

    When you find yourself confused and muddled
    Readers will chime in with glee
    Speaking words of wisdom
    Let it be, let it be….
    🙂

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 16:37h, 28 May Reply

      As my children would say……….. you sound just like me 😉 Oh goodness we could do some serious karaoke together!!!!!!!

  • Becky Pearson
    Posted at 22:55h, 27 May Reply

    I think I would multitask.. It would be great to take on vacation; sarong or halter cover up during the day, a.scarf for cooler weather, then when you feel like sewing it up, you can make that pretty tunic or Boho top.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 16:38h, 28 May Reply

      I think that’s a plan, Becky. Thank you!!

  • Linda M
    Posted at 00:09h, 28 May Reply

    It is such a beautiful fabric. I love how it flows and moves! I think the dress would be perfect.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 16:39h, 28 May Reply

      Linda, Many readers agree with you! It may ultimately become a dress 😉

  • Mary Funt
    Posted at 06:12h, 28 May Reply

    I’m voting for something like the last photo. It looks full and light but shows off the beautiful print. Cutting it up? Maybe too much for this piece.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 16:40h, 28 May Reply

      Thank you, Mary! It definitely needs to be something breezy 🙂

  • Diane Doherty
    Posted at 09:21h, 28 May Reply

    i loved it as a scarf…admired it as a beach dress…..and loved it as the long skirt. Good luck making the decision, lovely fabric indeed! If it were me, I would definitely make the long dress.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 16:41h, 28 May Reply

      Diane – You are in agreement with many readers and thats what it may ultimately become 😉

  • Alice Elliot
    Posted at 13:06h, 28 May Reply

    I vote to let it be. You can wear it in so many different ways!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 12:42h, 29 May Reply

      I think that’s the plan for the near future, Alice! Many thanks 🙂

  • Julie Starr
    Posted at 13:40h, 28 May Reply

    I, too, agree with letting it be, at least until you have that “aha” moment. Some of my favorite makes were happy accidents where I waited until the perfect pattern came along and the fabric was right there waiting for it. In the meantime you can enjoy it in all the ways you’ve already exhibited because they ALL look wonderful.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 12:42h, 29 May Reply

      Thank you, Julie! I agree to wait until the magic moment happens 🙂

  • Tina Rathbone
    Posted at 20:37h, 28 May Reply

    You’ve shown us so many great looks already, as you just “let it be.” Or, perhaps cut it down a bit to enjoy both a scarf and a pillow cover for a dull corner? Obviously, you want to pet and cherish this fabric … and that means being able to see it. It should not hang as a garment in your already fabuuu closet.
    😉
    Hugs,
    Tina in San Diego

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 12:44h, 29 May Reply

      Great suggestions, Tina! I do like looking at it immensely and it does coordinate with our beach house colors. Hmmmm…….. more ideas to consider 😉

  • Barbara B
    Posted at 21:07h, 28 May Reply

    I have a rule about fabric: I don’t cut it until I have a clear inspiration of what it should become. I think this is one of those things in life that should not be forced. Right now I have two yards of a pretty batik that I just don’t know what to do with so both the fabric and I must wait. You’ll know exactly what to do with it when the time is right.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 12:44h, 29 May Reply

      Thank you, Barbara! I agree with you and don’t want to be hasty with the scissors 😉

  • Chris Johnson
    Posted at 11:59h, 29 May Reply

    Oh my! So gorgeous in all its renditions. Read your post yesterday, and today my eyes fixated on McCalls 7119. I see you and the fabric in this pattern.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 12:46h, 29 May Reply

      Thank you, Chris – and what a lovely pattern to consider! 🙂

  • sbzurenda
    Posted at 12:49h, 01 June Reply

    Amazing, Sarah. I say let it be.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:30h, 01 June Reply

      Thank you, Susie! I think I will 🙂

  • Fiona
    Posted at 12:51h, 08 June Reply

    Whisper words of wisdom, let it be ✨

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