16 Mar MSN / Face the Lace
Lots of news at the Mood Sewing Network!
For starters, Mood has added four new bloggers to the network bringing the total to twelve.
Lori from Girls in the Garden
Lauren from LLadybird
Peter from Male Pattern Boldness
Haley from Threaded
I applaud Mood for continuing to expand the Network with creative diversity. Each of the eleven other MSN bloggers offers a unique style of photography, writing, sewing, fashion and overall character, providing ongoing inspiration to me and hopefully you!
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Did you know during the month of March, the MSN bloggers (minus the 2 newest) have accepted a lace challenge?
You can read more about it HERE on Carolyn’s post (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic).
The NY bloggers were sooooooo helpful photographing lots of laces from Mood.
Several of the bloggers have already completed and posted their lace garment. Lauren made a dynamite red dress, Oona a brilliant chartreuse top and Amanda a stunning skirt.
Me? I’ve been ambivalent……… almost fretful!
Inspired by the Tory Burch Ginevra dress, I ordered a navy lace which I packed in my suitcase of sewing paraphernalia to contemplate over the weekend.
Before you start thinking I don’t know how to enjoy a vacation, I want to assure you I’ve socialized and taken advantage of most of the amenities.
………but back to sewing and I need your help……..
I was planning to use this pattern from the Sew the Perfect Fit class, but after seeing the dress last week in a store I panicked. The dress is exquisitely constructed and is made from the heaviest lace I have ever handled. It also features a grosgrain waistband.
Perhaps I should sew a pattern I’m familiar with like the Cynthia Rowley Simplicity tunic pattern with white underlining.
Here is the lace with navy underlining for the Tory Burch inspired dress.
Thumbs up or thumbs down?
Here is the lace with white underlining for the Cynthia Rowley Simplicity tunic which would be trimmed in navy.
Yea or Nay?
I enthusiastically welcome all thoughts and advice on my upcoming challenge which I must decide in the next 24 hours.
T h a n k Y o u D e a r R e a d e r s !
I’m already feeling much better 🙂
sewbusylizzy
Posted at 17:46h, 16 MarchAgreed – lace is kinda scary and being faced with something a bit out of your zone is a challenge. I’m struggling to settle on a pattern for my Tessuti challenge fabric – and like you am going to blog about it today!!
Lace is such a lovely details fabric that I think is needs a simple pattern. I love that Vogue – I also love this Burda pattern. It’s so simple but I adore it. In fact I’ve been searching for lace for it!
http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/lace-dress-092012
hazel walker
Posted at 17:50h, 16 MarchDefinitely navy under navy…….. classy. About a hundred years ago well the early 60’s actually, I was invited to a dance by (my now husband of 47 years), I made a navy lace dress. It had a navy pencil slim skirt in heavy lac e, lined in navy satin, almost identical to the one you show but the top of the dress was white broaderaianglais (????) cotton which was lined in white, I joined the two together with a thick piped navy satin cord at the waist, the top had a scooped neck and a deep “U” scoop at the back, I wore a dark red rose button hole and dark red patten leather stiletto shoes, I truly thought I had arrived…….. I only wore it once………. I loved wearing it, making it and remembering it after all these years. go for it kid. hazel walker
Ana Sullivan
Posted at 17:56h, 16 MarchDefinitely use the Vogue pattern with the navy underling under the navy lace.
Spanky Rykiel
Posted at 18:07h, 16 MarchHi, enjoying your blog. Have you considered using a nude lining? I like the navy under navy, but would like to see what the nude would look like.
As for the heavy lace just think of it as any heavier weight fabric. Being heavy makes it easier to work with. You could sew a zig zag guide line at the 1/4″ location before seaming at 5/8. This would stabilize the edge and make it a smoother seam.
Enjoy ,
Spanky
Deborah
Posted at 18:14h, 16 MarchI’d suggest the sheath dress, since it will be quite wearable. I own two Talbots dresses in black lace (one heavier lined similar to what you illustrate here) and one in a lighter lace. They are appropriate for many events and always draw compliments.
Lynn
Posted at 18:21h, 16 MarchThe dress definitely the dress. The tunic is sweet, but I think the dress is a classic deserving of the extra effort nneeded to sew lace that lovely.
jstarr4250
Posted at 18:30h, 16 MarchI’m with Ana and Hazel all the way. The navy on navy has so much depth and you can’t ever go wrong with a fitted sheath. No need for anxiety…you’ve underlined silk with organza so the less slippery lace should be a piece of cake. You’ve got this. :))
D
Posted at 18:31h, 16 MarchI have only two words for you to google – Princess Mary (ie Denmark).!! A year or 2 ago she wore a faaaabulous dress ( label??) in navy lace – with silk lining slip .It is elegance personified! I needed to go to a very posh wedding recently and copied the dress with a fair degree of success ( I modestly say 😉 ) . Good luck!!
AncientElna
Posted at 18:33h, 16 MarchSarah,
If you are happy with the fit of your Lynda Maynard Fit class’ sheath dress, I would go with that because it is a timeless style and worthy of your effort. A tunic is more along the lines of learning to sew/design casual clothes that you have discussed recently. I suppose if you want more casual things in your wardrobe, the tunic is useful, but tailored lace has been a design trend for a couple of years and I think it will remain a classic in coming years. I’d enjoy reading your post on your ‘Tory Burched’ sheath dress more! Good luck with either project.
Teri
Posted at 18:40h, 16 MarchI like the navy on navy too, but I am also intrigued by the suggestion of nude. I also vote sheath dress over the tunic. Totally classic.
Laura
Posted at 18:47h, 16 MarchI think I’d try nude underlining….and I do believe I’d want a contrast, I mean YOU DO WANT OTHERS TO SEE THE WORK YOU’VE DONE…don’t you?? Your lace looks sturdy as in somewhat heavy so it will be easy to work with. You’ll pick the right pattern…..and don’t discount 2 piece dress….so it’s more versatile.
Thanks for listing the new MOOD bloggers…..I love their site!….LAURA
carol
Posted at 18:54h, 16 MarchI just returned home with navy be-uuuuuu-ti-ful french navy lace. I tried many combinations for shadow lining before the final decision. Navy on navy- too funereal, goldish lame – too cha cha, lighter blue-cheap looking. Best combination for elegant effect is a medium rose. Highlights the lace, softens the navy and provides elegant drama, reduces the grandma effect. Now, how the heck do I sew seams with a lighter shadow lining? Got myself into a pot of trouble there! Whatever you choose, it will be lovely.
Rachel
Posted at 18:57h, 16 MarchNavy on navy for sure! Navy on white is sweet, but navy on navy looks way more expensive and sophisticated. I think it would be more versitle, too. It could play as a neutral if you wanted, where as the other reads more like a pattern.
carol
Posted at 18:57h, 16 MarchAh, hem. Its navy color of French creation. There that’s better.A
Sofie
Posted at 19:12h, 16 MarchI think the Vogue. I will make that eventually but with a lighter weight lace that I have. You’ll be fine and I also agree to try a nude lining.
Carole Mellin
Posted at 19:12h, 16 MarchI am with all the others. A classic navy sheath will last for decades, and you already have several tunics. I think the tunic with white underlayment will look lovely, of course, should you decide to go that route.
pat kapsak
Posted at 19:44h, 16 Marchnavy/navy or perhaps navy/beige ??????
Mary M
Posted at 19:44h, 16 MarchThe navy on navy will result in a more elegant albeit challenging garment. That being said, I feel like the face the lace challenge is an opportunity to push you out of your comfort zone and experiment with things.
Should you decide on the white under navy tunic, it would result in a sweet and classy casual piece that you might get more wear of.
I guess, I’m not so helpful. 🙂 Either way you go will be look great on you.
Elaine
Posted at 19:58h, 16 MarchNude lining is an interesting idea. How about a floaty tunic with no lining and a long close fitting nude cami underneath it? I mention this because I saw an unlined loose fitting lace tunic style on a young woman yesterday (first really warm day where I was) and it looked great. The lace was white and at a glance the cami appeared to be white also. You could get away with it I think!
Lori
Posted at 20:33h, 16 MarchNavy with navy is my vote and the tunic. But the tunic is what I would wear more, so that is why I am leaning toward it. Good luck
Thimble & Cork
Posted at 21:36h, 16 MarchI agree with the others: navy on navy! Don’t doubt yourself – you will make an exquisite dress out of this lace!
carolinascallin
Posted at 21:45h, 16 MarchHave you seen the Lilly Pulitzer lace dresses? I think they do a fabulous job – and they are always wonderfully classic, but stylish, too. I like the idea of a sheath style – that looks so good on you anyway 🙂 Navy on navy would be my choice for a straight out lace dress that could be either more casual or dressed up. If you really want to go dressy – I’ve seen black lace over nude that is amazing! That’s actually pretty “in” right now 🙂
SO excited that Mood has issued a lace challenge! I LOVE the lace that is out there now. Beautiful! Can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with 🙂
(Meanwhile, I’m still slogging along trying to get my border experiment together…complicated by the fact that since we now have our house on the market, everything – including my sewing projects – have to look super neat! Talk about impossible…!)
Good luck and have fun! I’m sure whatever you decide will be wonderful. I love the tunic idea, too…if you decide on that, I think you’d be happy with it as well. Perhaps you should just make both! 🙂
D
Posted at 21:54h, 16 MarchNavy on navy would be my choice. Too bad you couldn’t do both for a change up. Either way a classic lace sheath will be awesome.
Angela
Posted at 21:59h, 16 MarchI’m with most of the others. I love the navy-on-navy with the sheath dress:)
Patty
Posted at 22:01h, 16 MarchI vote for the Vogue sheath and the navy on navy. Such beautiful lace will make such a lovely and classic dress! Looking forward to your posts about this project.
CherryPix
Posted at 22:08h, 16 MarchDefinitely navy on navy. As for style, you wear sheath styles fabulously…and this lace will make another of your drop- dead -gorgeous dresses 🙂
missparayim
Posted at 22:45h, 16 MarchI like the contrast of the light colored underlining. It looks younger and less somber.
Carolyn
Posted at 22:59h, 16 MarchSarah – as someone who picked the most complicated lace project ever to make – a sheath dress similar to yours, I say go for it! I’m almost done and the time and effort definitely shows in my dress. I think that you will be much happier with the dress – can’t wait to see what you decide to make!
Judi
Posted at 23:43h, 16 MarchThumbs up for navy on navy. I also really like the navy on nude suggestion…it might look gorgeous and unexpected.
SewingElle
Posted at 00:30h, 17 MarchNavy on navy sheath is my vote too. You will do a great job and look fabulous!
Spanky Rykiel
Posted at 01:08h, 17 MarchAnother thought on the lining. Why not make two slips in different colors? Make one navy and one in a lighter color. You could line the lace with tulle if you need it for facing and shaping. I forgot to mention in my other post I think the sheath looks great on you.
You could take any left over lace and use it to accent a tunic on the trim around the front and neck.
I think the white tunic pattern you have would really look great with the navy accent from your leftover lace.
Don’t love experimenting?
Spanky
Lexley- Brisbane AU
Posted at 03:22h, 17 MarchIf you want a contrasting colour, I would perhaps look at a dark/tarnished copper gold silk cotton blend fabric which is a fabulous weight for linings. White is not quite right for what you are making…… A sheen on the fabric will compliment the lace too. Have a look at the silk cotton fabrics on ebay by Kaufmann…..best of luck….
PendleStitches
Posted at 04:10h, 17 MarchI’m with the other ladies…navy on navy is elegant and timeless and will look expensive. It will be a great alternative to a little black dress. Well worth the time investment, I think.
velosewer
Posted at 06:05h, 17 MarchI love the contrast lining but do navy on navy if that makes you feel more comfortable to wear this dress more often. Frankly you have the shape to pull off navy on contrast – but that’s just my 2c worth.
Sheree
Posted at 06:09h, 17 MarchI would go for a fitted dress rather than a tunic, and navy under navy. I do think, however that nude under navy would also be a good choice
Shirley
Posted at 06:40h, 17 MarchNavy on navy and definitely a fitted dress like the Vogue pattern or Mc Call’s 5927
Margaret Cole
Posted at 06:54h, 17 MarchI think you should make the dress. The lace is too pretty to be a tunic and I think the lighter underling shows how pretty the lace is.
Becky
Posted at 09:23h, 17 MarchI think you should make a pattern you have confidence about, maybe something you have sewn before. I also think you should sew whatever you think you will like more and wear more. My personal opinion, for whatever it’s worth, is a classic style with a nude/beige contrast to define the lace. I have a heavy weight lace top that I wear with pencil skirts, and it has been very versatile. Think on it. You will know what to do. And it is certainly not beyond your skill. You just aren’t there yet on your decision.
Tracey
Posted at 11:04h, 17 MarchLove this lace! It reminds me of a Worth outfit I have. The top looks like B5609, view B with a V shape in the back and zipper with a simple A-line skirt. I also have a dyed to match pair of pants and basic scoop neck tee to make pieces versatile. I need to go back and see what others have suggested but I know what ever you make will be simply fab-boo!
gingermakes
Posted at 11:16h, 17 MarchOoh, that lace is so pretty! I like the more tailored dress idea– that will be so elegant and gorgeous!
Karen
Posted at 12:25h, 17 MarchNavy on navy for sure. The other option looks like something my long-gone grandmother would have worn. ‘Nuff said??
Joen
Posted at 12:47h, 17 MarchI like the navy background. And the sew the perfect dress pattern is defintely a good choice to match the Tory Burch dress (love her designs!). And I know you would do a beautiful job with the fit too! Thats my vote.
Joy
Posted at 12:58h, 17 MarchI would go with navy on navy and a challenge. You can do it. good luck. think I may try the lace challenge. joy
Ann-Britt Uhrbom
Posted at 13:29h, 17 MarchI vote for navy on navy. It will be so elegant!
ewellons
Posted at 14:13h, 17 MarchI was also going to suggest the Burda pattern. It has interesting darts and is very flattering — in my muslin at least. It was also on the cover of Burda Style magazine about 6 months ago. I have a heavy navy guipure lace that I have been waiting to make for ages. I think the navy over navy is very sophisticated!
The Renegade Seamstress
Posted at 15:21h, 17 MarchI personally like the navy under navy. I can’t wait to see what amazing thing you make!
sewruth
Posted at 17:27h, 17 MarchSorry Sarah -not an opinion about your fabric, in which I have complete confidence in your final choice, but with Mood’s apparent xenophobia – only USA sewers are invited to join. You just go with what you feel best – You’ve never let us, nor you, down.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:40h, 17 MarchHi Ruth!
Many thanks for your comment.
I relayed your comment to Meg at Mood Fabrics. She says Mood would love to have MSN bloggers from every corner of the earth, and plans to add some once Mood finalizes details with its new third-party international shipping vendor. This will allow Mood to ship fabric overseas more cost-effectively than it can now, which is the sole reason non-USA bloggers are not currently part of MSN.
She also mentioned that a popular sewing blogger from the UK will be guest-blogging on MSN in the near future. 🙂 🙂
Ruth
Posted at 07:07h, 18 MarchThanks Sarah – gosh when I read my comment back I sounded really angry. Didn’t mean to be but that’s good news for the international sewers – there are some in Australia that could do wonders with Mood’s fabrics.
Elaine
Posted at 19:42h, 17 MarchStill intrigued by the options for the lace. Here are some links and one is to a Valentino. I don’t even like all of these, but it is interesting to see how the designers used the lace. There is nothing like actually feeling the texture and weight of the lace to help decide I would think. It does look like a pretty tight pattern to it. Good luck and it is so much fun to contemplate it knowing that you will be doing the execution. On the other hand, you will have the joy of wearing it.
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/Emilio-Pucci-One-Shoulder-Lace-Overlay-Dress-Lotus-Women-s-Apparel/prod152210100___/?icid=&searchType=MAIN&rte=%252Fsearch.jsp%253FNtt%253Dlace%2526_requestid%253D123933%2526N%253D4294914922&eItemId=prod152210100&cmCat=search
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/Jason-Wu-Long-Sleeve-Embroidered-Lace-Gown-Women-s-Apparel/prod150950264___/?icid=&searchType=MAIN&rte=%252Fsearch.jsp%253FNtt%253Dlace%2526_requestid%253D123933%2526N%253D4294914922&eItemId=prod150950264&cmCat=search
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/Vera-Wang-Drop-Waist-Chantilly-Lace-Dress-Women-s-Apparel/prod153910374___/?icid=&searchType=MAIN&rte=%252Fsearch.jsp%253FNtt%253Dlace%2526_requestid%253D123933%2526N%253D4294914922&eItemId=prod153910374&cmCat=search
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/J-Mendel-Lace-Sheer-Overlay-Gown-Women-s-Apparel/prod151990342___/?icid=&searchType=MAIN&rte=%252Fsearch.jsp%253FNtt%253Dlace%2526_requestid%253D123933%2526N%253D4294914922&eItemId=prod151990342&cmCat=search
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/Zac-Posen-Short-Sleeve-Lace-Peplum-Cocktail-Dress/prod155700015/?eVar4=You%20May%20Also%20Like%20RR
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/Valentino-Lace-Front-Leather-Dress-Women-s-Apparel/prod151790115___/?icid=&searchType=MAIN&rte=%252Fsearch.jsp%253FNo%253D60%2526Ntt%253Dlace%2526_requestid%253D123933%2526N%253D4294914922&eItemId=prod151790115&cmCat=search
Jan Sortore
Posted at 20:01h, 17 MarchI’m stuck in bed today, so plenty of time to look for Princess Mary of Denmark’s dress. I can’t find it, but I did find a navy gown someone??? wore for the Academy Awards, I think a year ago. It was long with crystals. Gorgeous. It would be quite an under-taking. Actually, something you would be very capable of, but of one shot use. You could conduct the symphony yourself in it!
So, a sheath would be so lovely on you. Take a look at Vogue 8849, view C. Or the dress from your recent fitting class. As for the lining, white not so good a choice. Navy would be classic, and while not as trendy as nude, it would last for years. I like the nude under black, I don’t know about navy.
As soon as I find a couple of brightly colored jeans, that I would rather not make, I am planning to join your year long fast. If I don’t find them soon, with a normal rise, I may be making them during the fast. (Sad face if I knew how to do that.)
When I told my husband I was going to do the fast, he said, I needed to include purchasing more fabric and patterns, and use what I already have in my stash. That’s a thought, (I could open my own store). End of thought, naaa.
Whatever you decide, it will be lovely, and I look forward to seeing the process and results.
Jan
Carolyn
Posted at 03:38h, 18 MarchSuch stunningly beautiful lace. I think I like it with a contrasting colour underneath, but I’m certain that whatever you choose will be a knockout 🙂
Lizzie
Posted at 10:22h, 18 MarchTime to start moving out of your comfort zone. I say go for the Tory Burch!
Lizzie
Posted at 10:23h, 18 MarchAnd definitely navy on navy
LLADYBIRD
Posted at 15:03h, 18 MarchI almost bought that lace! Now I kind of wish I did, so we could match 😉 Maybe next time, haha! My vote is the Vogue pattern with the white underlining – although I’m super biased because that is exactly what I was planning to do myself!! I love the navy on navy, but I think the white really lets the lace shine – plus you can play with contrasting colors for a different look, like adding a yellow belt or red shoes. Regardless, I think whatever you make is going to be stunning and I can’t wait to see it 🙂
Yvonne
Posted at 19:38h, 18 MarchI vote for the sheath dress. I made a black lace dress with black underlining. Spent weeks making this dress! Yet, you can hardly notice the the lace. It all blends together. I vote for a lighter lining. Nude might be the way to go but I would definitely go with something that will highlight the lace.
Deanne
Posted at 19:55h, 18 MarchLove the idea of a classic sheath to add to your already wonderful wardrobe! You most certainly have the talent to pull it off…… Navy/Navy would be so timeless!
Cindy
Posted at 21:21h, 19 MarchI also would vote for the tone-on-tone navy on navy — it looks quite rich looking, very color saturated. Plus navy is very slimming and pops the face. Also vote for a simple sheath to keep up with that slimming thing.
Evelyn
Posted at 00:35h, 21 MarchI like the Tory Burch dress. It is so elegant, and would look stunning on you. You could always do it with a nude or white lining if you want to emphasize the lace.