27 May Let It Be ?
If asked, I would name this fabric jazz.
It’s spontaneous but unified, improvisational yet clearly designed. I see a colorful keyboard.
But there is a problem.
Can this free spirited cotton voile be transformed into a singular sensation?
Will its unique voice be heard once it’s cut and sewn?
Tell me, dear Readers……. what would you do? Would you sew it or let it be?
…. and what would you make?
Myra
Posted at 05:18h, 27 MayIt’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 MayAh……that’s a good suggestion! Many thanks, Myra 🙂
Rosalie Message
Posted at 05:25h, 27 MaySadly this jazzy voile is all sold out.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:46h, 27 MayUgh…. 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 MayLet it be
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:47h, 27 May🙂 Good advice and many thanks, Jacana.
Jenny stead
Posted at 05:52h, 27 MayBeautiful as it is! Doesn’t need to be cut up and transformed.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:01h, 27 MayIt’s definitely the cutting up part that gives me pause 🙂 Many thanks, Jenny!
Jenny
Posted at 06:57h, 27 MayOh, 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 MayLOL! I narrow hemmed the edges just in case. No wonder I’m hesitant to cut it 😉
Linda L
Posted at 07:00h, 27 MayI like it as the halter dress!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:03h, 27 MayThanks, 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 MayL 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 MayThank 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 MayLet 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 MayLOL! 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 MayLet it be! You have styled it beautifully as is.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:05h, 28 MayThank you, Regina!
Susan
Posted at 07:20h, 27 MayIt is just beautiful as it is; the fabric (and you) look wonderful in each photograph!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:06h, 28 MayThank you, Susan!
Nathalie
Posted at 07:21h, 27 Maylet it be! At least until you get tired of wearing it as a scarf or cover-up.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:06h, 28 MayThanks, Nathalie …… I’m sure that day will come eventually 🙂
Becky Bagwell
Posted at 07:31h, 27 MayLet it be!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:07h, 28 May🙂
Susan Balcirak
Posted at 07:42h, 27 MayI would make it into Style Arc’s Holiday Maxi Dress! http://www.stylearc.com.au/stylearc/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=792&category_id=8&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=45
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:07h, 28 MayWhat a great pattern, Susan – thank you! Sadly I do not have enough fabric for this lovely dress 😉
Ana
Posted at 07:44h, 27 MayHi! 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 MayThank you, Ana!! Very creative indeed – but I’m not sure if I can pull off that look 😉
Debbie Findlay
Posted at 07:46h, 27 MayLOVE the options for the fabric especially the loose top ! LOVE the fabric!!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:10h, 28 MayThank you, Debbie! This fabric is extremely soft too, now that it’s been through the wash 🙂
Betsy McKee
Posted at 07:51h, 27 MayLet it be!!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:10h, 28 MayMost likely I will ….. for a while 😉
Alethia
Posted at 07:52h, 27 MayLet 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 MayThank you, Alethia! Pinterest must have 101 tutorials on tying fabric 🙂
Eileen
Posted at 07:54h, 27 MayWow! 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 MayThanks, Eileen! Pinterest has endless tutorials on tying fabric, scarves, etc…. No cutting , yet 🙂
Mimi Jackson
Posted at 08:12h, 27 MayI 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 MayI love that idea! Thank you, Mimi 🙂
Charry Camara
Posted at 08:22h, 27 MayI would make a top or dress and play with the stripes. Sorry no particular style in mind.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:14h, 28 MayThat’s OK! Many thanks for the comment, Charry. I can definitely imagine it as a dress 🙂
Anne Kendall
Posted at 08:43h, 27 MayI 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 MayGreat suggestion and many thanks, Anne!
Deborah Jalving
Posted at 08:54h, 27 MayYou 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 MayThank you, Deborah!!
Kathy Levy
Posted at 08:55h, 27 MayLet 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 MayMany thanks, Kathy! I think the white sets off the colors 🙂
Laura Casey
Posted at 09:07h, 27 MayOh 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 MayVersatile it the operative word here, isn’t it Laura? Thanks for the comment!
shehadmeinstitches
Posted at 09:10h, 27 MayI 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 MayDefinitely some great ideas at the Tea Collection – thanks for the introduction!!
Shams
Posted at 09:13h, 27 MayWow, it’s pretty darned cute styled as a big rectangle!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:32h, 28 MayHi Shams!
Indeed it is! It may just stay that way 🙂
NaTisha
Posted at 09:14h, 27 MayAlthough, 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 MayYou’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 MaySince 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 MayLOL – most of problems arent this good 😉
Many thanks Mary Helen!
Nohline
Posted at 09:37h, 27 MayLet it be, let it be, simple words of wisdom, let it be – so much more versatile 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:34h, 28 MayIndeed 🙂
Diana Deap
Posted at 09:39h, 27 MayI 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 MayYes, Diana…… that makes so much sense it escaped me! Great suggestion 🙂
Ginny winter
Posted at 10:05h, 27 MayI 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 MayMany 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 MayLet it be! It’s wonderful!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:37h, 28 MayThank you, Deborah!
Anne Rhodes
Posted at 10:15h, 27 MaySew. Maxi-dress
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:37h, 28 MayMaxi dress is ruling the comments 🙂 Many thanks, Anne!
Ruth Lombard
Posted at 10:47h, 27 MaySew it! The last photo gets my vote (the vest or cape). Something that flows loosely, definitely.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:38h, 28 MayLoose and flowy will definitely work – just trying to decide. Many thanks, Ruth 🙂
Becky Maxwell
Posted at 10:52h, 27 MayThe 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 MayDresses 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 MayI 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 MayThank you, Margaret! This may be the most versatile piece of fabric I have ever purchased!
Ebi Poweigha
Posted at 10:57h, 27 MayThe 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 MayI agree with you, Ebi! Many thanks for your comment 🙂
Claire Kennedy
Posted at 11:21h, 27 MayOoooooooo – this looks so breezy and fresh and cool!!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:44h, 28 MayIt’s definitely that, Claire! Now, if I could just make up my mind 😉
Robin Walston
Posted at 11:46h, 27 MayLet 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 MayThank you, Robin! I just noticed Mood has received a huge shipment of Liberty voiles. 😉
Ally - Design Rewind Fashions
Posted at 11:59h, 27 MayThe 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 MayMany thanks, Ally!! 😉
Nancy Evans
Posted at 12:23h, 27 MayWhen 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 MayThank you, Nancy! I’m having such a hard time on this one for that same reason 😉
Kathryn Kastama
Posted at 12:35h, 27 MaySo, 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 MaySo 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 MayI”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 MaySo 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 MayIf 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 MayThank you, Carol for your comment. You’re right – wait until it speaks to me 😉 – Hopefully soon!
Nancy Nardozzi
Posted at 14:54h, 27 MayAll of the above — it looks just great!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 16:25h, 28 MayAh……. thank you, Nancy!
Meg White
Posted at 15:23h, 27 MayThat 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 MayMeg, 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 MayAll of the above!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 16:29h, 28 MayLOL – OK, that’s easy!
Martha Ann Murray
Posted at 15:59h, 27 MayLet 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…….. at least for this year sounds like a plan. Thank you, Martha 😉
Kathy L
Posted at 16:00h, 27 MayThe halter beach cover-up sang a cheerful tune.
The maxi skirt wasn’t very complimentary, IMHO.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 16:31h, 28 MayLOL – 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 MayI 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 MayCindy, 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 MayLove 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 MayThank 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 MayWhen 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 MayAs 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 MayI 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 MayI think that’s a plan, Becky. Thank you!!
Linda M
Posted at 00:09h, 28 MayIt 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 MayLinda, Many readers agree with you! It may ultimately become a dress 😉
Mary Funt
Posted at 06:12h, 28 MayI’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 MayThank you, Mary! It definitely needs to be something breezy 🙂
Diane Doherty
Posted at 09:21h, 28 Mayi 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 MayDiane – You are in agreement with many readers and thats what it may ultimately become 😉
Alice Elliot
Posted at 13:06h, 28 MayI vote to let it be. You can wear it in so many different ways!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:42h, 29 MayI think that’s the plan for the near future, Alice! Many thanks 🙂
Julie Starr
Posted at 13:40h, 28 MayI, 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 MayThank you, Julie! I agree to wait until the magic moment happens 🙂
Tina Rathbone
Posted at 20:37h, 28 MayYou’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 MayGreat 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 MayI 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 MayThank you, Barbara! I agree with you and don’t want to be hasty with the scissors 😉
Chris Johnson
Posted at 11:59h, 29 MayOh 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 MayThank you, Chris – and what a lovely pattern to consider! 🙂
sbzurenda
Posted at 12:49h, 01 JuneAmazing, Sarah. I say let it be.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:30h, 01 JuneThank you, Susie! I think I will 🙂
Fiona
Posted at 12:51h, 08 JuneWhisper words of wisdom, let it be ✨