Seventh Challenge: Mixing Prints
For this challenge we asked our designers to do something terrifying, mix prints!
For added fun, we asked them to style their shoots this week with a theme.
They will be judged on creativity, craftsmanship, how well the prints go together, their images, garment personality, and fit.
The winner will receive a Julie's Picks Membership.
Julie's Picks is a Monthly Mailer that has information about trends, sewing tips, and SWATCHES! Touch and feel the fabrics selected by one of our Fabricistas, Julie.
You will receive a packet of 30 fabric swatches that are only available to members including exclusive discounts. You also automatically become a Premium member! An email newsletter is also included in the membership.
Also, you will receive a newsletter written by Julie.
For more information or to become a member, visit our website.
Vote for your favorite design below!
This challenge will determine the final three that will compete for the grand prizes.
Someone very wise once said to me "Every American should collect something." I never asked him to clarify what he meant but it made sense to me because in my heart I've always been a collector. My collections have brought me pleasure both in the process of collecting and in the enjoyment of owning. So for all of you out there.....I'm not a fabric hoarder.
I'm a fabric collector.
It sounds classier doesn't it? So for this challenge I had the pleasure of "collecting" two fabric prints and making a dress to go antique collecting. You want to be me, right?
The quaint circle, historic buildings and charming treasures of the Old Towne Orange Antique District provided inspiration for this vintage-inspired shirtdress. I mixed a 100% rayon challis in teal, acid green and white with a 100% cotton voile in greens, blues and purple to make a midi length dress with a mandarin collar, elastic waist and 3/4 length rolled sleeves. The yoke of the dress has pin tucks, a trio of antique buttons and delicate blue and green ribbon trim. It's a fun and feminine dress for a day of antique shopping.
For more pictures and info on this dress and it's inspiration please visit my blog.
My concept: A walk in the woods during Autumn's peak season. Fall is hands down my favorite time of year-- I absolutely love a stroll on a cool, crisp day so I'd need a jacket and a comfy dress. I sewed up a fully lined cape jacket with a self drafted hood along with a knit dress. I made an unexpected pattern choice matching a Aztec style design with an abstract fall-time print. The warm autumnal colors tie them together perfectly! The cape is made from a heavy wool blend coating and lined with a dark brown poly material while the dress is a heavier weight poly/spandex knit. I really put this outfit to the test as it was a blustery and cool 45F while I hiked through the woods on my photo shoot-- I was comfy and warm! See more photos and about my process on my blog Kathy Sews.
Audrey from Sew Tawdrey
Mixed prints are a fun fashion trend. This challenge, to make an outfit of mixed prints, was an excuse to delve into my fabric stash and look at the print fabrics in a whole new way. I normally store fabric by fabric content or by color schemes (for SWAP planning). Pulling all the prints out the storage bins and throwing them on the table to look for inspired pairings created a giant colorful mess. What fun!
Rather than mixing multiple prints in one garment, I chose to make separates that could be combined in a mixed print outfit, but that would also work with other pieces of my wardrobe. I made three garments. The three piece outfit consists of a floral print stretch sateen pencil skirt, a fit and flare cotton top in a batik print, and a lined jacket in a black and white silk tweed . The top and skirt can be worn without the jacket, but I like the finished, dressier look it gives the outfit. I plan to wear it to the Visual Art Studio (VisArts) Patron’s Preview later this month. I have taken many fiber arts classes at the Visarts over the years, including several classes in pattern drafting and design. My DH and I also support this organization through charitable donations. Both our employers match our donation, which puts us in the “patron” category. Patron’s receive invitations to art sale previews, events that attract an eclectic crowd sporting unique wearable’s and jewelry. The perfect event to attend wearing my mixed print outfit.
Mixing prints can be tricky but when done correctly brings out so much fun and personality in an outfit. I had a lot of fun making this dress and I absolutely love the way it turned out. My prints of choice are a silky floral peachskin and navy blue polka dot peachskin. I used Cynthia Rowley Simplicity 2250, a rather challenging pattern. I hadn't a clue that the bodice alone has 11 pattern pieces containing 7 darts, 4 pleats and a fold. When I picked these two prints this was exactly the style I envisioned in my head so I planned for a couple of long nights. Assembling all those darts really started to mess with my mind. I was in doubt... is this really going to look right!? Right it does! I love what the darts did for the print of the fabric. The bodice is fully lined and interlined and has a ruffled casing along the back bodice. I also made a belt for it. I'm really sad that it's already November. That means I'm not going to be able to put this dress on again until next Spring. When I see this dress I imagine wearing it to an outside celebration decorated with lots of beautiful flowers. I'm surrounded by lots of friends, food and good wine. I think of the song Garden Party by Ricky Nelson. "I went to a garden party, reminisced with my old friends, A chance to share old memories and play our songs again"
Please stop by my blog to see close up shots of the bodice and read all about the construction.
Voting ends on Wednesday at Midnight!
If you have questions about voting, please visit our Fashion Challenge Page found at the top of the page.
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Posted on November 05 2013
The 3 combined fabrics were so spot on! Different weaves, textures, print types! Oh my!!