Copycat: Planning chintz mega florals
Clockwise from top left: floral stretch cotton, bright green cotton ponte, Astoria Sweater, skirt drafting.
I've mentioned a few times my visit to the Fabric Store in LA last summer where I indulged myself with some glorious purchases - some of which have already found their pattern life partner and are more or less happily ensconced in domestic bliss in my closet. (A skirt, a dress, a shirt, a kimono ...). The Fabric Store literally gave me palpitations. There isn't as much choice as you find in the stores in the Garment District, but there is still a lot and everything is delicious.
And I LOVED the fact it was arranged by colour rather than fabric type. I am that person who always asks what colour the car is when someone mentions they have a new one. Colour is what I'm drawn to and as my knowledge of fabric weaves and behaviours is sketchy, colour - more than pattern or texture (although the latter is a very close second) - is what leads my decision process.
However, one of my Fabric Store purchases was a little off for me. I brought away this giant floral stretch cotton that wouldn't look out of place as the curtains in a middle-England chintz-filled B&B. I originally intended to use it to make a Bernadette Jacket by Republique du Chiffon. I had seen this girl on the subway wearing a short loose denim dress and a quilted collarless floral jacket and really wanted to recreate her look as she just oozed effortless cool. However, I quickly realised this fabric is too heavy and doesn't have nearly enough drape for that kind of jacket, so it went back in the trunk and I carried on with the other pretty things, perplexed as to how I would ever find a wearable use for it.
Then I saw this:
Image from The Glitter Guide.
Oh yes, a perfect spring time pleated skirt and I'm the (now) happy owner of the perfect fabric to replicate it.
And then Colette released the latest issue of Seamwork Magazine with the Astoria sweater.
And then I find the perfect green textured cotton ponte at Mood.
And so all the elements for recreating this ensemble are in place.
Now I just need to draft a knife pleated skirt, work out how to fit the pieces on the pretty narrow yardage, and hope the fabric isn't too stiff. Oh and find an ice cream.
See you soon x