Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Colette, Meet Alabama Chanin


It turns out that you can take Colette's Oolong pattern, which is made from woven fabric cut on the bias to give it some stretch, and turn the pieces to the straight grain and cut them out of cotton jersey.


And then you can bring your Alabama Stitch techniques out and finish the seams with hand top-stitching, and you can leave the hem of the dress raw, and the sleeve edges unfinished, and you have a dress that is easy, easy, both to sew and to wear.

11 comments:

  1. Lurker piping up here,

    I've seen you mention Alabama Stitch several times now. Is it a pattern or embroidery book? Of so, who is the author? You've piqued my interest, and I'd really like to get it. :)

    Heather

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  2. Very nice! Looks so comfy too!

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  3. Wow! How fast can you make a dress? One yesterday, one today! I love jersey fabrics, but I can't hand sew neat at all. I love all the dresses you make.
    Izzyx

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  4. Catching up on your blog . . . out of country working on the adoption of Katya. So good to have a breath of home and normalacy while reading your blog, Anna!

    http://bringingkatyahome11.blogspot.com/

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  5. I suppose you're using less fabric, too - excellent!

    Lisateresa

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  6. That is really pretty! How is the bottom of the skirt? Does it make it fuller at the bottom?

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  7. Another lovely creation! Can you tell us how all of this jersey is wearing? Tolerating washing? All of your hand stitch work is so beautiful (and tempting) - what do you do to keep it looking that way?

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  8. Thank you for turning me on to Alabama Chanin. I haven't gotten the books yet (waiting for payday...) but I've been haunting her website for the past 2 weeks and have already altered a few t-shirts in her style using my own designs. Amazingly fun and easy with really pretty results.
    I've mentioned the studio classes that she does to my husband and he's been asking subtle questions so maybe, just maybe I'll get to go there for a weekend!
    Peace,
    Barb

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  9. Awesome! I made that dress in a red soft twill, however, I'm starting to outgrow it. Now I can make it in jersey and use that pattern for a lot longer. Thanks so much for trying this out!

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  10. Oh, did you still use the facing pattern or did you just fold over and sew or use bias binding for the neckline?

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  11. I included the facing--but not the lining.

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