Damn, y’all. I know I was all pumped about getting my Spring & Summer wardrobe‘s ass whipped into shape, but I didn’t realize I was going to rip through it so fast. WOE IS ME, WHAT IF I RUN OUT OF FABRIC.
Anyway, I made a Parfait! And this fabric… it might even be more delicious than it’s namesake (I know!). I bought 2 yards of this stuff… 4 years ago, I think? I had plans for some shitty sundress, but thankfully went into hoarder mode & it’s sat on my shelf since. It is the most amazing, soft, silky cotton voile I have EVER put my hands on… seriously wish I could cut a little swatch to mail to all of you. It feels sooooo good! And I’m not even a “purple” person (although, for some reason, everyone else seems to think I am. Must be my dark hair?), but I just love the purples & greys in this fabric. Love love love.
I’ve actually made this pattern up before – here’s the Craftster link. This time ’round, I size down to a 2 and omitted the pockets and facings. The top & midriff are lined with a lovely white batiste. I was afraid the skirt was going to be too sheer to wear without a slip (or underlining), but guess what – I have on TURQUOISE underwear in these pictures and ho ho ho I don’t see them at all! I will, however, approach direct sunlight with many precautions.
I don’t have much else to say about this pattern except pay attention to that cutting layout! The majority of those pieces are cut on the fold. I think the fabric requirements are pretty generous, though – I still have nearly 3/4 yard of this voile left. Although I didn’t cut the facings, I don’t think they really take up that much fabric, you know? 🙂
Check out this picture of me – I look pissed lololololol. Honestly, I was just testing the camera to make sure everything was centered and the light was good. But I crack up every time I look at it so I’m going to share my mean mug with the rest of the world. THERE YA GO.
If the left side of my back looks weird, it’s because I photoshopped my (turquoise)bra strap out. Photoshop is so magical, y’all.
I love the button straps, but now I’m wondering if I should have sewn the buttons on with black thread instead.
The under-buttons are clear – why waste a pretty button that won’t be seen??
Bastiste lining 🙂
On a side note, does anyone know how to determine if a fabric is lining fabric or not?
I bought this stuff at an antique mall over the weekend – dots! So fun! But this fabric is totally stumping me! It’s not super slippery like traditional lining fabric, although the sheerness makes me pause (seems too sheer to be apparel fabric). The part that confuses me is that it’s textured. Does lining fabric ever have texture?
FWIW, the fabric is 100% poly. I bought it because it was $1 and, eh, I can use it either or. I guess it doesn’t really matter, but I just think it looks really obvious and kind of tacky when people use lining fabric as apparel fabric. So I don’t want to make that mistake! Thoughts?
Anyway, enough of that blabber. Summmmmmmmer!
LLADYBIRD 
sew the buttons on with bright pink thread
Gads—that’s gorgeous! Fits you perfectly, and I love the fabric! All your sewing projects are motivating me to get off my bum and get sewing more.
Personally, I’ve not done much with lining fabric as most of the stuff I sew is unlined. I live in Texas, and I try to sew cotton dresses that are as light as possible for the summer. I’ve always thought it was neat to have skirts or jackets with a cool patterned lining though…I can totally see that polka dotted material lining a jacket.
That’s what I was thinking – it’d make a really sweet jacket lining, maybe a tan trench coat? I dunno! The polka dots are actually more navy than black in real life 🙂 And I have 2 yards of the stuff!
Awesome job! You’re making serious headway into your spring/summer sewing!
The dress IS beautiful, love love LOVE the fabric and the fit is great. As far as lining fabric goes I say do what you want with it. I rarely use “lining” fabric to line with since it is often boring. If the fabric has the right weight and drape for the project, use it.
You really should become a purple kinda girl, this lovelyy dress proves that it suits you! How do you get the fit so perfect on your projects, I’m so envious! It’s a great shape on you, perfect in every way!
I’m a “no-ease” kinda girl – I think that makes a big difference in regards to fit! 🙂
It must do, cause your clothes fit like a glove!
I love your outtake photos. You should collect them all into one post. I think, in fact, that EVERYONE (except me, obv) should do this. It shares a sense of someone’s personality and humor with everyone else.
This is the nicest parfait I’ve seen to date! I personally love the contrast thread on the buttons, but if you don’t like the white please consider this another vote for bright pink.
The no-ease approach has made this dress fit much better than the seersucker one, it is just GORGEOUS!! Well done, you’re so talented.xx
This is just adorable! Probably one of the cutest Colette Patterns ever and that bright floral voile is just so summery!! You have just been knocking it outta the park with your spring sewing list!! (is that a saying?? i think it has something to do with baseball…)
BTW I think I’ve seen textured lining fabric. Usually used for coats and stuff. I’d say if you don’t have a terrible urge to use it as a fashion fabric than use it as a lining. Probably a safe bet!
Adorable and the fit is great. I wish my stash had such fun stuff!
Beautiful dress and it fits you so perfectly. I really love the Parfait.
It’s dee-lightful. Fits you like a dream. Love it as always.
And lining fabric I think, depending very much on what kind, can look ok for the right garment ( but I agree some lining fabric is best kept inside) nice polka dots!
Sho you have elves helping you out in your sewing room? You are the diva queen of thread
Gorgeous! I love this fabric! 🙂
How are you doing this?Did you make some kind of Faustian deal in which you can churn out project after project in exchange for your soul? I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, I’m just curious on how I could get in on some of that action.
I think this is lovely, very springy. Very bright and fun and well fitting.
Personally, I think you can use whatever you want to line, but you can’t use all lining fabrics for any other purposes. Like, all apes are primates but not all primates are apes.
Haha I guess I sew pretty fast, but even the speed of this project surprised me. Quick’n’dirty, just how I like it 🙂
And I agree with your point on lining. I think I’m just going to dub this mystery fabric lining & get on with my life! Oooh, now to look at coat patterns…
Beautiful! Your fit looks so much more polished than on the Colette model. When you reduce the ease, are there side effects like more wrinkles or less comfort? I would love to try this pattern once I learn some small bust adjustment skills.
Well, I may be alone in this thought train, but I actually think it is more comfortable to wear something with very little ease! That being said, I pretty much wear *all* my clothes this form-fitting in the bust/waist (including slub-around-the-house duds & pajamas!), and have been for many many years – that’s why I started sewing, so I could alter my stuff down to fit the way I like 🙂 I know most people don’t agree with me on that front, though, and prefer garments with a more relaxed fit.
I think the main drawback to very fitted garments (other than the comfort factor, if you roll with the relaxed crowd) is that they can get hot in the summer & encourage sweating, since there’s not much room for airflow. My body temperature tends to run cold, though, so it doesn’t bother me as much as it might bother some other people!
I don’t think you’re alone! Too much slack drives me crazy, especially with storebought clothes where I have to buy a size too big if I want it long enough. Yuck. Good point about the airflow in the heat, though.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!! And I’m such a Purple person, on top of a Parfait fan, LOL! This dress proves it pays to let a fabric “mature” in your stash for a while.
This parfait is delightful! And that fabric…I wasn’t excited by the swatch, but I absolutely love the print now that I see more of it. If you weren’t 3 sizes smaller than me, I’d totally want to steal this dress from you.
Also – I love your mary janes!
I am completely in love with this dress. The fabric is so lovely. I am jealous.
Yeah you’re so productive, you’re making up for MY unproductiveness!!! 😀 I ADORE this dress…. every time I see a new Parfait it convinces me more how I need it. It’s such a cute style; I especially love the wide straps attached with buttons, and that lovely square neckline in back, GORGEOUS! The fabric is lovely! Did you REALLY only use just over a yard? Now I really have to get my hands on this pattern LOL.
Yep! The size 2 took a little more than 1 1/4 yard of 44″ fabric 🙂 I didn’t cut the pockets or the facings, though, so if you do, go with 1 1/2 just to be safe.
That’s still a very thrifty make! Lovely job, and thanks for the tip! 🙂
Gah! Another one envying your productivity! The dress is just beautiful, as ever and is the cutest version of this pattern I have ever seen. The no-ease definitely makes it work – I wonder if I’m brave enough to reduce the ease?
why do you always make the best dresses? stop! but really, it’s beautiful. and maybe your mystery fabric is poly chiffon or poly georgette–poly linings are almost always slippery/thin. Sheerness doesn’t mean it’s not apparel fabric–just that you need a slip or a lining.
super cute and, as always, it fits you perfectly!
if it’s not an obvious lining fabric to you, i doubt others would notice one way or the other. it’s a really cute fabric! i think a sheer (or underlined?) piece would be darling.
Very nice dress! I really want one of these for the summer too!
Totally love your dress and you are shaming me with your productivity! I haven’t even completed one project yet!
Cure. Cute. Cute. Excellent choice. Thanks for letting us see how pretty the dress is…… and how pretty you are, too!
Texas Bonnet
Hi,
I am just kinda like a beginner. What was the number of the Collett Pattern? I’d like to try making it for one of my granddaughters. Thanks in advance!
Texas Bonnet
Oh, yeah! Here’s my email address: texasbluebonnett@gmail.com
Texas Bonnet
Why such a stylish young lady would choose to wear a cattle ring in her nose will remain a mystery to me, but the vulger language you insist on using in your posts simply ruins the entire blog experience. I will be choosing to follow more intelligent bloggers. There are plenty out there able to express themselves more eloquently.
Egads! Can you possibly remove this person’s comment?! I just recently discovered your blog via the wool Ceylon dress you posted on Collette patterns and I just love your style and skill. I sew as well, and you are inspiring and motivating me with your posts. I disagree with the above poster. Your naughty words lend a certain charm to your posts and your humor has made me laugh as I read through your previous entries. Naomi must be an old, cranky biddy who simply can’t handle your sass and playfulness. Please ignore her and keep up the good work.
P.S. Your septum ring is awesome, but not nearly as awesome as your new Parfait!! It’s gorgeous!
I fully agree with Miss Jade.
Aw thank you, Miss! I know my writing style definitely isn’t for everyone, but I didn’t think someone would be crass enough to leave a rude comment on my blog about it. How classy of them lol.
i think she needs to shut the F up.
seriously.
(I actually went searching for the bitchy comment after seeing your latest pretty pretty frock. stfu, haters…)
So true Lauren, you should think twice about alienating delightful people like Naomi by expressing your (gasp) *personality* on your personal blog. Think of what you’re missing! Oh wait… 🙂
I like it when you swear, it adds to your charm!
(and when did leaving insulting comments on stranger’s personal blogs become a ladylike thing to do?)
Thanks for announcing your dramatic flounce, I guess, but I honestly don’t care. Bye! 🙂
(clears throat, puts on toodly doo accent) oh yes, one mustn’t expose oneself to vulgar languages and cattle rings when, why, one could be reading Emily Fucking Post and attempting to dislodge the large object that appears to be stuck up ones arse. Don’t ever change, lladybird. One the bright side it looks like we have a new ‘hot slut of the day’!
Who decided that a ring thing the ears is any more acceptible than one through the nose? Think about that, lady?
And, as for the language. One can say something ridiculously awful without ever uttering a “curse” word. They’re just words.
This is not a democracy, it’s a blog. If you don’t like it, just take your clicks elsewhere. There’s no need to comment.
Lauren, your projects are wonderful and inspiring. Keep it up!
Why a grown woman wouldn’t notice how vulgar it is to insult her host in a public venue will remain a mystery to me.
Sounds like taking her “blog experience” elsewhere suits everyone just fine.
Lauren you look amazing in this sweet sweet dress!
Wow this is great and I love that it is fitted too. Fantastic colours and you are a purple girl BW!!
I am sooo behind on blog reading lately (it ain’t even funny :p), but wanted to pop in and say “hi!” and also say I adore this dress!!! The fabric is perfect–I glad you hoarded it for this project. 😉 (Isn’t that funny how those things sometimes happen?!) Plus yay for not having to line the entire thing! The Parfait I made a couple years ago is still one of my favorite spring/summer dresses–and now of course I want to pull it out to wear *now* (as in, today), thanks to you. rofl.
WOE IS ME, WHAT IF I RUN OUT OF FABRIC.
that made me laugh so hard!
your dress is perfect, as always.
Thank you for the information. I really appreciate it. Please have a nice Wednesday and for that matter, have a great rest of the week. Thanks again.
Texas Bonnet
You are so prolific! I am another impressed follower. Every morning I go to the office I wish I would not but spend most of my time at home sewing ;( Anyway, your PARFAIT is parfait, damn it ^.^
Hehe, I wish I could spend all day sewing too 🙂 Wouldn’t that be nice!
Buy a megamillions ticket for Friday. Imagine what you could do with 400 million for fabric and all the time in the world.
This dress is GORGEOUS! Now I want to make a Parfait as well. 🙂
Fabulous dress, I love the fabric and colours on you. I’m right with you on the no-ease, a good fit maketh the clothes and you always seem to get it right! I’m always amazed by your fabulous handywork and there is no way you should be toning things down – I love reading your blog, it puts a smile on my face and inspires me to sew, sew sew!
Looks very good, great fit.
About your fabric: I have some lining fabric that has texture on one side. Although it has the normal “shininess” of lining, so not so sure about that.
Perty! And definitely a great color for your hair & skin. I like the white thread w/the buttons, too. And the swearing. And the piercing.
Love, love, love! The fabric is so pretty and the fit is ridiculously flattering. Funnily enough, when I made my Parfait it was also with some special fabric I’d been hoarding forever for just the right dress! I’m totally with you on the lack of ease, the more fitted the better! X