Simplicity 2256, Simplicity 1873, Project Sewn Signature Style

PROJECT SEWN : : SIGNATURE STYLE :: SIMPLICITY 2256 : : SIMPLICITY 1873

A Colourful Canvas, Cynthia Rowley 1873, New Look 6799, Simplicity 2256

A Colourful Canvas, Cynthia Rowley 1873, New Look 6799, Simplicity 2256


A Colourful Canvas, Cynthia Rowley 1873, New Look 6799, Simplicity 2256






A Colourful Canvas, Cynthia Rowley 1873, New Look 6799, Simplicity 2256

 

This is it folks.  The final outfit for this season’s Project Sewn.  It’s Signature Style week, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what the designers spin out for us this challenge.  And me? Typically, my signature style incorporates a liberal use of colour and/or pattern.  I like to give classic pieces a bit of whimsy and fun, with unexpected colour combinations, and/or a variety of prints.  Polka dot and gingham are perennial favourites of mine.  Brenda Kinsel’s Fashion Makeover and Dressing Your Truth gave me a style boost years ago, and I continue to learn tips daily from my favourite personal style bloggers.  Today I chose a fun graphic flower print together with a crisp white cotton twill.  I love the dress fabric’s bright tints.  It gives a classic silhouette a dash of the whimsy that I love.

 
When I was reviewing my If The Shoe Fits post, I thought how cute it would be to have a little white jacket as a go-with.  That’s how this outfit got rolling.  I was barely a day into the project when I saw It. There it was, my half finished jacket, lazing on Madeleine…she’s my Uniquely You dress form…and all l I could see was a blinding blob of white.  Whoops!  Did I goof?  Because last time I checked the top of my blog, I read the words A Colourful Canvas, and, hallo, is this not my moment to showcase my signature style?  Well, here’s the thing.  Yes, I lurve me all kinds of colour, and dotties, and mixing up prints; but I also love balance, and I think that the white cotton twill jacket is the perfect counterpoint to the pop-art confection beneath it. 
 
The jacket pattern is the same pattern I used for my pink paisley jacket, Simplicity 2256.  I could tell you that I am intentionally choosing to demonstrate the versatility of the pattern, but the truth is…I was just eager to sew this pattern up again.  This time round, I made the shorter version, and I’m very happy with it.  I omitted the lapel, and used a combination of bemberg and cotton broadcoth for lining.  Adding a fun lining is usually a signature style option for me, but sorry…no can do that with a white jacket.  One thing I found when sewing this piece is that plain, light coloured fabrics leave no room for error.  Everything, and I mean everything, shows. 

Now…my dress says Sue all over.  I love the bright tints and the random flower pattern.   This dress is a mash up of two patterns.  The bodice and sleeves are Simplicity’s Cynthia Rowley  Pattern 1873, and the bottom half is the New Look pattern  6799 from last week’s dress.   I had very limited fabric, and I had to resort to blending the two patterns.  Even so, I couldn’t make the short sleeved version I preferred, instead settling for cap sleeves; an irony considering I only recently told my friend Jan at Fort Smith Stylista that cap sleeves are a no-go for me.  I’m actually growing quite fond of them, but Jan, what do you think?    These cap sleeves have five pleats in each sleeve, ten if you count the lining.  And, additionally,  I had to hand sew two more tiny pleats at the bottom of each sleeve to get them to fit right.  I don’t blame the pattern though.  I was working from a size 14 pattern…too large for me…but it was the only one left in the store.  I admit, altering the bodice was a tad frustrating, and, although the end result turned out fine, I might just have to track down a right-sized pattern before sewing it again.
Whew! This was a busy week…sew, now what?  Well, perhaps a switch from mad sewing to Mad Men sewing?   Mad Men Challenge 3  sew-along is about to begin, and I have it on good authority that Peggy is my Mad Men match!  I don’t actually watch the show, but I am familiar with the fashion of the era portrayed.  But!  I’m getting ahead of myself.  For the moment, I am going to catch my breath, pet my cats, and take a look at what gaps there might be in my spring and summer wardrobe, and…well,  I already have an idea for a handbag, and…  
  

 

Won’t you please follow me on…





 

55 Comments

  • Reply ann wood February 25, 2014 at 5:38 am

    You have created another winner Sue! Dress is adorable and the colors are so great for spring. I love the detail with the buttons. I want this jacket, perfect cut for the petite woman. Great in white and detailing excellent. Enjoy how you showed it with the sweater too. What about the glitter shoe……fantastic!

    blue hue wonderland

  • Reply amy mayen February 25, 2014 at 6:48 am

    Love this outfit! The dress is lovely! I just chose a pattern for my debut “grown up dress”. My goal is for the tailoring to look as nice as yours. I love the jacket too, it has lots of great details. Your print, as always, is Sue-a-licious!

  • Reply oonaballoona February 25, 2014 at 7:32 am

    you have been true to your style throughout, and this is you to a terrific, tremendous, technicolor T. CUE THUNDEROUS APPLAUSE.

  • Reply Suzanne Carillo Style Files February 25, 2014 at 7:49 am

    I'm so excited about the MadMen sewing!!! I can't wait. I'm obsessed with that style.

    This really is very SUE! The fabric is perfect. Who knew pastels could be so fun? You did : )

    That jacket is cute and I love that it is so short. Elongates your legs. Really great job on proportions for your body.

    I love those little shoes too! They look like they might even be comfortable.

    bisous
    Suzanne

  • Reply Cathy B February 25, 2014 at 7:52 am

    Very nice, Sue. That fabric reminds me of something…I will have a think on it. You never mentioned your gold shoes…I LOVE them/Want them. Are they vintage? Please spill…

  • Reply Dana Bishop February 25, 2014 at 8:06 am

    Bravo! As usual, a masterpiece. You are A Monet of fashion. I love your ease and style in front of the camera. Your smile is the perfect fashion accessory 🙂

    Love it all… I have to say, the yellow cardigan is timeless and it's a perfect colour

  • Reply M. Edwards February 25, 2014 at 8:20 am

    There are no words…

    You have rendered me speechless, and that's no mean feat to do to an English teacher, but let me try because this outfit demands recognition.

    Sue, this is stunning! Absolutely, undeniably, breath-takingly stunning! You. In that dress. Wearing that jacket. Holding that picture frame. Gah! Yeah, words still fail me.

    Wow. Just…wow!

  • Reply Erin || Sewbon.com February 25, 2014 at 8:27 am

    Sue! I've loved all your projects! They are all so amazing!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 25, 2014 at 8:56 am

    Anne, Amy, Oona, Suzanne, Cathy, Dana, Maricel, Erin!!! Thanks for amazingly positive comments! I'm doing a happy dance here! The shoes! Thrift store find for $8.00…sparkles and comfortable too! I can see this outfit with a cute pair of sandals, but all my summer shoes are stored away.

  • Reply Vix February 25, 2014 at 9:42 am

    I adore the print, the colours, you…everything! xxx

  • Reply Peggy's Closet February 25, 2014 at 9:45 am

    You're right–the white is a perfect balance for the colorful dress, but I like it with the yellow cardigan too. I love the whole outfit, but I particularly love, love, love the dress fabric! I'm hoping it isn't a vintage find, because I would love to buy some of it. Another fantastic outfit!

  • Reply pastcaring February 25, 2014 at 10:08 am

    Very definitely Signature Sue! I adore that print and the fresh pretty colours. The jacket is great, but I confess to a fondness for the cute yellow cardigan. Yet another beautifully made triumph of an outfit, Sue, and that second photo is one of my very favourites ever of you! xxx

  • Reply Shirl February 25, 2014 at 10:19 am

    Hey there, Peggy Sue! This jacket is fabulous. Love the buttons on the jacket and on the dress! Beautiful post, are your ready for a walk in this sunshine?

    Shirl

  • Reply Natalia Lialina February 25, 2014 at 12:09 pm

    Oh Sue, you are just so so so adorable!! I love the dress, the yellow jacket, the bangles and your lovely necklace! As always – so much sun and inspiration from your post! Pure joy!!!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 25, 2014 at 2:28 pm

    Hey Vix, Peggy, Curtise, Shirl and Natalia! Thank you so much for popping by and taking the time to comment! The fabric is a thrifted goodie…haven't found anything like it at the fabric stores.

    The sun is shining here, after three days of SNOW! I must get out to enjoy it!

  • Reply Paula Ruta February 25, 2014 at 3:40 pm

    OMG i cant believe you made another outfit!!! So cute too–just love your sense of color WITH the white–brilliant. Xoxo

  • Reply Connie February 25, 2014 at 8:44 pm

    You are the most wonderful kind of fruit salad. Fresh and beautiful and so uplifting! So inspirational. I spent The weekend going back through all of your previous posts since I've only just recently met you and I am soooo impressed. I'm such a fan!!!

  • Reply Val S February 25, 2014 at 9:13 pm

    I like Connie's remark about fruit salad – yummy, sweet, fruity and good for you! Your creations are always so beautiful and so Sue. And I know you put a lot of work into the jacket, but I kinda like it best with the yellow cardi.

    Love your shoes!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 25, 2014 at 9:32 pm

    Hi Paula, Connie and Val! I was trying to come up with a blue fruit other than blueberry, because the blue in the dress is not at all blueberry. Ended up just with the word blue, LOL.

    For those that like the dress with the yellow sweater…So do I!!! Because I made two garments, I had a lot I wanted to show you, and I kept trying to talk myself out of posting photographs of the yellow sweater, but I really like the combination of the two, so I had to share!

  • Reply Carley Lee February 25, 2014 at 9:35 pm

    Oh my word, Sue, these photos are the best!
    Absolutely stunning work on these pieces 🙂
    I admire your skills!
    I hope you're keeping well,
    Carley
    xx

  • Reply Aya in Couturgatory February 25, 2014 at 10:52 pm

    I am continually impressed by your sewing skill! Your jacket is gorgeous; I especially love the back of it with the little strap and buttons.

    You keep getting more and more charming in front of the camera. I love how at ease you are and how creative your poses and angles can be!

  • Reply dan February 26, 2014 at 12:47 am

    I love your photos! And of course I also love your wonderful dress!! It has a very beautiful pattern and shape… you look soooo nice!
    The dress goes well with the jacket and the jellow cardigan is perfect as well…delightful spring bracelets too!!

  • Reply Highland Fashionista February 26, 2014 at 3:18 am

    Okay Sue, can we just talk about those shoes for a minute? Those are SO AWESOME. I love how you are not afraid of colour, and I have to say, you look really good in those candy pastels! Lilly Pulitzer eat our heart out!

  • Reply nest full of eggs February 26, 2014 at 8:18 am

    How fun ~ what a cute jacket!

  • Reply Ariane Lasalle February 26, 2014 at 10:00 am

    Hi Sue! this dress is you, this dress is smiling and shinning like beautiful you!
    My! Sue you look splendid, radiant!

    Arianexo

  • Reply josep-maria badia February 26, 2014 at 11:23 am

    I love this dress, it's beautiful. The pattern is awesome. I really like the pattern, with pretty waist. The look with the white jacket is wonderful.

  • Reply LuaBleu February 26, 2014 at 2:20 pm

    Your beautiful smile & dress just oozes from these photographs….congratulations Sue!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 26, 2014 at 10:20 pm

    Hi Carley, Aya, Dan, Kristin, Nest, Ariane, Josep, and Denise! Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment. I love reading every single one!

  • Reply Flo February 27, 2014 at 5:44 am

    Very cute, and versatile too. I love those swirly buttons on the dress, I've never seen ones like that before.

  • Reply Rachel February 27, 2014 at 9:14 am

    That dress is so cheerful!! Yes, classic, but the flower print makes is so fun! You know I love me some color…

  • Reply two birds February 27, 2014 at 12:47 pm

    i feel so repetitive when i tell you how amazing you are. but really, you are such a talent, and i love what you make!

  • Reply sabine February 27, 2014 at 1:48 pm

    This outfit has a name. The name is SUE! From the cute pattern to the ice creme remembering accessories to the golden princess shoes it is yours. You look lovely dear!
    Sabine xxx

  • Reply Emalina February 27, 2014 at 2:23 pm

    Ooooh fabulous, what an amazing dress! The colours are the epitome of spring effervescence and joy! And you have the most lovely smile Sue, gorgeous.

  • Reply Ann Huffman February 28, 2014 at 7:29 am

    I adore your color and pattern choices. Just spent many minutes looking through your fun posts. So nice to meet you! Following now on bloglovin. ~Ann
    Tarnished Royalty

  • Reply Thewallinna February 28, 2014 at 10:42 am

    LOVE LOVE LOOOOVE this dress, it's colours and the photoshoot! And the shoes 🙂 I admire the fact that you made every single garment for the Project Sewn sew-along! After seeing all your garments one could really say that this is your signature style 🙂

  • Reply No fear of fashion February 28, 2014 at 1:59 pm

    This is so you, colourful Sue. I think you did a marvellous job. Also with the photography: the background, the razor sharp photos, the frame, the stack of bracelets… my compliments.
    Personally I like the dress best with the yellow cardigan. Strange isn't it? But I really do. The white jacket is very elegant but I would wear it on a little black dress (knock-out).
    Greetje

  • Reply No fear of fashion February 28, 2014 at 2:00 pm

    Forgot to say I think your choice of necklace and shoes is very good too.

  • Reply mazeliving February 28, 2014 at 5:48 pm

    Once again, amazing! I think checking your blog can qualify for an immediate pick-me-up, I notice that every time I check, it puts a happy smile on my face. Sue, you are fantastic!

  • Reply Sara March 1, 2014 at 10:50 am

    You are amazing! The dress is gorgeous and the colors are so fun! I am so glad I found your blog (thanks to Project Sewn). I will follow you from now on. I just love everything you make and I hope to be a sassy beautiful woman over 40 just like you when I'm over 40 (I'm 35 now). 🙂

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas March 1, 2014 at 12:09 pm

    Sara, thank you so very much for your sweet comment! Happy to have you following along!!

  • Reply Sonia March 1, 2014 at 2:56 pm

    Beautiful colours and a flawless execution of both pieces! You scored my vote in Project Sewn 😀

  • Reply Seeker March 3, 2014 at 12:16 pm

    OMG Sue, I have no words to tell you how amazing you look!!!!!
    The dress is fabulous, all the pieces go so well together, great job.
    Also the creative way you took your photos it's fantastic. And your smile is always sunshine.
    Indeed words falling…..
    Thank you so much for your nice comment and for linking with Très Chic Style Bits
    xoxo

  • Reply Karen @ MrsLookingGood March 4, 2014 at 9:58 pm

    What a beautiful dress and what a print! I prefer it with the yellow jacket but you look beautiful all the same with the white one too.

  • Reply Jill James March 5, 2014 at 1:56 am

    Oh you are so clever, lovely dress , so pretty and summery. Works so well with both jackets and your cute gold shoes. Always enjoy your photos, styled so creatively.

  • Reply señora Allnut March 5, 2014 at 11:28 am

    fabulous colors!!, so pretty dress and so funny pics!
    you're gorgeous!!
    besos

  • Reply graverobbergirl March 5, 2014 at 2:23 pm

    Wow! Gorgeous. And such exquisite execution.

  • Reply Jan Graham-McMillen March 6, 2014 at 2:27 pm

    What a beauty! Yes, these are short sleeves, but don't poof too much or look “little-girl” or grip your upper arm too much. That said, you have great arms, so no worries in the first place. The worst part of my arms is by the elbow, so if I cover the top, I lose my best muscle definition! But you look completely delightful.

    BRILLIANT dress and Jacket … you are a wonderful tailor! Just beautiful, Sue, no kidding.
    I've been so inpired by you … it's been a long time since I made a whole garment, but I'm going to try a skirt. Still looking for a pattern, but have found lovely (but problematic) fabric that I love, and on sale. Wish me luck.

  • Reply Trina March 9, 2014 at 7:48 pm

    Definitely another winner! You are so correct, the white jacket was the perfect balance, in fact you are going to get so much wear out of this gem. The colorful and playful dress is Sue through and through. I'm so looking forward to the Mad Men Challenge and what you'll create.

  • Reply Glenda March 9, 2014 at 8:07 pm

    I LOVE IT!!!!!! So perfect for you Sue. It doesn't get any better than this. As I read your post, I had a huge grin on my face. This dress and the accessories have Sue written all over them. I think Cynthia Rowley is an expert in whimsy. 😉

  • Reply Mrs C March 9, 2014 at 10:49 pm

    Yes, I totally agree with the rest of the comments… totally a winner! The pastel color mixed with white is stunning and soft at the same time and your skill… that's legendary. I am amazed every time!

    From Dubai with xxxx
    Mrs Jack Of All Trades
    http://www.mjoat.com

  • Reply Patti March 10, 2014 at 3:31 am

    Beautiful dress and jacket, Sue! You never cease to amaze with your skills. Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday.

  • Reply versatilestylebytracey.com March 10, 2014 at 8:59 am

    This fun print is perfect for what I imagine your spunky vibrant personality to be… I love it with the yellow sweater!

  • Reply Citizen Rosebud March 10, 2014 at 9:08 am

    Polka dots and gingham? MEEEE TOOOO! I love your look today- so vibrant and fresh! Love that short jacket- perfect addition to the spark of the dress. Great looks, signed, sealed, and delivered!

  • Reply Lisa March 10, 2014 at 9:03 pm

    Sooooo pretty! Love your colorful wrist bangles too.

  • Reply Beata B March 11, 2014 at 2:22 pm

    Wonderful look Sue! This is exactly how I see your style,classy yet sunny, playful and fun 🙂 you look gorgeous! 🙂 hugs, Beata xxx

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