Sewaholic Cambie,

SEWAHOLIC : : CAMBIE DRESS

A Colourful Canvas, Sewaholic, Cambie Dress
A Colourful Canvas, Sewaholic, Cambie Dress
A Colourful Canvas, Sewaholic, Cambie Dress, DYT Type One

The Sewaholic Cambie Dress

Hi everyone! Let’s jump right into today’s post. This past weekend was some kind of special! I met two lovely sewing bloggers on Saturday…Silvia from Sewing Princess and Tasia from Sewaholic. Silvia has been touring Canada and Vancouver was her last stop before returning home to Italy. She wanted to visit with Tasia as well as myself, and I suggested that the three of us get together. Tasia and Silvia, who have known each other for a long time, are both so warm and friendly. I felt plain lucky to have been able to sit down and visit with them both. We met at a local Starbucks and fell easily into conversation. Lots of chat about sewing and blogging and travel. After our cups were empty, we headed up to Tasia’s office for the real fun! Now, some of my lovely readers may not know this, but Tasia is at the helm of her own sewing pattern business! Whaaaatttt? Yes, it’s true! She designs, drafts, prints and sells patterns, with a specific emphasis on designing for the pear shaped woman. So, needless to say, her office was a Pandora’s box for Silvia and I. And when Tasia opened her samples bin, things got downright giddy. It’s not everyday….it’s not any day…that you can try on a garment made by the designer herself. {{{sigh}}} It was so much fun. Thanks bunches to you both for such a lovely morning.

I’m sure it’s no surprise that I chose to wear one of Tasia’s designs. Yep! I got busy sewing my Cambie Dress as soon as I learned we were to meet. It was a breeze to sew. The instructions were very clear and she includes the steps to sewing in the dress lining. I’m really happy with the fit. I took in the neckline a little bit to prevent any gaping, and shortened the bodice 1″, but otherwise no alterations. I know, I know, I usually make several pattern tweaks, but I really wanted to honor Tasia’s vision. And besides, my two must-do alterations, adding pockets and a lining, are standard for the Sewaholic Cambie Dress. I’ll definitely be using the skirt pattern for future makes. Do you notice the pocket position? The skirt side seams sit slightly forward and towards the center front of the garment. The pockets are in those seams, and the placement feels really natural. And…since we’re having a real close looky-loo at those seams, I’m gonna tell you that matching those chevron stripes was like, like…I have no words…so. not. easy.

After our visit, the mister and I headed on down to Cambie Village for a stroll and lunch. Tasia names her patterns after local neighbourhoods in and around Vancouver. I thought it was pretty cool that some of the street banners had dress forms on them! Hello! I wanted to take more photos, but unfortunately our camera refused. Battery. down. and. out. Fortunately, the mister’s phone takes a pretty decent photograph! After we got home, we charged the battery and snapped a few extra outfit photos. Looking back, I actually like my turquoise flats with this dress. Yay! I also can no longer deny that fall is in the air. My plan is to style my Cambie Dress with a denim jacket, tights and boots when we get those first chilly days.

Okay, I promised minimal words, and here I am penning a novel…I’m nothing if not consistent…but on Sunday we saw Elton John in concert, and that was a very memorable concert for me. Hanging out with over 18,000 people, most of us over fifty, {and boy was that a raucous train ride home, not}, being familiar with every song, and eating nearly confiscated banana bread…does it get any better than that? I think not…

Sorry for the odd photo Elton! We love you!

***Edit: Taking a cue from Dana, Connie and Curtise! Bonus points for working an Elton John song into your comment!***

Linking up with the ever lovely Patti of Not Dead Yet Style for Visible Monday. Head on over for a visit!! Also linking up with Project Sewn for The Spooky Season Linky Party.

Dress : : Me-Made, Sewaholic Cambie
Tote Bag : : Thrifted, Lilly Pulitzer

51 Comments

  • Reply Dana Bishop September 17, 2014 at 6:47 am

    What a wonderfully upbeat and enthusiastic post! Your dress is so special for a bunch of reasons. You always do a perfect job, which is enviable in itself. But on top of your skill is the myriad of accessories that complement your look so flawlessly.

    I'm happy that your get together was such a success. And you got to crocodile rock with Elton! What an experience !

  • Reply Connie September 17, 2014 at 6:49 am

    Don't go breaking my heart. (Sorry. I couldn't resist.) how fun for like minds to get together. A Cambie dress is a very pretty thing. What a great outing!

  • Reply Lori September 17, 2014 at 6:53 am

    How fun to meet other fabric admirers and creative seamstresses. I love your dress and the idea of the pockets closer on the front. I had an older cousin who loved Elton John back in the day and even had glasses like his!

  • Reply Curtise September 17, 2014 at 6:56 am

    How lovely to meet up with two sewing blog friends, and to be wearing one of Tasia's designs was perfect! I love the dress, such pretty contrasting prints. it fits you wonderfully, and since you ask, YES, I noticed the pocket position, and I heartily approve! You look all girly and twirly, like a tiny dancer…Sorry, but I thought Elton John references were obligatory in our comments! xxx

  • Reply Suzanne Carillo Style Files September 17, 2014 at 9:51 am

    This is the first one that came to mind, ” The Bitch is Back!” Honestly I'm not being rude. That is a compliment : ) Bitch in this case means strong tiny fierce woman in a cute retro inspired homemade dress. Uh – huh.

    How much fun to meet up with two other sewers. And one from Italy no-less!

    I must say I adore the fabric you chose for the dress. So pretty!

    Funny that you managed to take it on Cambie.

    No worries about not getting back to me. You've been busy! I have my sister coming out for a week on Friday. We are going to be Weekend Warriors! That means, hiking, kayaking, zip lining and then zip lining in the dark as well. Wish me luck : )

    bisous
    Suzanne

  • Reply No fear of fashion September 17, 2014 at 10:33 am

    Again a lovely dress which suits you so well. Personally I prefer those darling green high(er) heels with the outfit, but I know you cannot do the town on high heels (unless you are born Italian). I have this grudge against flat shoes, so never mind me. Biased.
    The bag is also very cute. Like it a lot.
    It is bloggers meet up all over the world. Great isn't it?
    Greetje

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 17, 2014 at 2:09 pm

    Thanks Greetje! Ah lovely Dan wearing her heels dawn to dark…could be that she has superb Italian shoes. I'm happy you like the heels….I totally agree that they are the most flattering silhouette. I think my eye is seeing their green shade as not quite right. I think I might prefer my nude heels with this dress. The bag matching was a total coincidence! Crazy, huh? And yes, these blogger meet-ups just keep getting better!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 17, 2014 at 2:12 pm

    hahaha….I was thinking more along the lines of me and Suzy had so much fun…but The Bitch is Back works too, LOL. I'm thrilled that you like the fabric. It is ever so close to being too cute, but I think I've pulled it off okay.

    Hope you and your sister have a fun week together! I've never zip lined, and I don't think I ever will…hiking and kayaking I can do!!! Good Luck!!!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 17, 2014 at 2:13 pm

    It's official! References to Elton John are not only encouraged, but to be commended!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 17, 2014 at 2:14 pm

    Hey Lori! Oh yes…we had so much to chat about…not many people get so excited about fabric or pattern books….Silvia gifted us with copies of Mia Boutique magazine…and Italian magazine that comes complete with pattern….in Italian!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 17, 2014 at 2:15 pm

    I would NEVER intentionally go breaking your heart Connie!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 17, 2014 at 2:16 pm

    We did crocodile rock with Elton! Took me right back to those years of dancing by myself in the basement…on a chair, no less! What a dork I was.

  • Reply Joni James September 17, 2014 at 2:46 pm

    You're so lucky to see Elton John. He's so much a favorite for so many years. I get that cozy feeling whenever I hear his voice on the radio.
    Fantastic photos Sue. The backgrounds are amazing!
    And of course, your sewing skills are amazing. Aren't blogger meet ups inspiring?

  • Reply barbarajanemade.com September 17, 2014 at 7:34 pm

    I love your colour and pattern combination and photos in Cambie Village, excellent. And those heels, better than electric boots! Must have been fun to meet sewing blog friends.

  • Reply Nicole September 17, 2014 at 9:16 pm

    What a lovely Cambie! That style suits your figure so nicely! I've made two, and I think it's a really fab pattern. And your color choices are so YOU! Beautiful!

  • Reply Hana September 17, 2014 at 10:50 pm

    Looks like you had a great time, Sue. I love your pretty cambie and you have a good taste of matching the two fabric together. I noticed the pockets as soon as I saw your picture 🙂
    You look gorgeous! 😡

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 18, 2014 at 8:05 am

    I was indeed lucky. He added a second performance, and otherwise we wouldn't have gone!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 18, 2014 at 8:05 am

    Thanks Barbara! hahaha…good one with the electric boots!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 18, 2014 at 8:06 am

    Thanks Nicole! I am really happy with the silhouette. Glad I went with the fuller skirt for me!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 18, 2014 at 8:07 am

    Thanks Hana! I wanted to mix things up a bit and had fun choosing multiple fabrics for this dress!

  • Reply Lisa Thomson September 18, 2014 at 9:16 am

    Love your dress. Cool to see Elton! I enjoy dropping by your site as I'm a local girl. I don't sew but I love your pics!

  • Reply Sewing Princess September 18, 2014 at 11:12 am

    Sue, it was so great to meet you! Thanks for the lovely post and for coming to meet me! The dress was perfect and it's amazing you finished just before our meet-up!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 18, 2014 at 1:40 pm

    Hey Lisa! You know what? I love it when people visit me, just 'cause they want to stop by! I feel honored to be on your blog roll! Thank You!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 18, 2014 at 1:44 pm

    Silvia!!! You're home! It was great to meet you too! I do look forward to one day visiting you in Italy! I've decided to sew the cover blouse and I'm just now choosing fabric, hopefully from my stash! It's a neat way to learn a bit of language, I'm sort of reading about the yardage required and fabrics etc. And my brain is doing okay with figuring things out…..so far!

  • Reply Heather September 18, 2014 at 6:48 pm

    Wow! What a weekend Sue! Sewing bloggers and Elton John! Your dress looks fantastic! I love the fabrics you chose and of course the pattern mixing! You are the pattern mixing Queen! I guess that's “Your Song”. And how cool to be able to photograph your Cambie dress on Cambie street!
    I have been lucky enough to see Elton John too and his show is amazing! That man is very talented and I loved every minute of it.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 18, 2014 at 7:57 pm

    hahaha…oh good one Heather! We were so lucky to be very close to the stage and in a position to see Elton making those piano keys dance!

  • Reply Jan Graham-McMillen September 19, 2014 at 8:33 am

    What a week for you, Gorgeous! I'm so happy to see you participate in so much fun!!! Luck you to meet with such interesting women with so much in common! I love it.
    But an evening with your huz AND Elton! How endlessly cool is that?
    Such a fabulous dress on you, m'dear, and you did such a classy job.
    I just love you, Sue!

  • Reply Flo September 19, 2014 at 8:46 am

    I'm not sure which would excite me more-meeting up with blog buddies or seeing Sir Elton-what a week! The dress is adorable too. And don't mind me while I hate you a bit for finding a Lilly Pulitzer bag in a thrift shop, I'm so jealous 😉

    I would have so been singing along to every song too. What a fun week.

  • Reply No fear of fashion September 19, 2014 at 10:15 am

    I have been like you (in the example of seeing the green shade of the shoes as not quite right). Rubbish. A slight “not quite right” makes the outfit perfect. You know that perfection lies in the imperfection of things??

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 19, 2014 at 5:03 pm

    Oh, you are so right Greetje! Thank you for the reminder!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 19, 2014 at 5:03 pm

    Love you back Jan!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 19, 2014 at 5:04 pm

    It was all so much fun!

    I KNOW! As soon as I spotted it, I thought it can't be Lilly…yet the closer I got, the more I knew it was! YES!

  • Reply Ariane Lasalle September 21, 2014 at 12:59 pm

    Hi lovely Sue!

    So happy to hear from you, i'm such a lazy worm when it comes to blogging these days, i much prefer Instagram! Do you know Instagram? a lot of Lady bloggers are on Instragram these days – Would you be great for Instagram dear Sue!
    Nice isn't to meet bloggers? i have met one in Paris – Christel of le Vaisseau Selenite, she was so nice!
    Your dress is lovely and your pics oh wow!
    I'm starting a sewing course, well, i already know how to sew a bit and i will be be working on different projects, it will be fun, small classes!
    I will let you know all!

    Keep well big hugs

    Arianexo

  • Reply MIS PAPELICOS -Mis P September 22, 2014 at 12:20 am

    I would very much love to meet you one day, dear Sue.
    happy Monday
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

  • Reply Patti September 22, 2014 at 4:41 am

    Great pattern and what a lovely dress you made, Sue. We saw Sir Elton a few years ago and loved it too (LOL about quiet train ride home). Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday, xox.

  • Reply Kezzie September 22, 2014 at 12:49 pm

    That dress is seriously attractive! You look such a vision oveer that view! Your blog name suits you so much!x
    Visiting from V.M!x

  • Reply Beata B September 23, 2014 at 1:07 pm

    I love the dress ! You look. Gorgeous 🙂 x

    http://www.fashionadventuresatanyage.com

  • Reply Elsie Davies September 23, 2014 at 11:30 pm

    Sue you always look fabulous in your perfectly made dresses and this one is oh so gorgeous on you. Loooove. xoxo

  • Reply Trina September 24, 2014 at 10:25 am

    This is so Sue, seriously it just screams happy Sue. And what a fun gathering for the three of you. I'm still keeping my hopes up, I can make it up there soon.

  • Reply dan September 25, 2014 at 5:00 am

    You three girls surely had a great time together! And you are wearing one of your deligthful dresses! The colours remind me the sixties… lovable green shoes as well!
    p.s.
    Your Cambie dress would go special with a denim jacket!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 26, 2014 at 9:18 pm

    My hopes are high too Trina!!!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 26, 2014 at 9:19 pm

    Thanks Dan…I have recently worn the dress with the denim jacket, and I did quite love it!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 26, 2014 at 9:19 pm

    Thanks Elsie! Still thinking about that great black and white outfit of yours!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 26, 2014 at 9:19 pm

    Thanks Beata!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 26, 2014 at 9:20 pm

    Thanks so much Kezzie!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 26, 2014 at 9:21 pm

    Thanks Patti! Yep…nothin' like the ride home after a sports win, LOL.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 26, 2014 at 9:21 pm

    And I would love to meet you too Sacramento!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 26, 2014 at 9:22 pm

    I would love Instagram, but it seems that you need to have a cell phone to post photos, so I just haven't bothered with it. I hope you share with us your visit with Christel!

  • Reply seekatsew September 30, 2014 at 9:18 am

    Lucky you getting to meet Tasia, she is so talented! Thanks to her, I just found you blog, I LOVE your fabric choices.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 30, 2014 at 5:56 pm

    I know! 🙂 I do feel lucky to have met Tasia and Sylvia! And lucky me to have Tasia living nearby! Thanks so much for stopping in and saying hello!

  • Reply jen storer October 5, 2014 at 6:31 pm

    Oh, you gorgeous, clever girl, you are such a delight. And the dress just POPS! love it. xx

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