Tuesday, December 2, 2008

BWOF December 2008

A brief break from coat construction to share my delight in this month's issue of BWOF. I wasn't expecting great things this month - the preview looked okay, but how many formalwear patterns do I need in my non-formal life? The gowns were pretty, but none of them stirred the Lust for Impractical Clothing that hides inside us all. The regular clothes, however, really got my attention. There's skirt # 118, which I did notice in the previews but which is way more interesting when you see the line drawing/pattern pieces. And I understand that the fly front is part of the design, but I'm still thinking about just seaming there and putting an invisible zip in the side - I've really gotten to dislike that extra bulk over my stomach. Either way, cute skirt.

There's jacket #106, which I think wants to be made in the shimmery wool herringbone that I picked up at Jomar when I was shopping with the girls the other weekend. I just have to cross my fingers that PA Fabric Outlet will have a 24" separating zipper in a color that would even come close to the color of my fabric. Why can't Pacific Trims just magically relocate here when I want them?

I also like dress # 121, though WTF were they thinking, teaming a plaid dress with leopard print boots and a whomping big tote? When I first saw the page, my response was "Ack!" and then I actually saw the dress hiding behind its garish accessories and decided I really liked it. And yay, it doesn't require fabric with stretch, so I can actually use a very similar plaid that's been hanging out in my stash for about 4 years. I think there are at least 3 yards of it, so I should be fine with cutting the front and back on the bias. See, this is the reason for stash. If I went out now looking for the perfect plaid for this dress, it would be nowhere to be found.

The little clutch purses at #143 are simple enough, and say "Christmas gift" very loudly in my ear. Especially since I'm sure I have things in the scrap bin that are saying the same thing, if only I listened.

And the nightie, which is actually just the t-shirt made long, is cute too. And quick enough that maybe I can put one together for myself. Himself would fall over if I came out attired in anything but a cast-off man's XL t-shirt - which is probably no woman's best look.

8 comments:

Daisy said...

I like that BWOF dress too. And, I have to get myself to Jomar soon.

Dawn said...

Those are some of my favorites too. Although I liked the leopard print belt with it. The boots? Not so much.

Vicki said...

Funny, I was just looking at it online and wasn't impressed. Perhaps when I get it in my hot little hands I might change my mind. The dress is cute though and that tshirt/nighty looks like a quick whip up.

Elaray said...

I like your choices.

"… the Lust for Impractical Clothing that hides inside us all."

I like the way you put that. It certainly is true!

-E said...

Oh man, I just checked the website... I gotta get this one.

Gretchen the Household Deity said...

If you can discern the instructions for the clutches please post them. I am really wanting a clutch pattern for some of my tie silks, but I read the instructions several times and it just didn't make sense. The lining is half as long as the purse, but there is really no explanation for how that works in the instructions.

Love dress #121. Haven't yet looked through stash to see what I'll use for it, but it's high on the project list.

Kitty Couture said...

Hi Karen, I love this issue as well. I liked the plaid dress as well, and the pyjamas - as well as the top/nightie. Some of the formal dresses could easily be toned down with a shorter length. A great issue!

Little Hunting Creek said...

Like Ms. Slapdash above. I could not make my brain understand the clutch instructions. Is it because I took French instead of German in high school? If you understand them and can explain, it would be to the benefit of all (wo)mankind.
And I too secretly want a ball gown, and the likelihood of my attending a ball to wear it to is extremely slim