Wednesday 18 September 2013

Pattern love!

I have to admit that I haven’t been completely in love with the last few of Colette Patterns’ releases. I bought the Laurel, but think I was more lured by the competition than a desire to actually wear the dress. Somewhat ironic, considering I didn’t actually enter the competition. I do like my Laurel blouse, but I’ve not rushed  to make a second. The Hawthorn has definitely been a grower on me. I wasn’t particularly fussed by it when it was first launched. I thought it was pretty but there was something about the collar I didn’t love. Having seen multiple lovely versions out there in the blogosphere, I am coming  round to the idea of it, but am yet to buy it. 

And now they have released Zinnia. In general none of Colette's skirts thus far have wowed me, but I LOVE this one. The button through, gathered version is pretty, but didn't initially set my world alight. It looks like a good basic skirt, but I prefer my beloved Kelly, and could probably draft my own version using the Kelly as the base. I do like the added interest of the box pleated patch pockets, however with the flaps, I'm not sure how useful they'd be.



But the pleated versions are what have got me excited. I do love a pleated skirt and when I saw the first pleated version in what looks like linen, it really piqued my interest. It's a really pretty shape that is right up my street. The belt loops add some interest, and in seam pockets make it practical. This could work in a huge number of fabrics and could look very different accordingly. 



And then I got to the chiffon version, and I fell in love. I just adore this. I have never sewn with chiffon and am utterly convinced it would be 100 times more horrible than silk, but it would be worth it for this. I haven't really given much thought so far to my autumn/winter wardrobe, but I have been pondering a "going out" outfit for Christmas parties and the like, and a chiffon Zinnia would be perfect teamed with a little simple blouse in a gorgeous fabric and a "statement necklace", or even a little mohair sweater (although maybe not ideal for dancing). I do like the styling of this photo. The colours are not me at all, but I like the juxtaposition of the "luxe" chiffon with a heavier weight knit, and like the idea of chiffon as daywear, completely ignoring the impracticalities of my actual life (Small Boy + velcro fastening shoes = end of chiffon skirt). 



What do you think of the Zinnia? Have you bought it yet? And if so, what version do you plan on making?

All photos courtesy of Coletterie.com
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15 comments

  1. I know what you mean about Laurel - I still haven't even made mine! This skirt looks nice, the chiffon one is lovely but yikes, sewing with chiffon!! Looking forward to seeing your version! :)

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    1. Yes, I think chiffon will be really scary and I'm probably biting off way more than I can chew but I think I will give it a go.

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  2. I had the same thought process as you going through the pictures. I thought 'not for me' with the first view, but it kept getting better. I do hope you make a chiffon version. I'd love to see it!

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    1. Thanks Shar. I am a bit scared but it's probably good to push myself out of my comfort zone a bit, and at least the pattern will be easy to fit! :)

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  3. I'm with you. It wasn't until I saw the pleats that I thought this could work for me. While I love the linen version, I can't see this landing on my table for a few months.

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    1. Not sure I'll be getting on this straight away, but I would like to give it a go this side of Christmas.

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  4. I'm not sure about this pattern either. I liked the first version, but I have a self imposed ban on gathered waists, so it's definitely out! And I'm not sure about the other two - I think I'd have to wait to see what other bloggers make of it before I take the plunge

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    1. Emma, I think the pleated version would look great on you. i do love your Kelly (sorry, haven't managed to comment yet on your cord version, but I do think it's lovely).

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  5. I like like it but I don't love it! The version I would do is the button thru one and as you say is a lot like the Kelly which I have. I wonder if you could play play with the Kelly pleats to make make them all face the same way (rather than box pleats) to get a similar look? Can't wait to see if you go for the chiffon one!

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    1. Yes, you are probably right, I could play around with the pleats on the Kelly. But I probably won't! :)

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  6. I like like it but I don't love it! The version I would do is the button thru one and as you say is a lot like the Kelly which I have. I wonder if you could play play with the Kelly pleats to make make them all face the same way (rather than box pleats) to get a similar look? Can't wait to see if you go for the chiffon one!

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  7. I agree, i wasn't sold when I saw the gathered version but I much prefer the pleated version - and I also love it in chiffon! But having said that I'm not sure I love it enough to give it a go just yet. It might also be that I feel that it's so simple I could probably give a go at designing my own version? I can't wait to see what you come up with though! :)

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    1. Yeah, you could absolutely draft your own, and I probably could too (or alter the Kelly, as Jo suggested above), but I struggle to find enough time to sew, never mind pattern draft. Well I haven't actually bought it yet, but I am super tempted to just go for it!

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  8. I totally agree with you. Love the pleated version, and adore the chiffon but I'm way too scared to actually sew with chiffon at the moment. I think I'll wait and see how everyone else gets on first.

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  9. I had the same reaction! I've pinned a really similar skirt to the second version (looks like linen, I'm thinking) so I'm very tempted to buy it. And I hear you on the chiffon, up to and including possibly needing a different life in order to make it, but I'm foregoing any more chiffon for now.:/

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