Paris: Ensemble.

It was only natural that Meg, Liz, and I would collaborate on some sort of project for our trip. That is, after all, how our friendships blossomed.  Initially we discussed a variety of possibilities. After dumping all our ideas out of the table, we found a shared interest in sewing the McCall's 6696 shirtwaist, and a plan was formed.

Per usual, we all started at the same place and ended at slightly different destinations. One of my favorite things about working with these ladies on a project is seeing how each of us puts her own mark on her final garment with fabric choice, modifications, and fit.  I think it's also really cool to see, at once, the way one pattern works for three different bodies. To me, the  brilliant thing about making your own clothes is that no particular garment or style is off limits once you figure out how to make that garment work with your body. There's a freedom that comes with sewing and/or knitting.  You can basically take all those "RULES" you've been told your whole life about being short, tall,  hippy, busty, etc... and toss them right out the window. 

We all chose different types of fabrics for our dresses. Liz sewed with Sateen, Meg used Linen and I used a vintage cotton border print. 

While we walked as a group on this particular day, we joked how we wondered if anyone noticed we were all wearing the same dress; such a  faux pas! I doubt most people, if anyone, did.  

At the risk of getting mushy and sentimental, this is a trip I"ll always remember. Every time I think about Paris, I'll think about our little group and how we gorged ourselves on cheese and chocolate, and walked (over) a hundred miles exploring nooks and crannies, and how the best part of every day was returning to our apartment to share evenings sipping cider while we competed for the Quiplash crown. I can't wait to do it again!   

This is the money shot. Three friends knitting in front of the Eiffel Tower wearing dresses sewn from the same pattern. :-D