Michelle, ma belle... tres bien ensemble
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Michelle ma belle, sont des mots qui vont très bien ensemble,

Tres bien ensemble

To the max.

2/23/2015

43 Comments

 
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If you follow me on Instagram you already know that I'm starting to experiment with color(s) in my closet. It is my firm position that black is the most colorful color of them all, it's all of the colors mixed together. Like a rainbow. Sort of. I don't dislike color. In fact, I'm highly drawn to bright, bold vibrant colors, especially jewel tones.  However, I'm puzzled and confused as to how I should wear them. My tendency is to default to neutrals.   
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I know this about myself. Yet, it doesn't stop me from bringing home bright colored fabrics, especially when I find them at estate sales. I bought this piece of orchid hued fabric at a sale last summer. There was a lot of it ~10yards. And, it was $2 for the whole piece. Based on a preliminary see/touch exam, I knew that it was a natural fiber. It's hard to know exactly what you're buying when you shop estate sales. Often, you're shopping in a poorly lit basement and digging through baskets. A few of you have interest in estate sale shopping, so I thought I'd share some of the things I look for while I'm on the hunt. With this particular fabric, I could see small slubs in the weave and a slight halo. both of these indicated to me that it might be natural fiber. Also, when I rubbed/agitated the fabric, I could feel lanolin coming from the material, a very familiar tactile sensation for most knitters, and I knew there was wool in it.  At home, I did a burn test and confirmed that it is completely natural in content. I'm not able to determine with 100% accuracy what the content of this fabric is, but my educated guess is that it a silk/wool blend. There is a luster to this fabric. That shine, along with the slubs and the burn test indicated that there is silk in this fabric. However, I didn't get a lace-like or beaded ash. My ash is more irregular, which in combination with the other pieces of information I gathered, tell me there is wool. Additionally, this fabric is light weight, somewhat translucent when held to the light, and very drapey- characteristics I would expect from a blended fabric containing each of these fibers.    
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Typing fabric isn't always an exact science. Some fabrics are easier to identify than others. Without encouraging you to become a pyromaniac, I advise you to start burn testing fabrics you already know the content of, doing so will give you a great basis for comparison (be warned, burn testing store bought fabrics will sometimes infuriate you, because you will learn, overtime, you're not always getting the product you think you're buying).  If you decide to do this. Please be safe. :-D It's also helpful to closely examine visual characteristics of fabrics so you have a reference point when you're out in the wild.  
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Being that I rescued this gorgeous fabric from the depths of one basement, it seemed cruel to fate it to a lifetime sentence on the stash shelves in my own basement. I started exploring ways I might possibly wear this color. I was surprised to realize that I have been (subconsciously?) pinning colorful garments and outfit inspiration to my Pinterest boards for a while now. In particular, this outfit worn by Ulyana Sergeenko served as my primary inspiration and launching point. After a bit more digging, I found a pin from Folake Huntoon in my same color scheme and felt ready to take the plunge. 

I used vintage Simplicity 9172 View2, a two pattern piece, half circle skirt (YAY #VINTAGEPLEDGE). The width of my fabric, "45, required that I cut this skirt in two separate pieces. This worked just fine. Instead of having a single center back seam and zip, I have side seams and a side zip. Initially, I installed an invisible zipper at the side, but I swapped it out for a lapped zip. I don't trust invisible zips in bottoms. My only modification was to reduce 2 1/2 inches from the length prior to cutting. In total, this skirt used approximately 6yards of fabric (due to my limited fabric width and necessary layout modification). She's a bit of a yardage hog, but she's swishy, and swirly, and gorgeous, and totally worth it. I hemmed an additional inch from the total length, and I'm wearing it in these photos with a 2inch heel (I'm '5"2).  
  
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For up top, I sewed a Grainline Studios Archer. The shape of this blouse is perfect for emulating Ulyana's outfit. The fabric is another estate sale find. I used this chambray previously to sew my Tova Dress; I might be able to squeeze one more garment out of it before all is said and done. Based on my first two renditions of this pattern (1 & 2) I decided to decrease the width of the shoulders by 1.25inches each and shorten the sleeve length by 2 inches. To reduce shoulder width, I slashed up the length of the grain line arrow then overlapped and angled the pieces. On the yoke side, I only slashed the yoke pieces. 
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The shoulder adjustment made for a much nicer fit through the front and back shoulders. I think I can still afford to shorten the sleeves by another half inch, but they fit much better too. I have a strong feeling that this recent version of Archer will get a LOT of heavy use. Chambray goes with everything, doesn't it?  I still think I could use a dozen more Archer blouses in my closet. I've also purchased the two new Sewaholic blouse patterns on PDF, but I'm having issues with FedEx's printing center. I really don't want to have to tape together a PDF, so if you know of a print center that is able to print full-size patterns from a secured file here in the U.S., I'd love to know about them. Until I can find an alternative print shop, those blouse patterns are on the back burner. 
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Bada bing, bada boom. Now that I've gotten this color hurdle out of the way,  I can see both these pieces with other garments from my closet. The most exciting part about sewing separates is having the ability to mix and match. My silk Archer is going to look great with this skirt. That chambray is going to be a smash with my black Hollyburn. Etc... I've jumped immediately from not knowing how to wear this color to picturing it as a neutral to wear with other things. Pretty cool. I'm not sure I'm a complete convert, but I'm expanding my horizons. Are you a color junkie? Do you have any tips for me?  And, are you doing #vintagepledge this year? There are already some really fantastic projects up on this year's board! 
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43 Comments
Debbie link
2/23/2015 05:55:32 am

I love this skirt. What a perfect use for the fabric. And what an amazing find. I purchased some wool crepe in almost this exact shade a few months back, initially thinking I would make a skirt very much like this - such a vibrant colour is not commonly featured in my wardrobe, so this was a sudden whim for me too. In the end, I made some long wide leg pants - I think the double faced wool crepe would have just been a bit heavy for such a fabric gobbling skirt. You look wonderful!

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Michelle link
3/2/2015 01:44:23 am

I bet your pants are unbelievable! I have enough of my fabric left to make another garment, So maybe I'll follow your lead!

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scott harvey link
2/28/2021 10:25:04 pm

hello i'm Scott from Australia i really LOVE your purple maxi Skirt its so beautiful....i followed you on instagram ...hope you follow me back there thankyou ..i love long wrap skirts like indian wrap around skirts and of course maxi skirts i'm really into Sarongs from Bali and Java...

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Jürgen Hausmann
4/23/2021 08:46:32 am

Hallo,

wo kann ich diesen Rock herbekommen

Gruß Jürgen

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Miss Crayola Creepy link
2/23/2015 06:08:57 am

That color is STUNNING!!!!! Man, what a find! You score the most awesome stuff at estate sales!

I have crazy taste a lot of the time, but I think that skirt could also go with something red on top. Or black. Or cream. Or anything because it's perfection!

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Michelle link
3/2/2015 01:47:21 am

I have really great luck at estate sales! I love the hunt. :-D The outfits I see you wear don't demonstrate crazy taste; you always look amazing... more reason for me to copy your leggings. :-D I have seen a skirt this color worn with a coral/red blouse, and it does look really beautiful.

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Alicia link
2/23/2015 07:04:40 am

What a fabulous skirt! I'd say that I am a color junkie. I gravitate towards greys as my favorite neutral, but I have plenty of really bright skirts (orange/coral, sky blue) and I consider my olive green skirt and deep burgundy skinny jeans to be 'neutrals' in their own way when wardrobe planning.

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Michelle link
3/2/2015 01:48:52 am

I really need to learn to consider any 'solid' a neutral. I think it would help me put together a lot of outfits and branch out a bit.

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steph link
2/23/2015 07:05:13 am

What a find!!!! What a gorgeous outfit!!!!! I drool everytime you show another sewn outfit.... my sewing is limited to sewing pj bottoms and pillow cases!!! (and even then, I'm not exactly 'proud' of the results!!!!

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Michelle link
3/2/2015 01:50:13 am

That is how I feel whenever I stop by your blog and see that you've knit another incredible project! You have a good eye for color! And, I bet y our sewing is better than you think.

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Jenny
2/23/2015 08:02:17 am

OMG that is a DREAM! I adore maxi skirts and I adore that colour. I'm dying. I want my own!

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Michelle link
3/2/2015 01:50:51 am

Thanks, Jenny!

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Evie link
2/23/2015 08:08:23 am

That skirt is GORGEOUS!! The shirt looks great, too, but I'm a sucker for a dramatic skirt. I just finished up my first Vintage Pattern Pledge project last week and have another one on the sewing table as of last night.

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Michelle link
3/2/2015 01:52:27 am

It is a lot of fun to wear dramatic skirts! I find myself standing a little taller in this one. :-D The maternity dress you sewed for vintage pledge is AMAZING! I'm excited to see what you have up your sleeve for your next project.

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crab&bee link
2/23/2015 08:47:10 am

Lovely, lovely outfit. I'm so glad you rescued that piece of fabric!

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Michelle link
3/2/2015 01:53:59 am

Haha, I'm very mellow dramatic, aren't I? :-D But, I'm glad I grabbed it too!

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Becca Jost link
2/23/2015 11:53:00 am

That skirt is so dramatic and so incredible! I like how you paired it with the chambray top. I think that's the key to pulling off more attention grabbing pieces - keep everything else neutral and basic.

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Michelle link
3/2/2015 01:55:17 am

Thanks, Becca! I am definitely going to try see use colors as neutrals when I look at them. It's not natural to me, not yet. But, I'm having fun trying.

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Katie metzroth link
2/23/2015 11:57:16 am

Man, I love this skirt! I wear a lot of black with BRIGHT socks :)

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Michelle link
3/2/2015 01:56:33 am

#ALLTHESOCKS! You are a color queen! I have some bright colored socks. But, I'm even boring in that department. :-D

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Jillian link
2/23/2015 01:01:35 pm

This is utter gorgeousness! That orchid colour is just a joy to behold and that skirt is maxi swishy perfection. I love how you found inspiration and created your own version. You look elegant and chic!

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Michelle link
3/2/2015 01:58:33 am

Thanks, Jillian! I have been on a pinning binge lately gobbling up all the inspiration I can handle! It's really fun to learn from other creative people.

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Rachel link
2/23/2015 03:41:59 pm

How striking! your skirt reminds me of a victorian skirt, but so much more vibrant. I think it's the fullness and the length. (That's a compliment btw)

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Michelle link
3/2/2015 01:59:57 am

I absolutely see what you mean! It makes sense, because fashion has always borrowed from the generations that came before. Of course, it doesn't hurt that I have a "no bustles required" booty. :-D :-D

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Kerry-Kestrel Makes link
2/23/2015 06:49:48 pm

Absolutely stunning skirt! That colour is so intense and gorgeous and you have really done it justice in this elegant skirt

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Michelle link
3/2/2015 02:00:30 am

Thank you, Kerry!

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zilredloh link
2/24/2015 12:18:20 am

This is so great, Michelle! The skirt goes so well with that chambray archer - it's very casual glam chic. :D

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Michelle link
3/2/2015 02:01:53 am

Thanks, Liz! I'm surprised how much I like it... except the whole picking up ALLTHESTRINGS thing. :-D Static is a bitch.

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kristieinbc link
2/24/2015 12:31:44 am

Well done! Both on the find at the estate sale, and the skirt you made out of the material.

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Michelle link
3/2/2015 02:02:32 am

Thank you!

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Camille link
2/24/2015 01:48:33 am

This skirt is stunning, what a gorgeous color! And I love how it looks with the chambray skirt, great pairing.

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Michelle link
3/2/2015 02:03:35 am

Thanks, Camille! Thank goodness for Pinterest for making this pairing possible. :-D

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Kathryn link
2/24/2015 04:52:41 am

That skirt is my absolute favourite colour!! I wish we had yard sales here, they sound amazing! I love the look of your skirt, it's so glamorous but looks perfect with the chambray skirt too. I love colour but don't really have any tips as I think my colour combinations can be a bit weird sometimes haha!

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Michelle link
3/2/2015 02:05:49 am

Oh, it's sad that they don't have estate sales where you live. :-( They really are a fun way to hunt for sewing goodies.

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Teresa link
2/24/2015 05:34:57 am

Woah...that skirt is striking! I love the color and I love the shape of the skirt! I get in a serious blue rut with my clothes, where I only end up sewing blue. I'm trying to break away and sew other colors too :)

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Michelle link
3/2/2015 02:07:42 am

I'm glad to hear I'm not alone! It's so easy to fall into default color combinations! Good luck breaking away from blue! (Although, blue is more color than I wear, so I think you're doing good.. HAHA).

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BlackLabel link
2/25/2015 06:36:38 pm

This deep magenta shade is magnificent. I think anything made in this colour would have been great (coz Im a magenta lover of epic proportions) but this skirt knocks it right out the park! Amazing.

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Michelle link
3/2/2015 02:09:17 am

Thanks! I do have enough fabric left to make a second garment. I'm trying to decide what it wants to be. :-D Debbie, above made some trousers in a similar shade which sound STUNNING. Otherwise, I was thinking a shift dress. Thoughts?

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Alicia link
3/1/2015 01:05:16 am

I LOVE this! I pinned that exact same pin (the second one), and it's awesome to see someone pulling it off.

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Michelle link
3/2/2015 02:10:06 am

That's really cool! Do you think you'll try a similar outfit?

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Lisette link
3/10/2015 05:25:09 am

DROOL...I saw this on instagram or twitter or something and didn't realize it was a maxi skirt. You look so tall! And elegant, but also wild and lovely. Oh my, I want one too! Could I...maybe, borrow this sometime?

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Charlotte link
3/15/2015 12:44:23 pm

Oh, I've apparently missed your past three or so months of posts (that snow!), but this skirt is absolutely breathtaking. Combining it with the Archer was positively brilliant.

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stephanie
6/16/2015 12:38:50 pm

holy moly this is amazing. Both are so stunning... the archer looks perfect with it!

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