Make Your Wardrobe POP - "Oh La La"

While on my recent visit to the International Textiles Expo in Las Vegas with Victoria, we saw the most amazing fabrics from France, Italy and the USA.  I couldn't wait to have them in the store.  I try to stay up on the latest trends in fabric design, and one of the cooler trends I found at this years show were "digital" prints.

As the name implies, fabrics are printed with digital images, many of them purely graphic in nature and others more abstract.  They can be printed on all manner of textiles, from wovens to knits. I noticed that my friend and pattern designer Marci Tilton featured these digital prints on her blog as well.

I fell in love with this rayon knit depicting a nightime scene at Times Square.  It is printed in repeated panels measuring approximately 32 inches.

With such a large graphic, you need a pattern design that will preserve the image as much as possible - something plain, without darts or a lot of seaming.  I chose the "Four Good Measure Top" by Shapes, a perfect addition to my Fall wardrobe. The sizing of this top is perfect for the dimensions of the graphic printed on the knit.

The Shapes pattern is constructed in one large piece, i.e., both front and back panels are all in one section. In order to avoid having Times Square upside down in the back, we cut the pattern at the shoulder, thereby making a seam. In that way, both front and back of the top are right side up.

I had two panels of this wonderful knit, so why not make two tops. (I swear Laurel and I are going to start looking like twins pretty soon - we seem to be having the same tastes!)  But who wouldn't want this top?

This top is so comfortable in this rayon knit - it drapes beautifully. 

Laurel's top. Read more about Laurel's adventures at Laurel's Quill!

Zan's Top

Using a print this large could be overwhelming, both to me and my wardrobe. To limit the "wowzah" factor with large busy prints, it best to keep the shape of the garment simple with clean lines and basic shapes. Also, making sure it has colors that will go well with the basics of my wardrobe (neutral colored pants and skirts) makes it versatile. Pair it with jeans for a casual look, a fitted skirt for a formal winter event and bright, matching solid for a great vacation/summer outfit.

I love the styling of this "Shapes" top and have another gorgeous one being made right now. You are going to love it as much as I do!

I wanted to thank the gracious and generous ladies of the American Sewing Guild, Walnut Creek Chapter for inviting Laurel and I to speak at their Annual Holiday Meeting last Saturday.

What a blast we had sharing the garments of this blog, ideas about the store and industry insights.

You ladies have inspired my father and I for years and we wouldn't be here if it wasn't for your support.

Creatively yours,
Suzan
a.k.a. FabricLady
www.stonemountainfabric.com

2518 Shattuck Ave. @ Dwight Way
Berkeley, CA
510-845-6106