Cool for ikats
Kelly also included something else: a length of lovely lightweight ikat fabric. It's on its side here; I'd cut it with the lozenges vertical.
Now, I rarely wear orange, and tend to veer towards slightly formal, structured clothing. However, I've been in the mood for something a bit different, so this arrived at just the right time. I'm thinking of going down a 70s bohemian route with this fabric. A Thea Porter sort of thing, with fullish sleeves and a flowing skirt. A quick browse online brought up New Look pattern 6448, which looks like it should be relatively easy, and I think I'll have enough fabric, though I'll need to mock up the bodice first to check there's room. (One of the perils of being busty – all the extra volume can mean underbust seams turn into across-the-bust seams.) Thinking of the bodice, I could go the full Thea Porter and do it in a contrast colour/fabric.
Part of me isn't sure if I could pull off a whole dress in orange, but one of the joys of lockdown is knowing no-one's going to see aside from Mr Robot, and we only comment on each other's clothes if it's to dish out compliments. Okay, as a country we're starting to come out of lockdown, but I'm not back in the office till September at the earliest, and I'm still trying to decide whether to work remotely from now on.
If, like me, you're after lockdown loafing wear, Gertie put up a free pattern for vintage-style pyjamas on Charm Patterns. Called Harlow Pajamas, they look absolutely brilliant, and I'm probably going to want to make some of those too!
What do you think of my ikat dress plans? A good idea, or liable to make me look like a giant orange?
How kind of Kelly! As soon as I saw that fabric I immediately thought it would look brilliant as a kaftan. I do like you in bohemian style and that orange will look wonderful with your hair. xxx
ReplyDeletePete is very unimpressed with the colour and will probably mutter something about Abigail's Party if I make a caftan... but he isn't going to be the one wearing it!
DeleteIf you ever need help translating the Dutch magazines, you know where I am :-) That Ikat fabric looks absolutely gorgeous and a Thea Porter style dress would be perfect for it. Making the bodice in a contrasting fabric is a great idea! No giant orange springs to mind! xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you for the offer! I think I'm doing okay, but if I get stuck I'll definitely call on you.
DeleteI think orange is such a fabulous colour and I cannot see how you could look anything less than gorgeous in orange with your beautiful hair. I used to hate orange as a colour and now I absolutely love it.
ReplyDeleteI also absolutely love the sound of a Thea Porter style dress. How amazing. Do give it a whirl, Mim, if it fail at least you tried. The material is fab!
Take care
xxx
Yes, and I can wear my failures round the house. The one with the dodgy darts is fine for working from home in, after all.
DeleteIf you're worried about it, do a bodice in something like brown velvet and maybe add some gold trim. I personally think orange on a redhead is beautiful, but can understand your hesitation. You could also do a deep shade of blue with the orange. Just think how fab it would be with a matching mask.
ReplyDeleteOoooh, I do like the idea of the blue! That's a good idea.
DeleteI think an Ikat dress would be very suitable - orange is a spiritual colour and it looks great with greens and browns, a loose tunic style would be comfy - ideal for days lounging in the garden :)
ReplyDeleteI've definitely been lounging a lot more on lockdown. And - too much information alert - some days I really can't be bothered to do my legs! Be good to hide them under a loose skirt instead of trousers for once.
DeleteHow kind and what lovely fabric! I look forward to seeing what you do with it.
ReplyDelete