4 minute read
Modern Sewing Starts Here Edition 20
PATTERN PLAY year of the Tiger
Brazilian-born sewing blogger, Rachel Pinheiro takes inspiration from Chinese zodiac and the new hem length for her next sewing project!
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Appleton Dress by Cashmerette
WHAT’S THE TREND!
Have you wanted to take a walk on the wild side with your wardrobe? Then this trend is written in the stars for you! We’re just about to enter the Year of the Tiger. Known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, Chinese New Year (Tuesday, February 1st) is celebrated at the second new moon following the Winter Solstice.
According to the Chinese horoscope for 2022, the New Year of the Water Tiger symbolises determinism, spontaneity and novelty. It’s a period, which draws its strength and growth, despite adversity, from dynamism and enthusiasm. Astrologists are predicting a year full of changes, and with those changes come opportunities. All very inspiring after what we all lived though in 2020/2021. The Chinese horoscope offers four main lucky colours during the Year of the Water Tiger: blue, green, red and yellow.
If you follow fashion trend reports, you probably have seen leopard prints featured heavy, and tigers are promised to be the most popular animal in 2022. There has been an undeniable tug-of-war between the concepts of major trends and my personal style progression over the last few years, but I’m happy to continue to grow and experiment. As I look ahead, with the same values of comfort, longevity and drama, I find myself feeling inspired but not overwhelmed by trends. It all comes down to picking classic silhouettes and shapes that pair well with items that I already own and updating them accordingly.
PATTERN CHOICE
The pattern I have chosen is uncomplicated, easyto-wear, casual yet elegant
Its graceful silhouette stands the test of time as one of the most iconic designs. The dress not only fits the body well, it also fits perfectly into the lifestyle of the modern workingwoman. It combines elegance and practicality, which is more important than ever in my current busy lifestyle. When you pick a very classic shape, all you have to do to update is to make a simple change to fit within the current fashion aesthetic.
WHAT CHANGES FOR 2022?
Hemlines, when you thought the hemlines couldn’t go higher, well, designers are raising the hemlines to miniscule lengths and so did I! Classic and Flirty!
Appleton Dress from Cashmerette
PATTERN REVIEW:
The Appleton Dress was the first sewing pattern Cashmerette launched and it is still super popular. The characteristic of a wrap dress is the deep v-neckline that crosses over into the built-in waist tie. There are three different sleeve lengths to pick from with this pattern. This pattern company caters for curvier figures and has expanded its sizing, 0-16 and 12-32, with bust cup sizes C-H. With a comprehensive instruction book, it was straightforward to pick a size vs. bust cup. I opted for full-length sleeves and cut a size 6E-cup. To get the right fit, the pattern requires a light to medium weight jersey with 50% crossways stretch. There is no separate bodice piece so the pattern comprises of a front, back, bands and sleeve making a really fast sewing project. Personally, I feel the wrap dress remains a great option for accentuating your form. A lot of people pick this pattern as it accentuates the waist and is great for hourglass figures, but also adds definition to those with a more athletic body shape.
That’s a wrap. Happy Chinese New Year!
EDITORS NOTES
THE PATTERN:
The Appleton is definitely a wardrobe staple. Designed by and for curvy women, the Appleton’s innovative neckband construction prevents gaping across your bust and will have you well covered!
THE FABRIC:
To make her wrap dress, Rachel has used the Wandering Leopards Sea print in Knit from Art Gallery Fabrics’ Boscage Fabric collection by Katarina Roccella. The Boscage range allows you to escape to the exotic island of Borneo through Katarina’s painted prints of beautiful wildlife and lush jungle vegetation which make a bold statement with rich tropical forest green colours and deep navy blues.
Boscage by Art Gallery Fabrics
