What I Learned Across the Border

I had more fun with this project than I've had in quite a while. Although Vogue 8390 is a simple design and an easy sew, it was the use of a border print that took it up a notch from a basic wardrobe builder to a one-of-a-kind, boutique-chic standout. At least that's what I was told countless times yesterday when I wore it!

 

When I spotted this fabulous ITY knit at High Fashion here in Houston I was immediately thrown into auto-swoon. It had every element that appealed to my senses, warm earth tones, some animal print but with a twist, a lot of artistic contrast, high energy but at the same time soothing and the most important ingredient that dropped the brick on the gotta-have side of the scale...a pop of orange.

 

I spent a good bit of time playing with the positioning of my pattern pieces. The print coming up from the border was different on each selvage edge so it gave me a lot of possibilities. You can see that the back, with the exception of the border, almost seems like a companion fabric from a different bolt:

So, what was the take-away message I learned from making this top? I need to take more risks with my sewing projects and elevate the "oomph factor" of my finished garments. I think the perfect mix can be achieved between a garment that is edgy.. but still classy. Cledgy? You heard it here first.

 

A long time ago one of my sister's gave me the ultimate compliment about one of my projects. She said, "that's the kind of thing...that when you die...people fight over." I want to sew those kinds of things!

 

Thanks for stopping by and here's hoping all your days are only sew-sew...

 

P.S. if you'd like to read my Pattern Review of this top you can find the link to the right in the "Hot Off My Bernina" box.