Sunday, June 24, 2012

"Tutti Frutti" Cambie dress


If you follow me on Instagram (come join the fun!) or on Twitter, you might have seen a sneak peek of this dress already. And you know I'm a bit on the fence about this dress.
But let me provide some background.
I was very excited when the Cambie dress pattern by Sewaholic came out, in fact it was the first time I really really liked one of Tasia's patterns, so I purchased it immediately.
Once the pattern was in my hands, I started scouting my fabric stash, looking for a good match, and my eyes fell on this crazy cotton with fruit printed all over it. When my mother saw me cut a dress from it she warned me: "I made a lot of tablecloths from that fabric, someone is probably going to stop you in town and ask you if you stole their linens".


But, of course, that didn't stop me. Once I set my mind on something, it takes more than that to make me change idea.
So, now the dress is done and I still don't know what I think about it. On one side, I'm amazed by the fit: I cut a size 4 for the bodice, grading up to a size 8 in the hips, with NO ALTERATIONS whatsoever, not even an FBA (I was SO happy about this). I think it looks quite flattering on me; it was designed for a pear-shape, after all. It's also very summery and cheerful and a much needed addition of colour to my wardrobe.
On the other side, the word "tablecloth" keeps flashing in my mind like a neon sign...
What do you think, readers? I need your opinion!

Finally, just a word about the pattern: amazing! As I said, the fit is spot on for me, the cap sleeves are very flattering and the instructions were great! The pockets are brilliant, too.
The only thing I changed was to install a lapped zipper instead of an invisible one (how original, I know).
Now I really want to make another one either in view B (with a fuller, gathered skirt) or with a straight neckline (or both, why not).

38 comments:

  1. The dress looks great on you! I think the print is cute, I wouldn't wear the dress every day so people don't start calling you crazy fruit lady ;) but I don't think it's too much

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    1. AHAHAH that would be a great nickname, although it would mess with my plan to become a crazy cat lady!

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  2. I don't think it looks like table linen. It looks great especially with your skin tone. you are good

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  3. Hahaha nice. Karen from did you make that did the same! Great minds thinking alike?

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    1. Fuuudge! I forgot to mention Karen's version! My jaw dropped when I saw her Cambie because I had just cut mine the day before!

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  4. It's such a cute dress! This fabric is amazing!

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  5. This dress is beautiful, and it fits you perfectly ! The fabric choice is risqué but it works really well for you ! :)

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  6. I don't think it looks table clothey at all. It's very nice and fun!

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  7. you KNOW i think you should romp around in that gloriousness proudly! though your mom's warning cracked me up.

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  8. I love quirky fabrics! The dress is darling!

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  9. It looks the biz, it's not what you wear it's how you wear it. You only thought tablecloth because your mum had planted the seed. Show it off with the attitude, look I can even rock a tablecloth lol.

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  10. Your fruity version is spot on for the summer, so please don't be put off it. And the style really does flatter you (I haven't seen an unflattering version of this dress to date though). I think the gathered version will also be lovely on you...can't wait to see it ;o)

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  11. I have the pattern already and can't wait to sew one for our summer!!

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  12. It's so summery, I love it! :)

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  13. I think it's a winner, I was pondering a Cambie dress with elephants all over it - something about the pattern maybe...? :-)

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  14. This is adorable! I wouldn't stress about it at all-- as far as I'm concerned, you can wear any print in the summer! You look cute as can be!

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  15. I love this! I wouldn't worry about the tablecloth thing - fruit prints were very big last summer so I'm sure lots of people have fruit prints in their wardrobes. I have serious fabric envy for it, in fact!

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  16. Oh I think you can definitely carry this sort of print. It's so fun! You definitely need clothes in your wardrobe like this!

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  17. Absolutely without a doubt my favourite version of this dress!

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  18. I love this! Not too table-clothey at all. It's awesome. I love the brightly colored fruits, and I just adore this style. So very Gucci, they had all that fruit on their line last year, right? Really nicely done!

    strugglesewsastraightseam.wordpress.com

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  19. What an amazing print! I've seen so many version of this dress but this one is by far the best!

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  20. I think it is great - it is always nice to have something fun in your wardrobe that makes you smile. Too often we just wear the same black/navy items or jeans - why not have some fun?

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  21. How fun. Definitely not a table cloth. I really like this pattern. I've yet to sew one of Tasia's patterns but I may have to give this one a go. It looks fantastic!

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  22. This is really lovely. I hate it when people make a comment about something you like and then it's just ruined. I say, ignore it and wear it anyway!

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  23. Gorgeous! Not a hint of tablecloth about it!

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  24. Personally, I love the fruit! But maybe wearing it with a solid-colored belt would break up the print a little and help you feel better about it.

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  25. I don't think it looks like a table cloth at all. it's gorgeous!

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  26. I love the fruit print- it's cheery and bright and fun!

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  27. The fabric is so much fun and it has a wonderful fit on you!!! PLEASE PLEASE wear it!!!

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  28. I like the fabric! It is unique and the fit of the dress is fantastic:)

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  29. From the pictures it fits you great and certainly not a tablecloth... Must be said that tablecloth design varies according to the country you're in ;) so nothing to worry about!

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  30. No no! Not tablecloth at all!! It looks summery and wonderful! And for what its worth... I think it was Prada that recently had a line full of bright digital fruit prints - so it reminds me much more of that :) I love it - it is super flattering on you.

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  31. She is pretty! Very fun and féminime! The printed breathes the summer! Congratulations!

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  32. This is fabulous! I love it so much I started thinking about making my own version of this loveliness.

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  33. that print is amazing.. oh, and dress is amazing too :)

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  34. Lovely, cute, summer fun! Agree that Prada and several other designers use fruit and even vegetable prints so NO not table cloth. But look to Anna Sui who I think has for decades mastered the print - so you could like other's suggest put red/green/ coloured belt or next time solid colour piping at arms and neck line. I'm huge fan of using alternative fabric and for years panicked that someone would say "hey that's my curtain" or "isn't that my sofa" - never happens. Only once did a woman did recognise but said how creative, original and much nicer as long jacket than curtain....so wear with pride...keep going with the alternative prints!!!

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