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Iconic Dior Bar Jacket
The La Galerie Dior, the Dior Museum in Paris is a must-see for all who are interested in fashion and design. No expense has been spared in this intriguing and breathtaking space, 3 floors filled with an extravaganza of Dior garments from the past to the present. The exhibitions change often as the clothes are fragile and cannot take being out in the light and air for long - so be sure to check that the museum is open when you want to go. I was lucky to hit the last day before a closing when I visited last fall. Book tickets in advance. It is a good idea to go as soon as the museum opens to avoid crowds. The Dior museum is conveniently located right around the corner from the beautiful flagship store on Avenue Montaigne. We booked 11 AM museum tickets, then arrived at the store when it opened at 10 to visit the charming small cafe for tea and pastries, an extravagance worth every centime.
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Godet Back Tunic — Butterick 6981
Fluid and flattering knit tunic features a band across the lower front and a godet in the back. Perfect for transitional and warm weather wearing. Make in a knit with a 3/4 sleeve for spring and sleeveless for summer. Use one print or a solid color or a combination of prints or solids or both.
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Loungewear for All Occasions — Vogue 2019
When the Vogue design director suggested the theme ‘Loungewear’ for a pattern design, it stopped me for just a moment until I began to see all the potential for this on-trend category - a theme that can go from sleepwear to everyday casual to refined evening wear - all depending on the fabrics and the intention and attitude of the maker. The simple lines are designed to flatter a wide range of sizes, shapes and ages, and the sewing is easy.
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Cotton Kantha Shawl Vest — Vogue 1808
My favorite kind of sewing is to wing it, making things up as I go - challenging and fun. I’ve been photographing our new collection of cotton kantha shawls, loving the soft feel and luminous - sometimes unexpected - color combinations.
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Kantha Hoodie — Butterick 6863
B6863 is a new chic hoodie pattern designed for knits, and, it is oversized enough that with minor adjustments works in a woven fabric as well. When I saw all the wonderful new Kanthas at MarcyTilton.com I knew I had to make one up as a hoodie/jacket for myself. Please see the end of the blog for general notes when making the hoodie in a knit.
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The Symmetry Jacket & Vest — Vogue 1970
Dubbed ‘The Symmetry’ while developing the design, Vogue 1970, is a figure flattering princess-seamed jacket and vest designed to layer together. I always consider my own wardrobe needs when developing a pattern and this pair can be worn together or separately and will work in a range of fabrics across the seasons.
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Twinset — Vogue 1808
Vogue 1808 is a contemporary version of a classic twin set that layers together, works as separates and can be interpreted for all seasons. Make it in any knit jersey or light weight ponte. I used cotton/lycra and cotton/hemp/lycra for the versions on the pattern envelope.
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Remembering Betsy Ross
As America celebrates freedom this week, it’s important to remember the role that women played. From seamstresses to spies, the fight for freedom was fueled in no small part by the efforts of a generation of women who were still considered their husband's property under the law.
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Wardrobe Trio: Jacket, Tunic, Soft Pant — Vogue 1959
Shown on the pattern envelope in summery eyelet and linen, this versatile wardrobe design can also be interpreted for any season, dressed up or down and have the option of using knits or woven fabrics. The pieces are designed to layer together as well as to stand separately each one on its own. I kitchen tested all the pieces while working on the pattern - luckily had a long lead time with time in my studio to play and experiment.
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