colette patterns review
[ click for a larger view! ]
When Sarai approached me about testing a pattern for her new line, Colette Patterns, I couldn’t say yet fast enough! I decided on the Beignet Skirt pattern; at the time I needed some new “basic” skirts; preferably high waist and narrow silhouette. To make the pattern up, I raided my stash (this was right after we moved, and things were still too crazy to go fabric shopping!), and came up with this lovely yellow gold canvas (I had purchased it last summer with a skirt or possibly corset in mind…). It provided the structure and texture I wanted the finished skirt to have, and worked beautifully with the design of the pattern.
Although the version I tested did not have the super-cute booklet format (Sarai was still working on these at the time), I could still tell that the core of the pattern (instructions and drafting) were solid. What impressed me the most about her instructions from the start was that she includes valuable tips, techniques, and glossary information. Being the sewing geek that I am, the idea of including extensive tricks throughout the pattern instructions, as well as fine finishing techniques, was fantastic. The real treat though was working with the pattern: the pieces went together like magic! These patterns are drafted beautifully, and everything fit together well. This is definitely a treat to work with patterns that have had this level of attention to detail. The only hiccup along the way was the pockets. In-seam pockets and I have a long and tempestuous history, and being on a deadline crunch (I was making this to wear on New Year’s Eve, and started it only a few days before!), I didn’t pay as much attention to that part of the construction as I should have, which resulted in sewing them incorrectly. In the end, I just decided to leave them off.
[ click for a larger view! ]
Isn’t the finished skirt cute though?! I honestly love the overall design; it’s simple and modern, but still allows for some whimsical detailing with the bow and buttons (in my case I used a series of mismatched, vintage buttons). I get compliments all the time, and love to gush about how lovely the pattern was to work with. Definitely gets an A+ in my book!
Be sure to drop by Colette Patterns and check out the entire range of beautiful, vintage inspired designs that Sarai is offering. Next on my list is either the Eclair or Parfait dress (I can’t decide…). You might also be interested in a interview I did with Sarai recently, if you haven’t read it already!
Posted on May 10th, 2009 to sewing.
comment 
trackback 
email me del.icio.us stumbleupon
buttons galore »30 lovely thoughts to “colette patterns review”
-
Maegan says:
Very nice! I saw her pattern booklet after reading the interview…and wondered if I could find someone who had tried them. Thanks for the review!
-
reilly says:
I love the colors you chose and how you’re wearing it in the pictures. When I first saw Colette Patterns, it was that skirt that stuck out to me, and it looks great!
-
Shelley says:
Hi Casey,
I have wanted to get into sewing forever. I love the way this looks…Do you think it would be too complicated for a beginner? I would love to hear your feedback on this!
Thank you! -
Marie says:
The skirt is super cute. I love the colour and the black buttons. You look really good in it!
-
Rhiannon says:
It’s just lovely, and I think you picked out the best color for it too!
-
Vintage by Mary Sue says:
Really cute! And yellow is such a lovely colour this spring…
-
Noir Girl says:
Thanks so much for reviewing this! It turned out beautiful! It is a shame about the pockets, but you could always add them next time. I love the mismatched vintage buttons. I was considering using that idea for a dress I’m making right now, but I think I found 12 matching ones to use instead.
What are the pretty gray cards in the first photo? Btw – Your hair looks amazing in these photos. -
Layla says:
That skirt is adorable !!
-
Alyssa says:
How cute! I’m currently in the process of sewing a skirt.
I have a question though…I take it you’re not super-tall – did you have to adjust a lot for that in the pattern? -
Poke Salad Annie says:
very fetching! well done!
-
Sarai says:
Oh my gosh, Casey, I can’t believe how lovely it looks on you! That color is so gorgeous too. I really want to make myself one with contrasting buttons now.
-
Marmielu says:
That is a great style for you. I love the color, too. How fun to “try-out” a new pattern line.
-
Homely girl says:
Casey, once again with the mad sewing skills – what a gorgeous skirt – both the style and the craftsmanship. That color looks simply smashing on you.
-
alli says:
casey
great skirt – it works really well with your figure and is just gorgeous! i love your top, by the way, the “collar” at the back is really cool!
-
Eunice says:
I love Collette’s pattern! I really like the fact that they come in the bigger sizes. and it seem really simple to use. I cant wait to try one.
-
marjorie says:
oh it’s cute as a button, and I LOVE the mismatched vintage buttons all in black!! So sweet! Now I’m itching to try one of her frock patterns!! So pretty !:)
-
whimsykid says:
The yellow is so happy looking! Skirts are definitely the sparsest part of my wardrobe, but I would love to wear them more. I think it’s just that I have to wear one everyday as part of my uniform, so I get really tired of them. But this pattern is cute
-
Morena Doll says:
Wow that skirt is particularly cute and alluring. And you’re very pretty. I love this all.
-
Renata says:
the skirt turned out super cute!
-
Couture Allure says:
Casey, you look great in this high-waisted style. I really like the black buttons, too.
-
ambika says:
You look fantastic – I love the fabric you chose!
-
sulu-design says:
You rocked the skirt, Casey. And a happy belated birthday to you. It was so nice to spend time today catching up on a month’s worth of your posts – such eye candy!
-
Emily says:
Ooh gorgeous! I’ve been wanting to sew a skirt with this shape for a while but couldn’t find a proper pattern. This one looks perfect.
-
Jill says:
Love it.
-
Sam says:
More than cute!!!
-
Elissa of Spandexpony says:
You are so talented! Love the little buttons going down the front! PS I was looking for your blog (was bookmarked on my old computer but not on this one) and googled Casey’s Musings… definitely NOT your blog.
Keep up the good work! -
cassiopeia says:
Amazing… I wish I had your talent. My task for the summer is to stop being scared of my sewing machine and to work out how to use patterns… Self-drafted ones are all well and good but not great for anything more than cobbled together theatre costumes lol.
xxxc
-
amelie says:
first visit here and i really like what i’m seeing! Bravo!
I’m definitly going to have a look at these patterns
Amélie (frome France) -
Colette patterns « My Daruma says:
[...] repéré la jupe “Beignet” chez la miss Caisey. Et l’article lu ici laissait penser qu’il y avait du potentiel. Nous verrons bien à [...]
-
Jessica says:
I have just discovered your blog today, in one of those internet tangents that happen when you have too much time on your hands — Love this skirt! I’ve just purchased a pattern from her gorgeous shop for myself, I can’t wait to try it out =) xx
Thank you ever so much for taking time to share your comment! Although I try to answer questions, I am not always able to respond to each comment individually. But please know that I appreciate from the bottom of my heart every comment I receive!