I am finding I have serious questions that Mr. G.T. (Green Thumb) just doesn’t care to answer … so I have decided to turn to you. What do you say?
I have this fabric – actually lots of this fabric. Specifically, an “Addison Jersey Knit Chevron” in Hunter green and in Red. 85% polyester and 15% rayon. There is a bit of a gold thread running through them so sometimes they look a bit shiny. Three meters each – I told you I had a lots. What can I say, it was a good price!
It is a big print. If you look at this photo, the chevron stripe is about 2″ from tip to tip and about 3″ tall. My fabrics are light and summery, but the print might be too much?
I had nothing in mind when I bought it. (What can I say, it was a really good price!) I bought it, packed it away and never thought of it again. Then when I was cleaning up/putting away my supplies and fabric stash the other day (I actually threw out some small remnants that were too small to be useful.), I realized that I knew what every piece in my fabric stash was destined to be “some day”, except for these two “black sheep”.
I have found this photo, a possibility, and pinned it to my Pinterest board so that I don’t forget.
Now ditch those dumb gladiator sandals. I know I am not a “Forever 21” model (even when I was 21, I was not Forever 21 – and that has been perfectly fine with me), but this made me think of my own pair of culottes for the summer, worn with a solid coloured top? (no belly showing though!) My fabric is light so wearing something pant-like wouldn’t be a problem. The Forever 21 chevron print is even bigger than mine, but not as bright as mine. But I just don’t know:
- are either of these fabrics destined for summer culottes?
- if so, should I use the darker Hunter green or the red?
- if not, what should I make out of these fabrics?
I JUST NEED SOME IDEAS! I can’t imagine having these two fabrics packed away in a box without a destiny! Any thoughts? Leave me a comment, tell me where to find a photo, a pattern, have you made something with a chevron print I should peak at?
I am away in Vancouver helping my sister with fabric choices for a MOG (Mother of the Groom) dress, but I will check back here periodically to see what you have come up with! Please help!
In the meantime, Happy Sewing!
39 responses to “I need help!”
I’m all for draping it on your body and taking photos. Such thick chevrons make a strong statement and unless they suit your personality and movements, they will overwhelm you. You know you have entered that realm when people compliment your garment instead of how it looks on you. You can do all the work and make a great outfit but if it is shouting and not letting you shine through, it is not your fabric. Do the colors even work with your skin tone, is a metallic gold thread going to enhance your companion pieces? Will it hang, no matter what it ends up, hanging in the closet as an orphan? These are just things to test before you put more effort into cutting and sewing.
I agree, funny you say that because presently I am working on a couple of garments I made a while ago – redoing them – because “as is” I cannot bring myself to wear them, so I am going to try one more time with them! More on this in a post to come yet. Thanks for your supportive comments!
Gosh you have got yourself a load of advice already. I particularly like Ruth’s Core Couture suggestions. And having a look at what Missoni makes from this fabric, as Nice Day in LA suggests, is a great idea.
Thanks for the vote and stopping by!
The first thing I thought of was a maxi skirt, mainly because I have a maxi skirt in a chevron pattern and have worn it a ton since last summer. Second thought, given the colours, is loose fitting fall jacket, a poncho, or even a long vest like Bea Arthur wore when she played Maude. The colours are really great for late summer or fall.
They are pretty fabrics, aren’t they? I shall go google chevron print jackets now, out of curiousity! Thank you for the ideas.
I like the culottes, but we all know they’ll be out of style by the fall so go with the maxi dress.
On a completely different point, when I read MOG I thought “mother of god” not “mother of the groom”, yeeeesh!
Make me laugh! The groom is a nice boy. I’m sure he doesn’t think of himself like that! I keep collecting photos of Chevron prints on Pinterest. Everyone has been so helpful!
My initial thought was drape!
Drape those fabrics, one at a time, all over yourself in front of a mirror, and take selfies. Download pics onto your computer so you can really see & study the fabric & how it looks in various drapings. How does it feel (try to remember!)? Did it sag a bit too much for something full length? (Or just need seam reinforcement to prevent sag?) Try the fabric in every direction possible!
Every once in a while I’ll have this same problem. When I drape it & photo meself, then really look at the pics, I can see which ones work & which don’t. Hope this helps!
Yes, it does help! When you see clothes in the store you can try them on. I don’t often think of trying fabric on at home or taking selfies of myself. But we should!
Just hope it helps with your decision-making!
Hi Linda, I’m also a shorty (5’4″ on a good day) – I think there are a lot of us! I thought immediately of Missoni (lots of chevrons) and a maxi dress or skirt seems perfect. Also along a completely different line, how about a large tote or duffel?
There are some beautiful skirts out there with the lovely chevron lines on them! A lined tote might work. I have pinned a duffle bag or small backpack, but this fabric is quite soft. I just love all the ideas I have seen!
The suggestions given all sound great for this fabric. I wouldn’t consider 5’5″ as short, just average. That’s from the perspective of being only 5′.5″ myself. I’d love to have that extra 4.5″! I have to admit that sometimes a fabric I bought and later could not feature wearing, became a decor item, like table covers or pillows, bed throws or travel or closet clothing covers. Some can be worn in smaller amounts such as scarves, tote bags, sashes, collars & cuffs. Maybe it would make attractive linings for some other item. I can also see it as a full sleeved button front shirt to wear with pants or slim skirts.
Oh, if I was 4.5″ taller I could be a fashion model at my present weight! (Maybe!) Cool! Scarves, sashes, accent pieces all sound like good ideas! I have seen a couple of tops on Pinterest today that I like too! Thank you for your ideas!