I understand why I love sewing quilts. I love the accuracy. Sure when working with fabric nothing is 100% accurate, but it’s pretty darn close. Sewing clothes is very different. I’m showing my latest creations from worst to best.
Two of the patterns are by Colette, I’ll talk about the differences and what I see happening with the patterns.
This look fine you say, why is this one the worst. This is the Hawthorne, the pattern is either for a dress or shirt. Think of this shirt as my ‘muslin’ my trial garment.
I appologize for the photography, I was rushed and I didn’t get the settings right. So this is a little too bright. Ignore how baggy the shirt is in the back, that is part of the problem, but for me, the issue is the low wide collar, not my favorite.
I matched the print quite well in the front, the problem is that the peplum is wonky. Here’s the deal with Colette patterns, they write a whole booklet, which should be great, I really tried following along exactly and yet, I had some problems. Things didn’t quite work out. Now maybe I should blame the fabric, I used some of it on another failed project. I’ll get back to what I think is happening at Colette soon.
The next one is a Vogue pattern with cotton jersey, quilters will recognize Libby House Pearl bracelet fabric. I bought the fabric at Sew Modern at their going out of business sale. I wanted something with more oomph. Vogue does oomph patterns well. The crease on my chest shouldn’t be there, I’m too lazy to take more photos, sorry. The pattern is a little too busy for the dress details. 
I’m getting a little goofy here, overall, I’m pleased with the result, I may attempt it again, with solids.
I installed the zipper in the back, with this fabric, there is no need for a zipper. One of the fabrics the pattern suggested was Ponte, although a knit it has less give, I might try it in Ponte, and then yes, it will definitely will need a zipper.
I think the dress is cute and I will wear it. I wasn’t thrilled with it, which is why it’s in the middle here.
Success! My favorite of the three! Anther knit. Are you noticing that the knits are doing better than the woven fabric? So here are the details, the fabric is a rayon blend from JoAnn’s. I’m not in love with the print but I am in love with Rayon knits. The pattern is another one from Colette, the famous Moneta dress. A simple pattern that fits beautifully.
Even from the back, all is well. 
So now to give you my thoughts about the patterns. Colette has been around for a while, initially they offered some more complicated patterns. I think the idea was, educate the new sewer. Which is fine, but, I honestly think the big Four do complicated patterns better.
Which is why in the last couple of years, everything I see from Colette is much simpler lines and styles. Their patterns are often designed for knits – which let’s be honest, are easy to work with, look great when worn and can hide some sins.
Kudos’ to Colette, they have found their stride, I have a number of their newer patterns and I love them. When it comes to more complicated, I’m going back to the big four. So that peplum shirt will stay as is, I’m on the look for another pattern for my next shirt dress.
Now if only the weather will get a little warmer, I’ll enjoy wearing the dresses. I’m sure the shirt will get worn, but not as much.
Leah