Knipmode tryout

I just ordered Knipmode (after reading about Nancy K's mention of them)  and wasn't blown away, but curious about some of their patterns.  They look interesting....particularly this one....

This is my sketch as I can't figure out how to get to the line-sketch of it on their site...more time on their site to get this I'm sure.

Anyway, I liked it cause it was going to provide the perfect palette for a fabric I had...this had two versions, and I liked the open front model (view) with a zipper exposed.

 

My fabric has a metallic-like sheen to it making it look more leathery than fabric, but it is a cotton and the metallic sheen is more of a fiber treatment rather than a metal (does that make sense).

So I had this vision of this being sort of biker-girl-like with this "surprise" on the back...and it turned out just as I wanted.

And I like the way this came out, but I am going to tweak it a little...for one thing, the bust dart, I think, fits just a little low.  It looks a little frumpy and I like to keep that midriff area clean.

Second, I think the shoulders need to come up a little and it's hard to see in the sketch, but there's a seam at the shoulders and easy to take this up.

The other part of this jacket (besides the surprise) is the separating zip...it's a gem from NY Fabric District - just one of those treasures that I found and picked up there. 

So to the surprise....this came from Fabrique in Dallas, and they had an artist who painted beautiful things on fabrics....last time I was there was this gem...a little off-the-mark for me, but what's an artist if she/he doesn't go off-the-mark periodically!

Isn't this just wild?  It's perfect for some great boot-scootin' on a Sat night, especially in a sort of biker-quality/styled top. 

So the front is easy to understand:

And I did this with the exposed zipper

You can see how perfect the color and style is for this.

She deserves a name - like Desirée or Monique (why are French names so scandalous?)...but after all, this is for boot-scootin' so  she needs to be Sharon Jean Mercer or Flora Lou or Trixie or Dixie or something like that...I haven't named her but she so deserves a great name!

So back to Knipmode - first time - successful - a little testy with the Dutch and no translations.  They appear to be sized well, so I like that. 

Comments

[Linda L]

This is soooo cute! I really like your fabric and curious as to where you acquired it. I like the faux leather look!

[Katei]

Wow!! Great basic style but the back embellishment is fabulous!!

[Summerset]

Wow, the back view is definitely fun! I like to overall style and even without the fancy back, this style done in leather is a real winner.

[Theresa in Tucson]

Think Louisiana Cajun and Monique or Desiree would fit jus' fine. Quite a surprise on the back. If you go boot scooting in that top you will definitely have a conversation starter.

[Karen in VA]

What a fun top!!!! Love it!

[Ann's Fashion Studio]

Oh my goodness....what a treat folks will have when you turn around :) You did a fantastic job and I love the style of the top.

[ClaireOKC]

@Linda L - I got this at Fabrique Fabrics in Dallas....http://www.fabriquefabrics.com. They have a few of these hand-painted gems left, but the artist has moved and doing other things now. I have several of her pieces and love each of them. I have 2 more left to make up - one should be easy (is making up a work of art easy?)....and the other will be a challenge (to incorporate the art so that it will show off best with the design of the garment/ensemble.)

[Barbara]

Where can I find "Knipmode"? I do get the "Sewing World" magazine.

[ClaireOKC]

@Barbara - Sorry I forgot to include this information....
http://abonnement.knipmode.nl/
Be prepared to get acquainted with your local Dutch translator - I use translate.google.com and then I have a google tool bar that translates the Knipmode pages automatically which is nice.