Build the outfit #1

As I was getting ready to go out on Saturday night I really wanted to wear these fabulous sandals (which my boyfriend calls stripper shoes - I don’t care, I’ll wear them anyway) and realized that I had only one garment that really went with them - a dress I’d worn last Saturday! How did this happen? So, inspired by Manolo The Shoeblogger’s build the outfit contests I am going to start from the ground up for a change and make a few things to go with the shoes.

My thought is that these are pretty sexy shoes and need something clean, simple and not too bare to keep me from looking like a working girl. What I’ve come up with so far:

Item #1 - White shirtdress: The first one is perfect, the second needs to be a few inches longer

A great pattern to start with is this Threads for Simplicity pattern that I had forgotten was in my stash!

Item #2 - White knee length skirt: LOVE!

Item #3 - White skinny bermuda shorts: LOVE! A definite must-have!

Item #4 - Sundress: the first one would be perfect if it were a few inches longer, the second one has a nice shape but I wouldn’t add the girly details

This forgotten New Look pattern is the perfect base for a sundress! I’ll probably use the strapless version and add tiny spaghetti straps for wearing ease.

Another style that I think is absolutely perfect for these shoes is this Hot Patterns Plain & Simple Iconic Shirtdress. I think this would look fabulous in red because a clingy white knit dress is certainly out of the question!

What do you think? I welcome any and all input!

$.99 sales be damned

It was with great sadness that I read this article about the Simplicity Pattern Company today. Still, it came as no big surprise to me. The major pattern companies just can’t turn a good profit any longer with patterns being practically given away at chain store sales all across the country every few weeks. What next?

News of closing brings sad response

By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
Tuesday, June 26, 2007 10:21 AM EDT

NILES - Many are saddened by the news of Simplicity Pattern closing its doors in Niles by the end of September.

The company has operated in Niles since 1931 and employed thousands of area residents, making it hard for some to believe it’s coming to an end.

It was announced Monday that the company, headquartered in New York, will end all production and distribution operations at its Niles facility, outsourcing the work to a company in Wisconsin.

This move leaves many questions about job losses here, particularly when combined with the closing of United Fixtures, as well as what will become of the Simplicity building.

“It’s sad to see, but this is the product of changing times,” Bob Tracey, a 15-year employee of Simplicity Pattern said Monday afternoon. “I left in 1984 and it was going downhill at that time.”

Tracey continued, saying when he left there were around 400 to 450 employees. Simplicity employs less than 150 at its Niles plant today. Ninety are expected to lose their jobs.

“It’s also sad for the community. It was such a big part of Niles. Now we will have another big, empty building. What is Niles going to do with a building that size? Especially if the bigger businesses aren’t coming around,” Tracey said.

Barbara Gaedtke was employed with the company for 22 years. She started out as a hand folder. When the company purchased folding machines, she ran those.

“It was really a nice place to work. I enjoyed it and really liked the people I worked with. There were always rumors going around, though. We heard the business was going to close, we heard it was moving south. It was always one rumor after the other. Now that they really are closing, it’s sad to see,” Gaedtke said.

She explained the lack in business having to do with the fact that no one sews anymore.

“When I was employed, there were a lot of jobs, but it wasn’t doing the best then, so I can’t imagine how it’s been just in the last few years.”

Gaedtke also made mention that this is not good for the community.

“Niles wants all these new things, like schools and other businesses, but we are losing jobs everywhere. They just can’t keep business and that’s not real positive for the town,” Gaedtke added.

Dolpha Reed was a 30-year employee of the company and her job included folding patterns, which kept her very busy.

“I worked there during a good time. They employed a lot of people. I really enjoyed the job. It was nice seeing all of the wedding and ballroom-type dresses. It was a good place to work for,” Reed said.

Simplicity was founded in New York City in 1927 and began manufacturing its patterns in Niles shortly after.

Today, the company’s production, distribution, administration, customer service and customer relations, accounting, billing, credit and information systems all operate out of its 740,000-square-foot facility in Niles.

Simplicity is headquartered in New York, where it houses its executive management team, sales and marketing and product design employees in 42,000 square feet of leased office space.

Simplicity has retained CB Richard Ellis to market its Niles property for sale.

Simplicity 4020

I’ve liked this knit kimono top ever since the pattern first came out. I received this rayon/lycra from Sawyer Brook last week and immediately thought of this pattern! As a bonus, I won’t have to add it to the stash. I made a straight 8 and it fits well but I think next time I’d add a tiny bit of width at the underbust seam to better fit my large rib cage. Sorry about the photo, I could not get this on my dressform to save my soul!

This is View D with the shorter kimono sleeve. I thought the longer one would be a little overwhelming on someone of my height. The pattern allows for a 1.25″ sleeve hem, I wanted a 1″ wide band (I see now that I should have made it the same width as the neckband - next time) so I cut 1″ off of the sleeves and cut a band the needed length (20.5″ in my case) by 2.5″ wide. I used a 1/4″ seam allowance to attach the band. I only wish I’d had more fabric so that I could have cut the band for the left sleeve from a pinker part of the fabric for more contrast.

This was just the quick and easy project I was looking for this morning. Since I’m still in dire need of more casual tops I think I’ll make it one more time before putting the pattern away and getting back to my other projects.

Hmmm. Bubble skirt?

I’ve never been a big fan of the bubble, or pouf, skirt. Maybe it brings back memories of bad ’80s fashion for me. But then, I saw this dress on The Sartorialist.

I never would have thought to make a jersey bubble skirt. I like it! I’m not sure if it will like me but I thought I’d give it a shot anyway. I bought this Simplicity pattern and pulled some rayon jersey out of my stash. I’ll let you know how it goes!