Sbanks and Chelsea both sent me this fabric this week. I don't usually wear sewing-themed fabric (it's not that I necessarily wouldn't, it's just that my search for polka-dot, gingko-leaf, alphabet-print, and robot-themed fabric takes up nearly all my time) but I would wear this, on one condition -- that I make it up into one of the dresses featured in the fabric. Infinite recursion, here I come!
The only thing holding me back is that I'm not sure which pattern in the fabric to use as the pattern for the dress, and because it's SIXTEEN DOLLARS and NINETY-FIVE CENTS per yard. (I don't usually pay that much for silk!) I know, I know, it's imported from Japan, but still ... Click on the link to take a look at it in a larger version, at ReproDepot.com.
[Also, sorry not to be responding to comments, but I'm in the UK and the time-shift plus the intensity of packing all my meetings into four short days means that I see most of your comments around midnight, when I escape the work/pub continuum ... I hope to catch up this weekend! I do read and cherish every one of them, rest assured.]
Hey, you're in my timezone now then! :-PI think this fabric is pretty fab too. Can't be bothered to convert yards and dollars into proper measuring and money (;-)) but it does sound like a lot...
Posted by: bani | 07/21/2006 at 02:34 AM
Hope you are enjoying our unusually hot country and our fine pubs!
Posted by: Ruth Singer | 07/21/2006 at 05:00 AM
i *noticed* how strange it was that there was a new dressaday at such an hour. *Yes, I do look at dressaday about three times a day. Once before work, if I have time (because you update in the mornings) Once right after work, and once right before bed. Well, now its' right before bed- and it's new! I guess I got two dresses today and none tomorrow!
Posted by: Katana Barnett | 07/21/2006 at 05:45 AM
After reading your blog for a month, now, I couldn't resist a stop at Liberty when I was in London this week! I found a lovely two meter remnant in an excellent blue/teal/white geometric rhombus pattern by Liberty Tana Lawn. Very architectural. Now I just have to figure out what to do with it! Oh, I suppose I'll have to learn to sew as well. Can I even do anything with two meters? It's a very lightweight fabric.
Posted by: Amber | 07/21/2006 at 06:12 AM
I like pattern #3. I think it's nice and simple, so the fabric would be the focus of the dress, rather than the shape.
Posted by: Kiba | 07/21/2006 at 06:56 AM
Great fabric! Thank you v. much for the link to ReproDepot ... what a wealth of lovely things - I like the set of six Sci-Fi buttons. And, yippee, they ship internationally! :-)
Posted by: LondonGirlie | 07/21/2006 at 08:24 AM
Amber, make a sheath. You'll have to line it, but I love sheaths.
Posted by: Julia | 07/21/2006 at 08:30 AM
You'll get many prizes for dedication if you venture to central London this weekend in search of fabrics - its officially Hotsville UK. Beautiful as the Liberty building is, it was not built with air con in mind! What we need are these fantasy portable air-con units - see: 1955 prediction for 1963 ... still not available in 2006 :-)Alternatively, a jug of iced Pimms under a parasol in the beer garden of your local pub is always an option ... :-)
Posted by: londongirlie | 07/21/2006 at 08:46 AM
Drats, Erin! You are such an enabler (but in a good way). First it's Lanetz Living- of course I had to but three patterns for the free shipping- now it's ReproDepot. I had been avoiding visiting them for so long; now there are about 5 different Japanese prints I want to buy!
Posted by: Katie | 07/21/2006 at 09:57 AM
Wouldn't it be fun to make one of the dresses pictured on the fabric out of the fabric? Or would that just be funny?
Posted by: Gidget Bananas | 07/21/2006 at 12:40 PM
eh, $16 doesn't even phase me - while you're here in London, go have a gawp at what John Lewis charges for patheticly boring fabric (10+, $20+). Scoff at their tiny selection, then head to the markets, where the real fabric bargains lie.Shame you're not in the UK for longer, or I'd guide you a personal tour!
Posted by: melissa | 07/21/2006 at 01:35 PM
I'm on the case.. on the prowl.. for a pattern in my stash that will suitably match one of those in the print, then it's on the house, Ms. Erin!
Posted by: Jen ~ MOMSPatterns | 07/21/2006 at 02:20 PM
Given the somewhat large motif on this fabulous fabric find, I'm envisioning a skirt such as #5 (lower left for those lacking microscopic vision). A dress design might present strange pattern morfs due to darts, collars, etc. Such a skirt could be paired with a cream colored blouse. Thank you so much for blogging us about ReproDepot ... I love it! Enjoy your rime in the U.K.!
Posted by: arabellaesmerelda | 07/21/2006 at 02:34 PM
Welcome to London Erin, hope you are trying out all the good pubs, along with your fabric shopping. I'm sure you've seen them, but lots of cool fabric shops in Soho, and Shepherds Bush, the latter being v. cheap.
Posted by: Heather | 07/21/2006 at 05:04 PM
When I first opened this I thought you'd found a sort of 'Happy Families' card game featuring dresses and taken a pic on green baise. Hope you're enjoying London. I agree with Melissa - don't even bother with John Lewis. They recently moved their Haberdashery to 4th floor, halved it - and as Melissa said, it's boring fabric anyway.
Posted by: Esther.A | 07/22/2006 at 03:08 AM
That is fine fabric! I agree w/ arabellasmerelda, it may be better suited to a skirt. Although... what fun!
Posted by: demondoll | 07/22/2006 at 10:14 AM
Yeah! A 50s style circle skirt would be fabulous in this fabric. Of course, it's reprodepot--great stuff, but there's a price to pay. I don't know if any of you use remnants, but if you hit any of the Renegade Craft Fairs, they usually have a booth with a lot of bits of they're retro fabrics at very affordable prices.
Posted by: lucitebox | 07/22/2006 at 10:48 AM
I second the motion for dress #3, as it looks like it has cut-on sleeves, an interesting collar, and a sufficiently full skirt.
Posted by: Minya, Warrior Seamstress | 07/22/2006 at 12:38 PM
I know a skirt would change the whole intent and meaning, but I think a dress would be too busy in this fabric. If you had to do a dress, I vote for the diagonal stripey one (under #3) that's upside down. Holly
Posted by: lucitebox | 07/22/2006 at 01:34 PM