Constructing: The Marquette

I realize it's already September and I've never featured the last couple designs from my mid-summer collection...oops. Figure I better get on that before Thanksgiving. HA. 

I went through a couple pattern slopers before I was happy with the pleating in the Marquette bodice and skirt. I wanted something fun (ahem...polka dots), but functional (what girl doesn't love navy?)...a dress that could morph into different occasions without looking like it was trying too hard. The secret ended up being off-center pockets and a semi-fitted bodice, 'cuz once I removed the darts, it just worked. 

The really cool feature about the Marquette is it's actually separates, so you get multiple styling options out of two pieces...Yep. That's how I rolled with this design. HA.
In all honesty, I've been working hard at developing a business model for my hopefully-coming-within-the-next-year-or-two online store and while I want dresses to be a huge part of a product line, I've always been concerned about how to grade my patterns in a way that would fit women of all body types. Tailoring is number one with me. I think sloppy finishing and fit are what make custom clothes look amateur, which would just ruin the whole process. Separates constructed from the same fabric solve all that. Women could buy the specific size that fits them on top and bottom without all the fit issues that come with one-piece dresses. I've been experimenting with the concept a lot recently and am super-excited about the possibilities, as you're gonna see with the last design from the collection next week.

cute sewing projects and free patterns