Constructing: The Marquette

Tuesday, September 4, 2012


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

29 comments:

  1. Love it! And LOVE the shoes! Where did you get them?

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  2. That dress is amazing! I love how it looks both as a dress and as separates! yeah I need like a million of those haha
    kendrrat
    http://kendrrat.blogspot.com/

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  3. I would not have thought that was a separate! That's such a great idea - being able to buy a separate size for the top and bottom. Your store will be such a success. Once again, you've nailed it!

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  4. Love this as separates...what an awesome idea for this dress! I'm really liking the collar on this dress as well.

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  5. They're doing this at LOFT. It's such a good concept. I love this whole post.

    http://frenchpresstights.blogspot.com/

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  6. So I'm gonna be honest here...as I read through this post, I was so hoping that this was going to be a dress (skirt and blouse combo!) that you were giving away!! Shame on me for being selfish, but I am so loving the concept of these two pieces as together and as separates!

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    1. You are the sweetest most complimentary person. Thanks for that. Hmm...a sample giveaway. I'll have to keep that in mind.

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  7. What a brilliant idea!! You make such beautiful things!

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  8. My *ahem* bottom half is a wee bit larger than my top half--so this is a wonderful concept that I wish more designers would do! Best wishes with your future business plans. This is a very pretty design and the shoes are great too!

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    1. Thanks, dahling. I'm doing my best to figure it all out from a viable business perspective, so hopefully, I can continue to discover!

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  9. Sounds like a smart - and very appropriate - business concept. Am sending you all good vibes so that everything works out the way you wish.

    Cheers!

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  10. This is my favorite! I've loved the collection, but this is purely genius. Love the idea of separates. Love all of your designs! When can I buy one?!!!

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  11. great, adorable, versatile dress!

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  12. Gorgeous dress (as usual). I love your idea with the separates too. You're such an inspiration to me. I hope to sew as good as you one day. (^_^)

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  13. Yay for fun polka dots! You clever thing working with separates. And WHERE did you get those delicious coral shoes? They totally set it off!

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  14. What a great idea. I did not see the separates coming! I really like the top so polished and pretty!

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  15. Love everything about this outfit, Kristina! Another winner for sure!

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  16. Oh my I am so excited for you to start an online store. Your designs are so unique. I love the surprise of separates.

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  17. Hi Kristina,

    I love your use of polka dots in the dress and skirt. Polka dots are definitely trending at the moment and are always a classic print. My name is Elise and I have a blog called WTFab!, which focuses on fashion, D.I.Y., food and travel. I would love to follow each other's blogs, and maybe even collaborate on featuring each other's blogs. You can check out my blog at http://w-t-fab.com

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  18. I LOVE the polka dots and the pintucks and that they're separates! I'm even more excited about your online store!!!!!!!!!!!

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  19. what a lovely combination! love polka dots and the color!

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  20. I absolutely love this dress! Thank you for sharing on Blog Stalking Thursday. I have featured you with this week's party so please stop by and grab a featured button. I can't wait to see what you share this week! http://www.thecraftyblogstalker.com/2012/09/blog-stalking-thursday-58.html

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  21. These are such great pieces. It is great that you did separates. I like the versatility. Thank you so much for sharing with Wednesdays Adorned From Above Link Party last week. This weeks Link Party is opened at
    http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2012/09/reeses-smore-brownies-and-wednesdays.html
    from Wednesday until Sunday.
    Hope to see you there.
    Debi Bolocofsky
    Adorned From Above
    www.adornedfromabove.com

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