Vogue 9081 - Marcy's Block Dress

This is my second version, this time in - surprise! - linen. Marcy calls this the Block Dress, for obvious reasons. The versions on the cover of the pattern are pretty with the color blocks but I had all this orange linen. The lines of the dress are still visible but not so obvious. After all, it is orange.

I don't know why I bought a piece of bright orange linen, but I do love the vibrant color. This orange is most definitely NOT the new black. It is not subtle, or particularly versatile, or ubiquitous. But that color - oh, my - it makes my heart sing. So I guess I'll wear it. For now, I am content to have it on my dress form with my Anne Williamson scarf at the neck. A cheerful companion in my workroom.

For both of my versions, I have raised the neckline by about 1.5 inches.

The cuffs are a nod to Lucille Ball who wore the house dress so beautifully. A friend wears knit shirts sporting the Pam Emy *Split Cowl Collar.* I wondered if a similar idea would work for cuffs. I like the result.

Adding my Ann Williamson silk scarf is almost too much. It is such a gorgeous scarf and the complementary blues in the scarf are just stunning, I think. No wonder Ann is so successful. She has such an eye for color.

But will I wear it?

I think so.

Ann Williamson Workshop

This past weekend I was thrilled to attend a workshop taught by Ann Williamson and hosted by Louise Cutting. A double-header. I'm still on inspiration overload.

See Ann's logo in the upper right hand corner of this pieced scarf. All fabric is vintage kimono silk. Yum.

Ann Williamson makes stunning, one-of-a-kind garments, primarily fitted jackets. Her preferred fabric is vintage kimono silk. You may have seen her work at the Smithsonian Craft Shows or at the San Francisco or Baltimore ACC shows. I have been a big fan of hers for several years now, ever since sewing friend Ginny tipped me off!

Here Ann is wearing a coco-style jacket & pants, both of vintage kimono silk. She is also wearing one of her scarves.

The workshop started with a jaw-dropping trunk show with lots of great stories. Then we spent two full days learning and practicing her techniques in piecing and beading.

As I poured my kit beads onto the black velveteen, I saw a pattern I'd love to try to duplicate.

Each evening we went to Louise's house to shop, shop, shop. Louise of course had lots of great fabrics and buttons available, as well as her signature patterns. Sandy and Rosemary were on hand to help coordinate fabrics and patterns.

Ann allowed us to buy vintage kimono silk by the yard, as well as her kits.

Between the two of these artists extraordinaire, my head nearly exploded.

Louise is wearing a vest that will be part of a future pattern, along with pants that *may* become a pattern. Such fun!

The above sample is a gorgeous example of Ann's detailed, artful work. She is an expert in clothing construction, as well as an inspired, accomplished fiber artist.

This is a dramatic example of one of her slightly fitted coco-style jackets, constructed with vintage silk using her unique piecing techniques.

And the back is gorgeous too.

Now I am dying to find the time to work on these techniques and incorporate them into the sewing techniques I already enjoy. I think her beading approach will fit nicely with my love of sashiko. We each received a kit of silks for a scarf. I'm thinking mine may be incorporated into an Ann-inspired jacket.

Now I recommend you go directly to Ann's website and see her garments. She also has a delicious blog. Some of the best eye candy for textilians. 

Oh, my, so much inspiration; so little time!