Perfect Proportions

I’m a nerd. 

That’s your warning for all that’s about to follow! 

But, if you promise to hang with me for a couple of minutes, there is some sewing/design info at the bottom.

Here we go!

0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144…

Recognize those numbers? 

They begin the Fibonacci sequence. 

(If you don’t remember it from math class, you might remember reading something about this in Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci’s Code.)  Anyway, back to the  numbers. 

You can find the next number in the sequence by adding the two previous numbers together:

0 + 1 = 1, 1 + 1 = 2, 1 + 2 = 3, skip a few,

34 + 55 = 89, 55 + 89 = 144, 89 + 144 = 233, and so on.

 

So, I promised you proportions and you’re wondering where they are.  Here you go: 

The ratio between two consecutive numbers in the sequence is about 1.62.

That’s your ratio!

1.618…

Your Golden Ratio.

The Golden Section, the Golden Mean, Divine Proportion, Golden Number, Phi (φ)

In nature, we see this ratio often.

 

 

Amazing how nature follows a Plan.

We also see this ratio in architecture, art and design.

Think about The Parthenon. The Pyramids.

So you’ve kept up and now you’re wondering what does all this have to do with creativity?

Well, if you don’t see the genus and beauty of it, you might be beyond help, but here’s why it’s on my mind today:

Some design texts suggest that the most flattering clothing for a body divides a body into this same ratio, the perfect proportion if you will. 

For example, if it is 40 inches from my waist to the floor, then following this suggestion, my skirt should to fall to 24.7 below my waist. 

This dress obviously doesn’t fall to that length.

Shall we take a look at some others?

18 inches

 20 inches

 15 inches (Yikes!)

So what does 24.7 inches look like?

Uhm.  Not so sure I like that. 

So, what’s a girl to do?

Follow the rules—or not?

 

 

My Homestyle

Another blogging friend posted recently about this great quiz.  Apparently I have a flair for the “theatrical”.  Who knew? 

This is what else it says about me:

Salinda, you are a Dramatic Modern

You keep up with culture, style, and trends, but have a classical appreciation for beautiful forms and well-made, functional objects. You are inspired by good design and quality craftsmanship, but have a sense of the theatrical and the fun. You liven things up and infuse personality into your rooms. You like how something ornate mixes with modern, or how daring flourishes, like bold color or a wild pattern, can inject some humor and contrast to the serious, straight lines of modern pieces. You are a style leader, and your friends look to you for advice. You are not afraid of glamour. Because you embrace color, art, and elegance, your home makes a happy impact.

You value comfort. Your home is a warm and open friendly place, and you feel happiest when everyone is cared for and relaxed in your space. Elements like pillows, throws, overstuffed furniture, and good lighting set the mood. You may also enjoy layering different fabrics or mixing patterns to create a cozy effect.

 Here’s my idea of Dramatic Modern:

from marthastewart.com

from potterybarn.com

My Next Big Sewing Plan

Well, PR's mini-wardrobe contest is over and I've finished it. Time for a new sewing plan: Tim Gunn's 10 Essentials.

A number of sewers are working on a similar project right now, and quite frankly, it just makes sense. I have the fabrics to create these pieces, so why not go for it. Here's his list and my takes on it. You'll notice, I've some of the pieces already!

1. Basic Black Dress -I just finished 1 in my big wardrobe and a very dark chocolate brown (which I love more than black) in my mini-wardrobe.
2. Trench Coat - This one has been cut and ready to sew for 3 years now. Maybe it's time to finish this UFO!
3. Classic Dress Pants - My goal for the summer is the perfect fitting pair of trousers. I haven't decided which piece to use from my stash: the navy, the brown tweed, the brown plaid, the black...
4. White Shirt - I think I look better in ivory. And, I've just finished one button up and one pull-over in ivory. That's done. Check.
5. Jeans - Well, I've mastered the jean skirt, so how hard can a pair of jeans be...
6. Cashmere Sweater - I'm buying this one! It'll be my treat to me when I finish the other 9 pieces! I'm think V-neck and maybe royal blue or orange. Something striking.
7. Skirt - A-line, I think, and maybe in a dark grey or brown suede or a cute plaid?
8. Day Dress - I just bought a shirt dress (Vogue 8021) and I have got a beautiful pink cotton that is screaming to be a summer dress. I think I will take out the front and back pleats and just gather the skirt.
9. Blazer - Would my mini-wardrobe jacket count?
10. Sweat Suit Alternative - Can I just remind you how much I love my TNT pants pattern? I think my new khaki pants from the mini-wardrobe count here. Oh, and then there are the black pants and the jean skirt from the big wardrobe contest. I think we can count this done.

Bonus: 1 trendy item. Hum? Gotta think on this one.

I post a storyboard of sorts later. Let me know what you think...

My Mini-Wardrobe Contest Entry

Well, I've done it! I'm finished. And just in the nick of time. Top 10 things I learned (or was reminded of that I already knew):

10. Try a new pattern--it's fun!

9. How to put a pocket in my favorite pants.

8. Ribbon is a creative cover-up.

7. If you are going to sew with a plan, work with the plan

until you find something you like. Don't settle.

6. How to make a round shoulder adjustment.

5. A great reference is invaluable! Watch for a review this Monday.

4. Altering for the shoulder slope will keep arm holes from gaping.

3. I can make a pair of pants in 63 minutes!!! (with a pocket)

2. Plans can change!

and my huge #1...If you wouldn't buy it in the store, don't make it!!!!!

Simplicity 3631 made a great jumper. Here's what I did:

1. I made my lining as my muslin.


2. I altered my pattern pieces.


3. I made up the lining/muslin bodice according to my newly altered patterns. I also used the skirt pieces and basted the skirt onto my lining/muslin, just to be sure.


4. I found that my armholes gaped and that the waist was indeed too long.


5. Folded out an inch of length just above the waist. You can see this in the image to the left.


6. I made a sloped shoulder adjustment per page 48 in my book.


7. This fit nicely, so I took the whole thing apart, adjusted my tissue pattern again, and cut my garment.


8. I put the garment together following the instructions, which I found quite easy to follow.


9. I ventured from the instructions in step number 13 where it appears they treated the lining and garment as one during the installation process. This gave me very poor results, so I ripped it out and inserted the zipper into the garment only. Then I folded under the lining and tacked it in place. Just FYI, I have been using the lapped zipper technique published in the December 2007/January 2008 Threads magazine with great success. (Upper left image.)


10. I finished the garment as instructed.


11. I added bra strap carriers in the same ribbon used throughout my mini-wardrobe pieces.

Simplicity 3631 also had a fun jacket:

For this jacket, I made it straight by the pattern. The only exceptions:

1. I did my darts on the inside. A little less fussy that way.

2. I wasn't happy with my button holes, so I hid them in ribbon. I took lots of good pictures of this, so look for a tutorial posted during the next week. Here is the ribbon I used. I also used it as an accent throughout my wardrobe.

Here's another shot of that jacket.

McCalls 5426 Princess Seam Top

You'll have to excuse my photographic assistant in the bottom of this picture. Rex couldn't stay out of the way!

This is a McCall's "Made for You" pattern that includes different pattern pieces for AB/C/D cup sizes. I made view C and I did not have to make a FBA. I did shorten the length as usual. I followed the instructions without problems, but I wouldn't recommend this pattern to a beginner because it lacks the friendly little reminders to clip curves, press seams etc. I would also note that the construction order is strange to me, but I followed it and it worked out fine. There is a LOT of topstitching in the pattern.

BTW, I used a Kona Cotton. It will wrinkle a little, but when I first washed the piece, it came out of the dryer quite nice, so I'm hoping...

Here's another image of the shirt under my jumper.

Hot Patterns Sugar Babe Set pants! (These are seen in 2 of the images above.)

You already know I love these pants. I now have 4 pair! My only complaint--they don't have a pocket! So, I added one!

I traced my hand so I would know about how wide I needed it to be.

I drew a slanted tear drop around my hand.

I added 5/8 inch seam allowances around it.

I taped the pocket to my pattern tissue, matching the side seam lines and cut out my pants. (You should note that this took about an extra 1/2 yard and had much wasted fabric.)

I stitched a piece of ribbon along the seam allowances on the front of each pocket for support. (At this point I referred to a handy sewing guide. Look for a review of the Reader's Digest New Complete Guide to Sewing coming soon.)

I basted the pocket opening closed along the seam allowance.

I stitched the pants leg together from the hem up to the waist, following the curve of the pocket.

I clipped the corners at the pockets and finished the raw edges. I removed the basting and "bingo!" I've got pockets!

New Mini-Wardrobe Plan

So...I've re-evaluated my plan. Here's the plan:
Brown Fabric: Simplicity 3631 View C
This jumper will be really cute alone, with a top under it, or with the jacket.




Pink Linen: Simplicity 3631 View B
This pink jacket will be cute over the jumper, or over the pants I'll make. Plus, it will go with all 4 of the bottoms I made during the Big Contest.




Khaki Linen (from stash, not pictured yet): Hot Patterns Sugar Babe Set Pants
I love these pants!

Vanilla Jersey Knit that I will have to purchase: Vogue 8451 (That I will also have to purchase)

Now to get busy!

Re-evaluating my mini-wardrobe

I had the most successful shopping trip this weekend--and I didn't buy anything! I tried on lots of styles and quickly found the things that I liked (and that flattered me). Then, back at the hotel, I looked at my mini-wardrobe plan. Yuck!

So, now I'm looking at patterns again. These are similar to the clothes I loved in the dressing room. Now to decide on a 4-part wardrobe:

I saw this top as the bodice on a full skirted dress. Loved it!

These puffed sleeves are really cute!

I like this tank.

White shirts were everywhere!

I like this top sleeveless and banded or belted.

The shirt in the top left hand corner is much cuter when made in a great fabric. I've looked over it before because that blue is quite tragic.

Shirt dresses were everywhere!

Defining My Style

I recently finished my big PR Wardrobe Contest entry. I am very proud of my pieces. I happen to think I did a nice job finishing each piece and they fit me well. That said, I don't love every piece I made. Some of them just aren't me.

So what is me? I don't really know. Here are the facts:

• I wear a lot of jeans.
• I'm home with my children most of the time.
• I don't need to dress up (heels, dresses) often.
• I really don't like tossing on a tee-shirt. If I do, I'd rather it be a closer-fitting tee.
• I really like this top and this top and this skirt.
• I like clunky jewelry--sometimes.
• I'm probably not going to iron very often.

So, I decided I needed some help. I googled for some quizes that might help me determine my fashion style. I didn't have much luck. Here are my results:

This quiz says I'm "Subtly Sexy". Here's the description:
You're magnetic, sensuous, and full of life. You love to laugh, indulge in delicious food and drink, and be touched by someone you love -- anything that tickles your senses. You've got charm and charisma, and seem to enchant everyone you meet. Your clothes reflect your sexy nature. You relish the feel of luxurious fabrics against your skin, and you dress to bring out your alluring side. Your wardrobe staples: Wide-leg pants in silky materials that flow when you walk. Long or short skirts in velvet, suede, and leather -- any material that feels wonderful.Wrap tops that show off your shape.Camisoles, tees, and light sweaters with details like lace, a ruffle, or embroidery. Sexy, strappy heels. A glittery, oversized ring that catches the eye.

Uhm, not really...

This quiz said it would lead me to the designer that fit me the best. Here were those results:
Dolce & Gabanna: Classy with an edge. You take traditional ideas and give them a kick in the ass! Always stylish and appropriate for everywhere!

Being completely clueless, I check out their website. Now we're talking...