Sea-View Fabric From Early 2005

Jane in KC · Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2007 5:02 pm Post subject: Sea-View Fabric From Early 2005

(I know this forum says it is for "recent" SB fabrics, so I hope my request is not out of line. Did not see a form for this type of post.)

I didn't think I still had the invoice, but I just found it, and it is dated March 1, 2005. At that time, I bought from SB 3.75 yards of a fabric called Sea-View. I drooled over it quite a while online before I bought it, so I don't know exactly when it was first stocked.

It is the only thing I've ever received from SB that I looked at and thought, "What in the world will I do with THAT?" I so hope that someone will remember it and give me some suggestions. I must've had something in mind when I made the purchase; otherwise, I would have done my usual and bought either three or four yards. But this just looks entirely different than it did on my computer! I mean, the fabric weight, the color and everything!

I know - I should've asked for a swatch first. But it just didn't seem at the time that it could be anything but wonderful. Wink

If it helps, the description on the invoice says "Sea-View 42" 55vis25silk20ny (D) and it was $10 a yard, which I'm pretty certain was a sale price of some variety - probably why I decided to take the plunge and buy it.

I'm honestly not entirely sure I can wear it because of the color, but if I decide I can, I expect I'll end up with a blouse from it. The fabric is sheer, which I didn't realize. And of course a blouse means it will be next to my face....

Well, any suggestions will be most gratefully received!

Lois · Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2007 11:55 pm Post subject: Sea View

Hi Jane - I found the fabric in my swatches!! I keep them for several years. Sea View is #40309 so I hope others who have their swatches will give you suggestions.

That being said, I love this fabric. Really pretty! Are any of the colors in the print those which you wear? If so here are a couple of ideas where you could emphasize your favorite color.

My first idea is to do an Adri jacket (shown in Vogue patterns.) Those patterns can be made of single layer, sheer fabrics. You could do French seams for a neat interior. A friend of mine made an Adri jacket, mid thigh length - no interfacing or lining of course. And she wore it over a shealth dress in a solid fabric. It was just stunning! Designs like Adri keep seams to a minimum so you don't interrupt the fabric motif and design. Simple tucks at the waist, perhaps topstitched from the right side could add shape if the minimum seams create a straighter silhoulette than you'd like.

Another idea seen in the clothing stores right now is a skirt with many gores to chop up the fabric design a bit. I have a Jones NY RTW skirt that I just love. It has 18 gores in a sheer fabric with a solid underlining. Your fabric seems crisper than my skirt...so you'd have to determine if it would work for you by draping the yardage.

If you decide to do a blouse as you mentioned, I'd suggest wearing a tank top (sleeveless) underneath in a favorite color. Perhaps a silk tank top or camisole. That is a a really popular look right now. Maybe wear the blouse open as an unstructured shirt-jacket over a solid tank top.

If I come up with other ideas as I look through pattern catalogs I'll let you know. Please keep us posted on what ideas you come up with.

Lois

Barb · Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2007 4:53 pm Post subject: Sea-View

I thought it would be helpful to post a picture of the fabric you're referring to.

The fabric is a wonderful example of an extra-yarn weave construction. You'll see from the picture of the reverse side that extra yarns are woven in the base and then clipped to form the design. I've been talking about this on my blog recently if you're interested you can read more there. http://sewingblog.sawyerbrook.com/barb/2007/04/howd_dey_do_dat.html

Jane in KC · Posted: Fri Apr 27, 2007 11:15 am Post subject:

Wow! Thank you both, Lois and Barb!

Lois, I just this morning ordered Vogue's latest Adri offering (they're having a sale today and tomorrow, you know), plus I have an older Adri pattern that I will take a look at. I like your idea and will certainly give that some serious thought.

Barb, the picture always helps, doesn't it? And I appreciate the link to your blog, as well. My fabric has a LOT more greenish yellow in it than the picture, and that is what I dislike about it. I just did not see that on the sample or on the computer. But perhaps I can do something such as Lois suggests.

Here's another question, though: This fabric smells funny! (It's been stored with other fabrics and has not, as far as I can tell, affected them, thankfully.) I remember reading on the Creative Machine list about silks with an unpleasant smell, but I don't think I saved those messages, as I had not run into that problem then. May post a question on the CM list, but I thought you might know something I could do. TIA.

Barb · Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2007 3:47 pm Post subject: Silk Odors

To find the responses to this question, go to the newly created Handle with Care forum.