The A/W O collection is nearly complete so I turned my sewing attention to knocking off a few Issey Miyake Pleats Please pieces. This was driven, inspired and encouraged by Linda, Nicedressthanksimadeit. for her annual Designin’ December event.
“Why buy when you can make it yourself – better and for less money?”
We have all seen something we LOVE either in the stores, online or on the runways, but don’t actually want to buy for some reason. So I propose that we sew that garment that we see/want. Now if you are lucky and you already have an exact pattern, either an indie pattern, your own self-drafted, or a “Big 4” pattern, that you can use – then go for it! If you have to alter a pattern that you already have, or draft your own pattern, you can do that too. Whatever works for you. Let’s make what we see and want!
Here are my designer originals….
…..and here’s what I made
The olive green plisse poly was found on eBay for a song – 3m for a paltry £12. It looks much more shiny in the photos than in real life which is more like a sheen than a shine.
The black crinkle fabric for the duster coat is from Croftmill and I used the wrong side on the right side – bit classier in my opinion.
Trousers
Two patterns were involved – Vogue 1550, Paco Peralta for the leg width and length and Vogue 1508, Zandra Rhodes for the elasticated waistband.
I just laid both pattern pieces on top of one another and cut the shape I wanted – no drafting needed and no pattern was harmed in the making of these trousers.
The plisse poly is slightly stretchy and doesn’t fray – here’s me ‘hemming’ the trouser legs:
I made the trousers with a deep elasticated waistband and a few belt carriers added to hold the self fabric, non-edged, single layer tie belt. Simple.
Top
I used Drape Drape 2 asymmetrical top and, while this is not an exact copy of the Miyake original, it served my purpose admirably with its lopsided look and Japanese aesthetic.
After sewing up the one-piece piece of fabric, the front neckline was truly low! I may have made an error somewhere in the cutting or sewing – who knows? Easy fix though, I wear the top back to front. However, I did add another little pleat at the old centre front which is now the new centre back to draw the neckline up a bit. With me here?
The sleeve edges and neckline are turned over and sewn but the hem is not – it matches the trouser hemming technique.
Coat
Using StyleArc’s Toni dress as a basis for the coat I lengthened the sleeves by simply cutting long along the pattern lines; the front seam is not sewn closed but turned in, sewn and left open, I added a single button closure; the side seams are sewn as far as the ‘drape’ to create side splits. There are no pockets.
I added some cuffs to the sleeve hems just because I had a little bit of fabric that suited the purpose.
Buttoned up and showing the height of the side splits.
Here’s an out-shot showing the actual right side of the fabric in the inside which I choose as the wrong side (bottom left) – everybody still following me here? I just thought the matt side was classier and a good contrast to the sheen of the plisse. You can also get an idea of the waft and drape of the coat.
The Designin’ December outfit was paired with Trippen boots, pearls, full make-up and blow-dried hair. I was actually going on a very posh night out – hence the extravagance – I don’t usually hang around the house looking like this! Actually I do………..no I don’t!
Many thanks to Linda for getting me involved and for those of you out there who are inspired by designer clothes, it’s not too late to join in.
Show us your Designer Original photo and how you put together your Designer me-made COPY.
Hopefully I’ve done that and in your opinion – did I get a designer outfit for around 34 quid instead of £ 1,500?
December 7, 2017 at 6:29 pm
Prepare to be the best dressed at any holiday function!
Love it all!!!
December 10, 2017 at 9:55 am
Thanks Rhonda and because they are separates I can ring the changes with other items.
December 7, 2017 at 6:31 pm
Yes. And your version looks much better than the £1500 version! I am in awe as usual. : ) Dee
December 10, 2017 at 9:56 am
Thank you so much Dee. I’d love to have £1500 to spend on fabric though…..
December 7, 2017 at 6:58 pm
Yesssssss!
December 10, 2017 at 9:56 am
Horrayy!!
December 7, 2017 at 7:37 pm
Incredible! I agree- yours looks better than the originals. I can’t believe you pulled that off so cheaply! You are so inspirational- I bow to the master of designin’ december!
December 10, 2017 at 9:58 am
It was a lucky find on eBay Ann – plisse is really difficult to source and the colours are very limited. Thank you.
December 7, 2017 at 8:18 pm
You are looking great Ruth. It’s a super outfit and very clever. The coat especially but the whole outfit is just great.
December 10, 2017 at 9:58 am
Thanks Kate
December 7, 2017 at 9:29 pm
You look fabulous! Don’t you love it when you can get stylish well-made clothes for “cheap”! 🐥 I love how sometimes the wrong side is actually the right side! Those colours looks great on you. I’ll have to take a closer look at your coat pattern. Thank you for participating! I guess readers will be taking another good look at all the Designer me-made Copies after December 31st when everyone is finished.
December 10, 2017 at 9:59 am
Thanks so much for organising this Linda – it was real fun and I get to wear the outcome too. Win win
December 10, 2017 at 1:17 pm
Oh! Your welcome! And thank you for participating. I always love seeing what everyone comes up with!
December 7, 2017 at 10:07 pm
Fantastic!!
December 10, 2017 at 10:00 am
Thank you Fiesty
December 7, 2017 at 11:00 pm
Wow! you hit it out of the ball park. Such a classy outfit.
December 10, 2017 at 10:01 am
Thanks Linda and it is a pleasure to wear too – really comfortable with the elasticated waist, loose legs and bias draped top.
December 7, 2017 at 11:29 pm
You’ve done wonders with that Toni pattern again, so clever. Very successful outfit, in style and price!
December 10, 2017 at 10:02 am
Thanks Su. I think I prefer the Toni as a coat / waistcoat rather than as a dress.
December 8, 2017 at 2:48 am
Nice outfit. good call on using the “wrong” side of the fabric for the right side of the coat.
December 10, 2017 at 10:04 am
Thank you Su.
December 8, 2017 at 3:55 am
You look like a million bucks. (A million pounds sounds wrong!) I’m sure people wondered if you were someone famous… 👏🏻
December 10, 2017 at 10:05 am
Aren’t I??? LOL!
Thanks Jessica
December 8, 2017 at 6:48 am
Glamour puss! I would never have thought of using the Toni as a coat…looks brilliant. And all so bargainalicious!
December 10, 2017 at 10:06 am
Thanks Elaine. I made the Toni as a long waistcoat before and love it – part of the layering look.
December 10, 2017 at 11:29 am
You wear it well- Ijust get too hot in layers and feel bunched up. You have the height and figure for it!
December 8, 2017 at 7:53 am
I remember the previous items you made from that Toni pattern. It’s still a great look, isn’t it? Either open in front or closed. Lovely green outfit too.
December 10, 2017 at 10:06 am
Thank you Felicia. I still wear all previously made Tonis – so comfy
December 8, 2017 at 7:58 am
What a great look! I particularly like the coat. Was the collar tricky in that fabric?
I remember the Drape Drape top neckline being too low for me too. I’ve made that one three times and not got it right yet. I love the idea of wearing it back to front.
December 10, 2017 at 10:12 am
Not at all Catherine. I used a lightweight interfacing and applied it to both sides of the collar – it’s still soft but also stiff if you know what I mean. Thank you.
December 10, 2017 at 2:14 pm
Sort of like organza I guess; light and crisp! Thanks.
December 8, 2017 at 1:46 pm
Totally fabulous! Love, love, love your fabric choices. I think you nailed the Issey Miyake vibe
December 10, 2017 at 10:13 am
Thanks Diane. Unfortunately my fabric choices were very limited as plisse seems to be very difficult to find.
December 8, 2017 at 2:15 pm
Great outfit! I think you’ve captured the Miyake plissé vibe beautifully. And the coat is brilliant. I love how you turned the dress pattern into a functional coat.
December 10, 2017 at 10:14 am
Thank you Tia. I might just need a few more plisse pieces……
December 8, 2017 at 2:39 pm
Oh they look great!
December 10, 2017 at 10:14 am
Thanks Anne
December 8, 2017 at 3:29 pm
Yup! You did it…again.
December 10, 2017 at 10:14 am
How kind Kathie, thank you.
December 8, 2017 at 5:27 pm
Your outfit looks stellar compared to that of the star designer’s. You look beautiful and stunning in it. Love the Toni dress as coat. Very elegant.
In my math, the GBP 1466 you saved can go for beautiful shoes, boots, bags, other accessories and MORE FABRIC!
December 10, 2017 at 10:15 am
Good idea Barbara – always room in my wardrobe for more shoes, except I didn’t have the £££ to start with!
Thank you.
December 8, 2017 at 5:54 pm
Beautiful outfit! And YES very couture/designer. People will definitely be asking you where you bought it 😉
December 10, 2017 at 10:16 am
And they did Kathleen…..
Thank you
December 8, 2017 at 6:41 pm
Nice work!
December 10, 2017 at 10:16 am
Thanks Naomi
December 8, 2017 at 9:08 pm
I loved what you did last time with the Toni dress and I love this iteration even more!!
December 10, 2017 at 10:17 am
Thanks Kathryn. I love wearing the coat too – it’s fitted but dramatic at the same time. I need more things to wear it with
December 9, 2017 at 12:47 am
You look awesome!
December 10, 2017 at 10:18 am
Thank you Fabricfan – a little bit (a lot) of make-up always helps.
December 9, 2017 at 1:12 am
Fabulous!!!
December 10, 2017 at 10:18 am
Thanks Vicki
December 9, 2017 at 6:20 am
Awesome! We love visiting in your blog. keep up the Good work..
if Any one want New Embroidery Designs ?
December 9, 2017 at 7:25 am
Cool! I especially like the look with the coat.
December 10, 2017 at 10:19 am
Thanks Anke. I too think the coat is the finishing touch
December 9, 2017 at 9:58 am
Love it, and I just wouldn’t have expected it to be so flattering. It may be the fabric, but the outfit has a feel slimline silhouette. Love the slit on the coat, it makes it look dressy! X
December 10, 2017 at 10:20 am
Thanks Mags. I was concerned about the gathered elastic waist being bulky but the plisse fabric is quite fine and drapes well.
December 9, 2017 at 11:48 pm
Love the green fabric – very nice color for you. Lookin’ good…
December 10, 2017 at 10:21 am
Thank you Coco
December 10, 2017 at 1:56 am
Brilliant outfit and a great “tribute” to Issey Miyake. Brava!
December 10, 2017 at 10:22 am
Thank you Lainee. I have some Vogue Issey patterns that have never been made – I might just dig them out….
December 11, 2017 at 11:58 pm
Do it – I was looking through my stash and see I have about 10 Donna Karans I’ve never made up. It was never intended to be a collection, I wanted to wear them! Now I’m aiming to make up all the ones I still like.
December 10, 2017 at 11:16 am
P.S. Ruth… A number of your makes cause pattern-envy, but not sure how tall you have to be for those proportions to look so good. How tall are you please?
December 10, 2017 at 12:31 pm
Not very tall Su, 5′ 6″, about 1.67cm and my neck is too short!!!
December 10, 2017 at 10:49 pm
Thanks Ruth, that’s very helpful… and encouraging as I’m about the same. I have a short neck to match my legs!
December 10, 2017 at 12:41 pm
What a fantastic outfit. Just perfect for the season – very glitzy. Am I right in noting that your using a woven fabric for the top? I’ve made the drape drape top before and I changed the neckline at the front significantly. If I’d made it as it was, you could have virtually seen my naval!
December 10, 2017 at 7:44 pm
Well done! And I agree with steelyseamstress – it IS very glitzy, not to mention perfect for a holiday party!
Good luck!! 🙂
December 12, 2017 at 3:41 am
Such an elegant outfit. I love the pleats, the color, and the shine. You look festive and classy!
December 12, 2017 at 3:30 pm
Magnificent Ruth! I made that top and found the neckline too low despite adding ‘a bit’. All later editions made higher. I never thought about just turning it round……
December 12, 2017 at 10:31 pm
So gorgeous Ruth! The entire outfit is superb, and you absolute rock it.
January 21, 2018 at 12:36 am
I’m late to the party, but that is one fabulous outfit! Love it to bits.