I will always love "U"

One of my favorite patterns in my Japanese pattern books is the "U" pattern of the "Stylish Dress Book". It is very versatile and I now have versions of this pattern I can wear all year round: tops and dresses, long and short sleeves, summer and winter fabric.

Introducing the winter version: a dress in a light wool with a cool pattern in sequins at the bottom to brighten up the LBD.

Un de mes patrons japonais préférés reste le modèle "U" du "Stylish Dress Book 2". Ce modèle est très adaptable et j'ai maintenant plusieurs versions de ce modèle que je peux mettre en toutes saisons: des hauts et des robes, des manches longues & courtes, des tissus d'été ou d'hiver. 

Voici la version d'hiver: une version longue dans un lainage léger avec un motif en paillettes en bas de la robe pour égayer la petite robe noire (= Little Black Dress ou LBD en anglais)

Detail of the fabric at the bottom of the dress:

Détail du tissus en bas de la robe:

Pattern U from the Japanese pattern book "Stylish Dress Book 2" / Fabric "Sacrés Coupons", 4bis rue d'Orsel, 75018 Paris

Modèle U du  du livre de patrons japonais "Stylish Dress Book 2" / Tissus "Sacrés Coupons", 4bis rue d'Orsel, 75018 Paris

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

A big part of my spare time consists in hoarding fabric. I blame it on my mother for bringing me at an early age "Marché Saint Pierre" the frozen-in-time fabric store right at the bottom of the Montmartre Hill & the Sacré Coeur.
In my memories I could barely see the top of the tables. Going back to these childhood memories on a Saturday is always a soothing experience. Those who know the neighborhood and the store would say that the experience is more like fighting the inebriated crowds on Mardi Gras on Bourbon Street in New Orleans.
When in London I never miss an opportunity to go to the Liberty store to check out their fabric selection. Unfortunately their selection has gotten smaller over the years and a bit shameful for the Liberty mothership, so in the end I only got their just to say "hi" to the beautiful building. My sister just in time gave me the name of her new Liberty "dealer" (let's face it is an addiction...), Shaukat on Old Brompton road. Here is a snap shot of the last harvest:

Addresses:
If you are in Paris you can combine a visit to Montmartre and the Sacré Coeur, and on the way back down from the hill you can check out:
Dreyfus - Marché Saint Pierre, 2 r Charles Nodier, 75018 Paris (a Parisian tradition & a mess!)
Sacrés Coupons, 4bis rue d'Orsel, 75018 Paris (great 3 meter remnants from famous fashion houses, great silks, wools, cottons & linens in the summer)

In London:
Liberty, Great Marlborough Street, London W1B 5AH (worth the visit even if you don't buy anything)
Shaukat & Company, 170-172 Old Brompton Road, London SW5 0BA (a great selection in the store, good prices, and also good online service). The picture below is from their webpage showing one of the "Liberty Walls":

Pretty Dress

For some reason I look very upset by the fabulous weather & my pretty new dress. Just focusing on the very small characters on my tiny phone. I love the dress so much I made the tunique version below in a nice paisley print.



Pattern M from the Japanese pattern book "Stylish Dress Book 1" / Fabric "Sacrés Coupons", 4bis rue d'Orsel, 75018 Paris

My Number 1 Fan!

Vivi has a huge interest in fashion at an early age. She is always the very happy recipients of all my creations & therefore I have now become her official Parisian stylist.

Pattern J from the Japanese pattern book "Girl's Everyday Dress" / Fabric "Sacrés Coupons", 4bis rue d'Orsel, 75018 Paris

This dress may induce epileptic seizure!

I was watching opening credits for a James Bond when I chose this fabric, this will explain the kaleidoscopic/hypnotic quality of the fabric!
Modified pattern based on pattern #5 of the "Otona No Couture" book. I removed the sleeves & lengthened the pattern to make a dress.
The fabric is slightly stretchy which make this dress comfortable, but next time I will make a wider skirt.


Pattern #5 from the Japanese pattern book "Otona No Couture" / Fabric "Sacrés Coupons", 4bis rue d'Orsel, 75018 Paris

The Ugly Scarf Challenge

Pattern U from the "Stylish Dress Book #2" (without the sleeves)

Fabric: H&M scarf with a somewhat Japanese theme...

The result: better than expected. Added a belt also purchased at H&M that emphasizes the Japanese theme.

The long sleeve version of the same pattern created a few weeks ago. I really love this top!

A "girlier" version of the previous pattern

Pattern #24 from the Japanese pattern book "Otona No Couture" / Fabric "Sacrés Coupons", 4bis rue d'Orsel, 75018 Paris /Liberty Ribbons & Buttons "La Droguerie", 9 rue du Jour, 75001 Paris

My first Japanese pattern! Perfect for the warm weather...

Pattern #24 from the Japanese pattern book "Otona No Couture" / Fabric "Sacrés Coupons", 4bis rue d'Orsel, 75018 Paris

Great summer tunique

I just finished a new version of Vogue pattern for a tunique in a dark pink viscose fabric. This pattern also works great in a light knit. A nice top for summer to wear at work.
Don't be afraid if the top looks a bit like the "Borat/Pamela Anderson kidnapping bag" on a hanger, it looks much better worn. Better that way than the opposite!

Pattern Vogue 8278 / Fabric "Sacrés Coupons", 4bis rue d'Orsel, 75018 Paris