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A Breezy Vacation Mojave
Before my time here at Colette, I worked at a pretty awesome little fabric store in Los Angeles. Between teaching classes and swooning over gorgeous fabrics every day, I was in my element. It was there that I delighted over April Rhode’s first collection, Arizona.
What really struck me about this collection was the variety of wearable prints, the gorgeous substrates, and the subtle but dynamic color palette.
Flash forward to today, and I am still really digging April Rhode’s fabric. So naturally when I was approached to sew something pretty for the Observer Blog Tour I jumped at the opportunity.
When my fabric arrived in the mail I was more than a little excited. Art Gallery’s cotton voile is so dreamy and feather-light that it’s possible that it is woven by cherubs from the hair of unicorns. Maybe I am being a bit hyperbolic, but seriously this fabric is so soft and delightful. Surprisingly these qualities do not make it a challenging sew. Armed with a fresh microtex needle and a sharp rotary blade I was able to breeze through this project.
Cotton voile, though super smooth and lovely can have a tendency to be transparent, so you either have to line it or make something that embraces transparent vibes. I chose the latter.
I am getting married next week and will be visiting Costa Rica on my honeymoon. I knew that this beautiful cut of voile would make a gorgeous Mojave dress that I could wear as a swimsuit coverup on my trip, but I fully plan to wear this number next spring layered over a lightweight knit slip.
Mojave is as easy to make as it is to wear. Its plunging neckline and longer hem length make it super cute and a little sexy in this semi-sheer fabric. I graded from a 10 in the shoulders to a 14 in the hip, which for me is a pretty typical adjustment, and followed the pattern instructions exactly. I did; however, choose to stitch the back neck facing down to make it a bit easier to wear and travel with. I also chose to match the print, offering a more polished look.
Thank you April for inviting me to join in on the Observer Tour! Next up on the blog tour is the lovely Heather of Closet Case Files. Be sure to check out her blog post on Monday, October 3rd. You can also check out her makes on Instagram. I, for one, can’t wait to see what she makes.
You can see the full Observer Fabric Tour line-up on April’s blog, and the selection of gorgeous fabric offerings below.
Comments
Jessica
September 30, 2016 #
Love seeing Mojave made up in this super cheery fabric! What a perfect coverup.
Much love as your wedding day approaches, and have a great vacation afterwards :-).
Ella
September 30, 2016 #
Your Mojave is gorgeous! You’re making me ponder making one….
Robin
October 1, 2016 #
Beautiful make. Very complimentary. I love voile too, including the transparency. It makes you feel as light as a butterfly, and is so comfortable, even in the muggiest weather. Good choice for this pattern. Have a wonderful time!
Mary
October 1, 2016 #
Such lovely fabric. Was admiring it yesterday after seeing the fabric lineup on Christine Haynes’ blog. Love cotton voile – one of my all time favorite shirts was a solid voile with front pockets strategically located. Wore it until the fabric was practically translucent. Could be time for that replacement.
Mary
October 1, 2016 #
PS Style really suits you! And how wonderful that you are getting married! I hear the wildlife tours in Costa Rica are great.
Haley
October 3, 2016 #
That shirt sounds amazing and definitely worth recreating!
Piper
October 1, 2016 #
I could also see a voile Mojave over a sports bra and bicycle shorts. Best wishes! You will look breezy a new beautiful in Costa Rica.
Kate Lennon
October 2, 2016 #
I have had my eye on this pattern for a while now and yours is perfect! I’m really interested in how you did you fit, though. You look to be the same body shape as I am and I hope it’s not to personal to ask but did you also do an FBA? I have never done the grading before but would like to try grading down, do you literally gradually join the 10 to the 14 at the hip? Thank you!
Haley
October 3, 2016 #
Hi Kate,
I am totally happy to elaborate! I did not do an FBA on this particular pattern, though typically this is a must for me.
Since Mojave has such a forgiving shape I simply cut a 10 at the shoulders, swinging out to a 12 beneath the sleeve, then a 14 starting around the high hip (about 4″ below the natural waist). I used a hip curve to help me achieve a gentle curve where I graded between sizes. Hope this is helpful!
Kate Lennon
October 5, 2016 #
Thank you, Haley! I’m going to give it a go. Have a wonderful holiday!
Susan
October 24, 2016 #
Wow, what a color combination. That white is so open and then little of dark blue as well as the sky blue. Very nice.
I made a similar one, its not white though. I tried to use as much blue as possible.