Je T'aime, Colette Patterns!

Colette Patterns is a new line of sewing patterns from Sarai Mitnick of Portland, Oregon. When I first saw them, I knew it was love. More Anthropologie than Ann Taylor, these patterns are gorgeous, vintage-inspired, and best of all, come in the most adorable and amazing little stitched booklets with watercolor illustrations!


The first season has five patterns (four dresses and a skirt), and I immediately snapped up three of them. I made the Parfait dress in a pink seersucker check from B&J, and I have to say I'm over the moon about the pattern. The drafting is great, the instructions are awesome, and the aesthetic is so beautiful. Look at the little gathered patch pockets! Also, a view of the back (you can also catch a glimpse of kitty in the lower left hand corner).

The only change I made to the pattern was to cut the pockets and midriff pieces on the bias to add a little visual interest.

If you're interested in trying Colette patterns (and you should!), one thing to note is about the sizing. I cut an 8 in the bodice, and transitioned down to a 10 in the skirt. The sizes are closer to ready-to-wear than traditional sewing patterns, and they're made for the very hour-glass shaped. Sarai says she drafts bodices for a C cup, and makes sure they can fit a D as well. I am neither of those (understatement of the year alert), and as a result the fit is a bit off in the bust.

I just learned how to do an sba (small bust adjustment) from Fit For Real People and I am SO psyched to try it out on this pattern. It's like magic! Next up is the Macaron dress, and then I think I'll redo the Parfait in this lovely washed silk I have--it's the color of pistachio ice cream. Yum!