I'm struggling a bit with the balance of garments, though. Right now three out of the ten garments are dresses. Does that seem like a low number to you? I know my wardrobe is certainly more than 30% dresses. So, I'm thinking about ditching the bolero jacket and adding another dress. (The rest of the garments include two skirts, two blouses, a jacket, and a coat.) People don't really seem so keen on boleros anyway, right? And there's a gap in the dress styles where I could fit a killer Joan Holloway-inspired daytime sheath dress.
Would you mind sharing your innermost thoughts in the comments? Please let me know if you like your sewing books with 10% more dresses—or if you're one of those rare bolero enthusiasts. Thanks so much!
P.S. The lovely dress pattern above is from The Blue Gardenia, bust size 38". Speaking of which, don't forget to enter The Blue Gardenia giveaway!
more dresses please!
ReplyDeleteI would love more dresses to be honest. Different silhouettes would interest me more than one bolero pattern for sure!
ReplyDelete10% more dresses? Sounds more like 10% more heaven!
ReplyDeleteIn other words, yes. Yes, please.
Garnet
I can't get enough dresses. More please!
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'm the crazy person in the room, but would it not make more sense, given today's lifestyle, to do a trouser pattern instead of the bolero? As much as I love skirts and dresses, the climate I live in just doesn't allow me to brave the wind and rain in a skirt or dress every day.
ReplyDeleteGosh, my wardrobe is about 60% dresses! Go for another dress, especially one that sounds just like one I want!
ReplyDeleteI think it really depends on who is your target audience....women who already collect Vintage fashion have a much higher percentage of dresses in their wardrobe than other women.
ReplyDeleteI note there is no mention of a simple pant....perhaps a purposeful exclusion, but if your target audience is being encouraged to explore sewing and filling out their actual wardrobe, an entry level design with a side-zip might be just the thing. (Hard to fit, I know....)
Most women I know who aren't in the workplace daily wear pants much more regularly....although I fall in that category and own perhaps 30 skirts....sigh. k.
I am an avid dress horder. But - I have to agree with Toria on the trousers front - I think that they should take the place of the bolero or an extra dress?
ReplyDeleteI would definitely go for another dress rather than the bolero. I do like boleros but would rather knit them than sew them - I can't really imagine wearing a sewn/taylored one!
ReplyDeleteMy wardrobe consists entirely of dresses and cardigans (and one skirt) so I am pretty biased.
I ONLY wear dresses and skirts, so you can make that 100%. In fact I don't think I've worn trousers in close to 20 years. As a vintage pattern collector, I'm probably well supplied in boleros but have yet to make one. I tend wear bolero/ shrug cardies instead. The more dresses, the better as far as I'm concerned!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a dress.
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling I'm just going to be echoing quite a few of the other comments- but more dresses no question!!
ReplyDeleteTrousers please
ReplyDeleteHi Gertie!
ReplyDeleteAn extra dress would be my preference. Is there any way we can preorder the book already?
My wardrobe is almost entirely dresses, no boleros. One of the reasons I'm glad to be a woman is because I don't have to wear pants.
ReplyDeleteI'm not too keen on bolero designs usually, to be honest. So I vote for more dresses! Of course, I need more dresses like a hole in my head... lol.
ReplyDelete♥ Casey
I'd love to see a fabulous trouser pattern in lieu of the bolero. Maybe a Laura Petrie number, or a sailor pant?
ReplyDeleteI'd love an extra dress. I'm surprised you're including a coat pattern give how much work it was to do properly (all those layer of lining and tailoring it). I'd rather see a trouser (capris, cigarette pants or swing trousers) or dress pattern rather than a skirt pattern (since circle and pencil skirt patterns are the easiest things in the world to find on etsy, and don't require than many fit adjustments).
ReplyDeleteAgree with so many others on the pants, but if the choices are a sheath dress or bolero...I'd prefer the bolero! I'd love to make one, but the only vintage pattern I own which included one is missing those pattern pieces. Plus, although I love dresses, it is nearly impossible for me to make one using a pre-made pattern....way, way, waaaaay too many adjustments.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely more dresses! I love to make dresses - they are my favorite things. Boleros? Not so much. They look cute in pictures but not on me. I say, pack it full of dresses until you can't fit any more!
ReplyDeleteI can't WAIT for the book to come out!!!
For a while now I've been changing my wardrobe to get rid of all my pants. It's a slow process, but I don't feel as confortable or as pretty in pants as I do in dresses os skirts. So, please, add another dress!
ReplyDeleteEvery time you post something new about your book I get a little bit more excited!
I'll echo K. and say that vintage loving gals tend to have significantly more dresses in their wardrobe and wear them more often too! I'd love pants or a bolero, especially for people who live in colder climates. If you did go with another dress, I'd love a bit about how to winter proof a dress. Most of the sewing books I've currently seen are focused on Spring/Summer sewing but most of the world has to make it through two other seasons!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck on the rest of the project! I can't wait to see what you come up with!
No surprises - more dresses! Boleros - not so much...
ReplyDeleteMore Dresses please!
ReplyDeleteI sometimes start making tops and think what the hell, then i order more fabric and make a dress!
http://booboo-kitty-couture.blogspot.com/
Hi Gertie!
ReplyDeleteEven though I live in a atropical country (Brazil), my wardrobe is made mostly of pants. But I think it's a good idea to add one more dress to your book, so I can increase the number of dresses in my wardrobe...
Thank you and good luck!
dresses dresses dresses! i'd say people need/want to sew dresses much more often than need/want a bolero jacket.
ReplyDeleteMore dresses please!
ReplyDeleteMore dresses. I don't think the world really needs more boleros.
ReplyDeleteWhile my wardrobe probably is not 30% dresses, I'd much rather sew a dress than just about anything else. Personally, I've got "standard" proportions, so RTW pants fit great and I've no desire to make them.
ReplyDeletedefinitely add the dress. While i do have a lot of other clothes, my favorite thing to sew is most definitely dresses. And i would not use a bolero pattern.
ReplyDeleteMy vote is Bolero! I love them for easy, light cotton summer cover-ups in the evening (or to stop my shoulder's burning outside in the mid-day sun). I've never made one and would love to see your interpretation of one :)!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Gertie - I've emailed you with a different thought from me re: the Bolero ;)
My wardrobe is 95% dresses, so definitely more dresses and less boleros! And the Joan Holloway style sounds AMAZING.
ReplyDeleteTabatha x
definitely another dress! :)
ReplyDeleteI can understand why most people would prefer an extra dress rather than a bolero, but if your book is inspired by the VoNBBS'vocation to grant its readers with a full wardrobe, I agree with the commenters who asked about trousers. Trousers are part of contemporary women's wardrobe even more than boleros are not-so-much part of it, aren't they?
ReplyDeleteI imagine that your book is to appeal to retro-loving seamstresses, but as one of them, I must admit that lovely retro trousers patterns are much, much harder to find that lovely retro dresses patterns!
I would LIKE my wardrobe to be more than 30% dresses. And look at it this way, because you can't mix and match with dresses the way you can with skirts and tops you actually need MORE of them to not repeat your wardrobe... Or that's what I'm telling myself.
ReplyDeleteAnd let's face it, a bolero is generally a bolero where as there are so many dress patterns.
Can never get enough of dresses, so more please!
ReplyDeleteDefinately more dresses!!! Can't wait til your book comes out :D
ReplyDeleteMore dresses! are the patterns for average gals? petites? tall?
ReplyDeleteI'm torn.
ReplyDeleteTo go vintage I ould say another dress.
I peronally don't have a lot of dresses due to my body type need dresses with a full skirt (More like Betty) and not a flat long dress like Jane...
But! I do think you are lacking a pair of pants. It would make the collection more complete and would probably work to a wide audience, and not only the vintage lovers.
You could still make the pants look vintage (oh... the sailorpants! <3) but it would be really nice with info on pants fitting as it could be hard to get the crouch area looking nice.
(I'm a seemstress and still hate doing pants due to my odd body shape with waist, hip and as part in three different sizes.. *sigh*)
So.. love dresses, but do pants!!
You gave the choice of another dress or a bolero. . . Dress is my choice! But some commenters mentioned a pant pattern. I think your book would really benefit from a pant pattern so please do keep it in mind!
ReplyDeleteRebekah
http://www.artandneedlework.blogspot.com
I have <10% dresses in my wardrobe, but I will neverless join the choir shouting "More dresses!". Why? Because few of us have time to sew all our clothes, so it is more worthwhile to make the special pieces, like dresses, and buy the basics. Because many women find it more difficult to find well-fitting dresses than tops and skirts. And because dresses are just more fun to sew, like baking cup cakes compared to making bread.
ReplyDeleteI have 25% dresses in my closet (I just figure this out the other day on my blog), but in this case since there are no pants, I think another dress is right on. I know it'll be a while, but I can't wait to see your book!
ReplyDeleteI'm with the trousers crew...I would so appriciate a good pants pattern!
ReplyDeleteTeam Trouser!!! It's hard to get a beautifully-fitted dress, but even harder to find beautifully-fitted trousers! Katharine Hepburn is BEGGING you. ;)
ReplyDeleteInteresting to read the other post. I find my self wearing dresses all the time, even beyond the work week. In fact, more dresses then a skirt and blouse combo.
ReplyDeleteI would go for an extra dress, but why wouldn't you make it a nightgown? I would LOVE that...
ReplyDeleteI love a good bolero - esp if I can play around with sleeve length - I have quite short arms! You can't have too many dresses, it's true - but if you're also showing us a bunch of alterations....?
ReplyDeleteTasia from sewaholic.net did a survey a few weeks ago, with some very interesting results, one of them being that her readers most favorite item to sew was dresses (and she had over 500 answers).
ReplyDeleteHowever, there already are so many fun/inspiring/practical etc dress patterns out there, both vintage, modern and re-issued. I like the Bolero-idea, but if not a bolero, then maybe pants? Or how about a bias-cut vintage inpired slip? Or vintageperiod undies / tap-pants? There's so much more to sew than dresses! =)
A Joan-inspired day-dress would of course never be wrong, and if you go for that idea, might I suggest that the pattern and the instructions be suitable for double knits? Just a thought!
I would go with an extra dress too, because my resolution for 2011 is to sew more dresses and skirts!
ReplyDeletePlease skip the bolero! A dress will be so much more useful - more bang for the buck. And btw, I LOVE YOU and your blog! Can't wait for the book to be in stores!
ReplyDeleteThere will be at least one skirt pattern, right?
ReplyDeleteMore dresses. If there is a jacket that could be shortened as a version of a bolero, that would certainly work for ME. (ahem, and ...more dresses)
ReplyDeleteI, personally, don't wear pants. So yeah, more dresses and skirts. And who doesn't wear a bolero jacket. I see plenty of them, especially in the summer time. A short jacket is a short jacket no matter what it's called
ReplyDeleteI think a full slip for wearing under all those pretty dresses. If it is just a choice between the 2 then a dress. Pants would be great, but are so much harder to fit properly.
ReplyDeleteYes, another dress infinitely preferable to a bolero!
ReplyDeleteWhile I do love dresses, I would have to agree with the others that mentioned a great pair of trousers would be fantastic, though I know you didn't mention them. I love casual vintage fashion with trousers and sport that look more often than dresses, usually. I'd love a pair of trousers to go with those blouse patterns!
ReplyDeleteI do like the look of boleros but can never, ever seem to find the right outfit for the ones I have (unless they are matching fabric and meant to go together with a dress). So I would vote a dress or trousers over a bolero.
my wardrobe is sooooo dress-heavy. i just started sewing from patterns and have had absolutely no desire to sew anything other than dresses (and, okay, vintage lingerie...) so i think others like me would love another dress pattern!
ReplyDeletedresses! (or maybe wide-legged trousers?) You've seen one bolero, you've seen them all. I can get that pattern anywhere.
ReplyDeleteDresses and blouses are my favorite, my wardrobe is easily more than 60% dresses!
ReplyDeleteAnother vote for trousers. Anyone spotting a location trend here?! ;-)
ReplyDeleteMy wardrobe is about 75% dresses(or maybe even more I only have 3 pairs trousers...) So another dress would be fine with me!(especially a Joan-esque one!) However, I would like to see a bolero pattern though as I've never sewn one before, or some high waisted trousers for the housrglass figure would also be lovely. :)
ReplyDeleteTeam Trouser here, but if that's not to be, I vote for a dress pattern. My closet appears to be about 30% dresses, although I mostly wear pants to work in the winter (too cold here!). Can't wait for the book!
ReplyDeleteI'll put my vote in for the bolero pattern or actually, another blouse pattern instead. It's so freaking hard to find decent tops in stores! And sewing patterns for just tops that don't look frumpy to me! I love to wear dresses but I don't think there's as much need for another dress pattern (and selfishly, I already have a pattern for a sheath dress...)
ReplyDeletemore dresses, please! (or a slip pattern)
ReplyDeleteYou can't have too many dresses and the daytime sheath sounds great!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to go against the grain (sewing joke there!) and say separates, maybe some sort of co-ordinating seperates that could be sewn in the same/co-ordinating fabrics to be worn together and look like a faux-dress/trouser suit but also can be sewn in compeltely different fabrics. Does that make sense? There are loads and loads and loads of dresses out there in books, patterns, tutorials etc but there isn't a sort of wardrobe builder/Sewing with a plan kinda approach at least as far as I've seen.
ReplyDeleteMore dresses!
ReplyDeleteAnd some wide-leg trousers and some capri pants.
Um... "please"!
well I think dresses are lovely however I think the one thing we crave sometimes are more seperates, although that depends on work environment I guess, I can wear what I want so can wear vintage style seperates some people have to wear 'normal' workwear!
ReplyDeleteHope that helps!
I am all about the dresses!
ReplyDeleteAlso, considering your target audience; vintage loving women who sew, they are most certainly dress fans, and another dress will make it more likely that they will find at least one that they want to make in your book. Then your second publication can focus on other wardrobe choices like jackets, and pants and skirts!
Good luck with this great project; I can't wait to purchase my copy!
Personally, I love boleros. Or a pants pattern. Nothing against dresses, but they definitely aren't 30% of my daily wardrobe.
ReplyDeleteNever worn a bolero, dresses always!
ReplyDeleteI hardly ever wear any dresses, but I would just LOVE the pattern to the striped dress you posted a couple of days ago. I would wear that dress to dinner, I would wear it to the grocery store, I would even wear it while sewing another version of it to keep it company in the closet while I'm sleeping. (I may also be considering striped pajamas by now.)
ReplyDeleteI want to buy your book anyway, but if that pattern was in it, I wouldn't even bother with some excuse like "birthday" or "anniversary." I should be wearing more dresses anyway.
I'm going to side with the people who said trousers. Honestly, dresses aren't very practical for me for most of the year- I get cold way too easily!
ReplyDeleteI'm a new sewist and nearly everything I've sewn has been a dress (my RTW wardrobe is also more than 30% dresses), and I'm not really a vintage fashion person but dresses are so much more versatile than a bolero!
ReplyDeleteYou had me at Joan Holloway. A sheath dress is always welcome, but I am a dress girl. My wardrobe is about 50% dresses and 50% other things. Only one pair of trousers that I wear maybe once a month, even in winter. I can see where others are suggesting more variety, but for me, another dress, please.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely more dresses :)
ReplyDeletei'm jumping on the opposite side and saying go with the bolero--it is a classic look that is often the perfect way to finish off those vintage dresses--definitely more than 30% of my wardrobe--that we all have. your two bolero versions from VoNBBS are two of my favorite of your projects!
ReplyDeletePersonally, I don' have the figure for a bolero or shrug, so I would much rather have a dress. A sheath dress sounds particularly useful.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, what role does the bolero serve in VoNBBS? Does it help teach a certain technique or attempt to add a certain style (i.e. wear this to work, or wear this to the theatre)? You could approach it as filling that void. One thing your list really seems to be lacking for women today is a pair of trousers.
Please no pleated pants. They flatter few! I am sad to report at this moment I mostly wear pants, with skirts breaking in full abandon generally in the spring and summer.
ReplyDeleteI'd definitely say no bolero. It's a quick, simple pattern but not much use. I own lots of dresses but wear 90% pants. If you don't want to add trousers (I know it's a whole knew can of worms) at least add another blouse or jacket that can be worn with pants. But if you really want to update vintage sewing, conquer pants. They are the glaring omition of every vintage sewing book.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely team trouser. Maybe some slim 50s/60s Audrey style? I adore wide leg trousers, but I find the slim ones intimidating to sew, despite the fact that they're much more versatile.
ReplyDeleteHi Gertie! I wouldn't mind another dress, instead of a bolero. However, learning how to make a pair of trousers under your guidance would be amazing! I love wearing (and making) skirts and dresses, and wool tights are amazing, but I live someplace where winter is long with many days with temps way below zero (and I walk to work nearly every day). So nice trousers are an important part of my wardrobe, but yet so hard to find!!
ReplyDeleteA Joan Holloway sheath dress would be MUCH better than a bolero! Only certain body types can wear boleros but everyone can wear a sheath dress.
ReplyDeleteI'd much prefer a dress pattern over a bolero, but then I'm more of a cardigan person.
ReplyDeleteA sheath dress pattern would be wonderful.
Yes! Looooove dresses! Sundress would be neat too! (coming from a girl who lives in Texas)
ReplyDeleteTrousers! Though the Joan dress sounds divine, my closet is mostly trousers and having recently made my first pair any new help/patterns would be great.
ReplyDeleteWell, trousers would be wonderful, but I really think they deserve their own book and may end up being disappointing, unless you went with a more loungey palazzo style that would be easier to fit than a classic trouser. Of course, I'm speaking from the perspective of normally having to grade things up to my size (RTW 20/big 4 pattern 28) - trousers don't grade 'up' very well, what with that pesky crotch curve!
ReplyDeleteMy first thought when I saw the post was that I'd LOVE to see a variation of a 50's playsuit or some sort of summer shorts combo (of course, same fitting problems) -that strikes me as VERY Gertie! And those styles aren't something I see a lot of!
Of course, I love dresses, love to see new ideas and I really equate YOUR style as a dress-based style!
A dress please!!!
ReplyDeleteAlso it would be AMAZING if your patterns went up to a bust of 46 :D. Pattern books never go up through plus sizes, which means I have to alter them. Usually it works out fine, but on the odd occasion, it looks bad.
As someone who loves dress, I say "yes please" to adding another. But as someone who is cold all the time I like the idea of a bolero jacket. Or I like the idea of a little "something" to throw on top of a dress. And since I can't knit anything (a cardigan) the bolero or shrug is usually my go to. I don't know what your other jacket looks like. Is there any way you could give a variation of the jacket, that is already included, to make it short?
ReplyDeleteMore dresses. Always more dresses :o)
ReplyDeleteI sew dresses way more than any other garment - they are super satisfying, and get the most bang for your sewing 'buck'
ReplyDeleteI'm sure I'm the minority here, but I almost never wear dresses, so I'd vote for the bolero! (Actually, I'd vote for trousers, but I assume you decided that wasn't appropriately vintage.)
ReplyDelete10% more dresses! I am a knitter and a sewer and I would rather knit a bolero then sew one. It defiantly goes the other way with dresses though. From April to October my go to is a dress.
ReplyDeleteI have to say that when I first saw you were bumping a bolero pattern for a fourth dress I was little disappointed but as soon as you said the words "joan holloway sheath" I realised I really do love dresses very, very much! But then some of the comments about a trouser pattern do appeal...but I suppose bumping a dress pattern for a trouser pattern doesn't seem to fit with (what I think of as) your style. Oh, darn it, I don't know, it all sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteYes please! More dresses is the way to go!
ReplyDeleteOf course dresses, no question!
ReplyDeleteI feel like the black sheep; I hardly ever wear dresses. I love good tailored pants though!
ReplyDeleteI vote for dropping the bolero and adding pants, a nice high waisted or palazzo (not sure about that spelling) pant would be a great addition.
ReplyDeleteStephanie
I'd say swap out the coat for another dress, and keep the bolero. My wardrobe is about 40% dresses, and I feel like people would be more keen on trying to make a bolero before they would a whole coat.
ReplyDeleteMy wardrobe is definitely more than 30% dresses. So yes, please add another dress to the collection.
ReplyDeleteI have and sew more dresses over pants. That said I need to learn how to sew and fit pants (I have yet to make my 1st pair). I would love to see a pair of nice trousers and a pair of pedal pushers, both with a blouse to wear:)
ReplyDeleteMore dresses.
ReplyDeleteHave you done a casual sun dress - picnic inspired look? But I'm a real sucker for a cigarette pant a.k.a. Laura Petrie, I Love Lucy pant. How about the pants (cropped or ankle length) with an awesome sun top/tunic? for a look. I know its not a dress but its my dream outfit!!LOL
ReplyDeleteI love dresses, but I don't have that many, because it is hard to find ready-to-wear dresses that fit properly. So more dress patterns would definitely be welcome!
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of a slip or a pair of pants though, too.
That said, there is a roughly 100% chance I will buy your book even if it does include a bolero pattern. I'd say you have us over a barrel here.
My wardrobe is probably 90% dresses! But I know I'm pretty far to one side of the scale :)
ReplyDeleteI don't know what the other projects are, but I definitely like variety, especially in a book that is going to teach me something. If you aren't so keen on boleros, maybe you could just do a cropped jacket instead? Or a regular jacket? To me the construction of a jacket requires more teaching than a dress, so as a reader I'd appreciate the guidance (if only as a reference for other patterns, which is how I often use my sewing books).
ReplyDeleteI like dresses and it's only since I gound a job that requires me to dress up more that I've been able to wear the ones I've made. You've inspired me to go a bit more retro and fitted in my clothing too. Honestly, being a long waisted tall person, I would probably NEVER wear a bolero jacket, where I would wear a different style of dress. I know that you probably are avoiding trousers because they can be so hard to fit, but one pair of slacks wouldn't kill me either.
ReplyDeleteHm, while I would never object to another dress pattern, I might have to say I like the idea of a trouser pattern. It's sooo hard to find vintage trouser patterns, and even harder to find contemporary patterns that can be adapted into a vintage/retro style. I would love to see a simple, high waisted style that could be used for pants or shorts as well. Thanks for taking our input! :)
ReplyDeleteI think a dress might be more accessible to more readers, myself included!
ReplyDeleteI would definitely vote for the dress over the bolero! Can't wait to see your book!
ReplyDeleteDresses, definitely dresses. Though pants are always the first problematic item.
ReplyDeleteA dress can flatter more silhouettes than pants. But when you find the perfect pant it can replace a lot of dresses. :)
Dresses!
ReplyDeleteOr trousers would be nice too but dresses are the first choice always:)
I live in NYC and despite our fickle weather my wardrobe is easily 50% dresses. More dresses please! :)
ReplyDeleteMore dresses - not only is my wardrobe heavy on dresses, they are easier to sew!
ReplyDeleteA bolero that is versatile and could be thrown over a strapless or spaghetti strap dress would be great if there's room - i often need to wear one over a dress in order to wear the dress to work. Especially if it's a pattern you can easily customize
My wardrobe is most certainly not nearly 30% dresses. I hope someday that I'll have a job where I can dress up for work, but until then it's pants for me. I love the idea of a trouser pattern, but barring that a dress, since that is something I prefer to sew.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the bolero can probably go. As a tall gal, boleros don't look good on my frame anyway.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have the other areas of a wardrobe covered, so a great dress that can be a day-to-evening dress or a straight up day dress or a straight up evening dress (depending on fabrication) is a great idea.
I vote for the pants you haven't offered up :-) Something tells me they're unlikely. I don't think more dresses are warranted. They're easy to find and you already include a good number. I think the full slip or circle slip idea is good...
ReplyDeleteMy wardrobe is at least 50% dresses, and the rest shirts and skirts...
ReplyDeleteThat said, I do love a good bolero.
The Joan H. sheath dress sounds awesome. Anything but the bolero. :)
ReplyDeleteI wish my wardrobe was 30% dresses! I'd love an additional dress pattern.
ReplyDeleteI think it depends what the dresses you already have in there are like - if you have three very different styles and a variety of silhouettes, then a bolero would be a valuable addition to wear with the dresses or skirts.
ReplyDeleteI am a bolero lover... another fab idea for a vintage wardrobe would be sailor or swing trousers, the patterns are so difficult to find.
Also plus sizes!
My wardrobe is 50% dresses and they're all I wear in the spring/summer. More dresses, please! And I agree with including some plus sized garments as well.
ReplyDeleteI've read several times that the average American woman is pear-shaped. Boleros don't work with that body type.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to offer another separate, I suggest something like a tunic or overblouse (I'm sure there are 50s interpretations of those). Tunics, especially, are fairly easy, but depending on the fabric and one's skill, they can be casual or fancy. Worn with a skirt, they create a dress-like silhouette.
I wear primarily tunic/skirt or pant combinations or dresses.
A couple of people have suggested trousers. I don't know. They're harder to fit and construct than tops and dresses. I thought this was a book for relative beginners.
I have about 500 million dresses in my closet and I don't think I even own a bolero. Dresses are a must! I think you should ditch the bolero and go with a new dress.
ReplyDeleteHa, don't doubt bolero's! I think they have so much potential in a dress wardrobe. --by coincidence I have a recent blog post on them. http://pintuckstyle.blogspot.com/
ReplyDelete(I say, ditch the coat, a jacket will do fine)
hey bolero, make way for another dress! there are never enough...
ReplyDeleteSheath dress, please, as I am not much of a twirly-skirt girl.
ReplyDeleteI do love the idea of well-fitted retro trousers, though. I am tall and cannot find many actual vintage pieces that fit (and even the repros are too short). Most commercial pants patterns are dismally cut and unattractive--and definitely not retro.
Personally, I do like boleros, and I'd like to see a pattern for a modernized one. They work on pear-shaped and hourglass figures ... they let the curve of the waist be visible while still providing warmth and coverage.
ReplyDeletePersonally, my wardrobe is much less than 20% dresses....but my pattern stash is 80% dresses. So that should tell you what I WISH my wardrobe was. lol. A Joan style dress shouldn't hurt...I know I wouldn't mind at all!
ReplyDeletego you your fairly getting there huh :) so happy for you.... I have to say that yes take out the bolero.... But instead of a dress why not a pair of trousers??? If i truly had to choose bolero/dress then I would vote for the latter but trousers have to be at least thought about?!?!? good luck deciding x
ReplyDeleteI agree with many of the above - trousers would be awesome and otherwise definitely a dress over the bolero
ReplyDelete1. I wear dresses about 60% of the time so really there is no such thing as too many dresses. My vote - MORE DRESSES!
ReplyDelete2. I own one really cute bolero and I don't think I'll even need another one. So, I think you can ditch that.
3. I hate all pants. Seriously. So, if you could include a pattern that's cute and well-fitting, I'd be most grateful.
4. I probably wouldn't make a coat but I don't think you should ditch it. Its a great wardrobe staple than *real* home sewists would make. :-)
I would want to see a pant in there. My wardrobe has maybe 10% dresses, and the majority is tops to pair with a few skirts and some trousers. For a more veritile look, tops and bottoms are best. Plus, I made a simple bolero from Burda once, and it's been getting loads of wear as a cardigan replacement.
ReplyDeletewould love to see the 'joan' sheath dress! I think it would be so much more wearable than a bolero. Really looking forward to the book.
ReplyDeleteanother dress would be great - I am a skirt/cardi girl myself but a few dresses in my wardrobe would set me up for life!
ReplyDeleteAdd me in as someone who seldom wears dresses. My wardrobe is maybe 2 percent dresses. But... maybe I'm not your target demographic. I'm about 60 but I sew garments ALL of the time.
ReplyDeleteMore dresses, please!
ReplyDeleteMore dresses!
ReplyDeleteLike many others, I think it depends on the focus of the book. If the focus is soley Vintage, then I think a dress is fine. If the intent is a Wardrobe (Vintage or Otherwise), I really think you NEED a trouser.
ReplyDeleteI definitely prefer sewing dresses over any other type of garment, but I understand the need for balance in your book.
ReplyDeleteI was going to say that a modernized bolero pattern could be useful and interesting - especially for people who sew lots of dresses! - but I honestly can't imagine any bolero that I would wear easily and happily. The concept is nice but they never feel right once I put them on. Who knows, maybe your pattern will surprise me!
Variations on a lightweight jacket might be enough to fill the void left by the bolero.
As for the trousers that so many commenters are asking for, the suggestion makes sense, but only if a.) you feel confident about drafting a pants pattern, b.) they are somehow unique and a style that is actually difficult to find a pattern for. At least one person mentioned a simple wide-leg pair with a side zip, but that pattern readily available, for cheap. Simplicity has reprinted two 40's patterns like that, so I don't think a similar pattern would add much value to your book. Cigarette pants, on the other hand, could be great.
As another person who doesn't even own a pair of pants I vote for another dress too!
ReplyDeleteI've never commented, but I vote more dresses! Skirts are nice, too, but if you already have some in there, I think another dress would be best since I don't think I'm alone when I say I'd rather sew a dress than ... well, anything else, really. I'd definitely never bother with a bolero, and it sounds like you have the top half covered with a coat/jacket already!
ReplyDeleteIf most or all of your dresses are sleeveless, I would vote for the bolero. It's something I don't see in contemporary patterns.
ReplyDeletePlease don't delete the skirts on the grounds that they're relatively easy. I'm a technique person and would be interested in having good techniques for making skirts in the book.
Yes, I prefer skirts and dresses over pants.
--C.B.
I seldom wear dresses, in part because I seldom find dresses to buy that I'd actually wear, and in part because I have yet to find a pattern for a dress that I would wear often enough to put in the effort or sewing my own. That said, I have been trolling the vintage and thrifts stores for YEARS searching for a pair of Katharine Hepburn-esque trousers and would dearly love to see a well-written pattern that provides the basic schematic for vintage-look trousers and perhaps variations such as different waistband styles, more or less flowy legs, and how to adjust a pattern to fit my own particular bottom.
ReplyDeleteMore dresses!
ReplyDeleteI would love to see more dresses. I think my wardrobe is about 90% dresses and skirts...I wear them everyday. :)
ReplyDeleteA pick between the bolero and the sheath dress in an easy one, for the favour of the dress. I personallu concider bolero to be bit dull and unfitting item. Sure, the pattern pictures look lovely, but in reality I've seen only couple boleros that actually fit and flatter the wearer. Of course, there could be a challange for you :).
ReplyDeleteThe Joanesque sheath dress sounds totally amazing. However, the lack of a day sheath dress made me wonder your other dresses? Are all of those wide skirted? And if one is more festive, even a ball gown, how much variation you really have going on? No matter what you decide, it would seem that people really love dresses (me too) and they have different tastes, so ie. only 2 day dresses might seem like a little, especailly if they have similar style.
And lastly, I think that trousers would be wonderful addition, but a complicated one too. On the other hand, so is the coat AND the jacket. Cute or smart coat and jacket patterns would of course be superb, and many people often have difficulties finding a fitting jacket/coat, but I would suspect that many are more timid to try to sew a jacket or coat than a pair of trousers. But maybe that's exactly why you are writing your book. :)
I'm in for the dress!
ReplyDeleteI don't care about trousers :) And there are enough bolero patterns in the world. Go dresses!
I'm also of the opinion that there is no such thing as too many dresses, so given the option between that and a bolero I'd vote dress. However, I do agree with those suggesting pants. You've covered other separates and that seems to be the only thing missing. I love cigarette pants, but I think even a nice, basic straight leg trouser would be a great addition. It would round out your selection nicely.
ReplyDeleteI love boleros, but I hardly ever wear them, so I'd vote for another dress. My wardrobe already has a lot of dresses, but I'm always one too short!
ReplyDeleteI am on team trousers! A pair of great retro trousers would be awesome.
ReplyDeleteMmmmmmmm I must not be your audience. 0% dresses for me.
ReplyDeleteMy guess is you are not doing pants because they are a lot of work and most home sewers struggle with them, and no one I know has ever worn them once finished. Making my pants from scratch was rough, and I went to fashion school and have been sewing for 15 years or more. The fit we require with pants is not easy to get, and you have to know how to fix the pattern once you find the problems. Seems like pants would need a separate book because of all the extra information that would need to be put in...
ReplyDeleteTrousers please! For me, separates rule.
ReplyDeleteI would love it if my wardrobe were at least 30 percent dresses--that's what I'm aiming for in my sewing, anyway.
ReplyDeleteIn place of the bolero, I would love to see another dress--especially one fit for the divine Mrs. Harris! But as Toria said, perhaps a pants/trouser pattern would make more sense and cover all the bases.
BTW, booksandwool--I've never heard the desire to sew only/mostly dresses explained so succinctly and so well! It's so true!
ReplyDeleteI'd love a trouser pattern. It seems like there are TONS of great dress patterns out there already. Trousers and blouses seem to be lacking though.
ReplyDeleteWhen given only bolero/dress, dress wins. But trousers are even more awesome.
ReplyDeleteI wish you the best of luck!
I'm down for the trouser too, tho I must say I do like a bolero, as a tattooed woman who likes to wear dresses I find I can get the coverage I need when I am in conservative but dressy situations. I'm always on the lookout for a cool little jacket that covers the arms and still shows off the dress!
ReplyDeletePersonally, I have just recently fallen in love with the whole bolero/half jacket concept. On the other hand, they are mostly useful as something to accompany a dress, so sure, more dresses!
ReplyDeleteI think trousers would be a great addition.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, my favorite thing is that there are no pants on the roster. I, like Patty, think pants might be a whole 'nother book, and I would rather have more skirts and dresses. I wear dresses 75% of the time. In Minnesota, even this winter. I would rather have a bolero than a coat, and maybe even more than a jacket. I selfishly want a chapter heavy on the tailoring, but feel you could do that with a jacket.
ReplyDeleteI vote for another dress please. I see a lot of people want trousers, but I feel like pants deserve their own books and it is incredibly difficult to get a pants pattern that most people will be satisfied with, so a beautiful dress is the best option!
ReplyDeleteI am so looking forward to your book, I would prefer another dress pattern or another blouse.
ReplyDeleteI am a beginner so although I sew skirts and dresses because they are easy I actually wear pants most of the time. I'd love you to include a pants pattern because that's definitely a weak area in my sewing (and I have a couple sewing books already by various well known female fabric designers and they are all skirts and dresses). Never worn a bolero in my life.
ReplyDeleteI am always most attracted to dress patterns. I don't wear them a lot in winter but for spring and summer the are my favorite. Plus I can promise you I would never use the belro pattern.
ReplyDeleteDarling, you can NEVER have too many dresses! Proud to say I sewed my first dress at 8 years old (bless my sainted mother’s patience to teach me). When sewing to one’s own taste/design choice, dresses are IT - a garment that comprises one complete look, giving you extra impact. Go for it and add at LEAST one more. Pants, schmants. Consider adding a period hat or apron for fun!
ReplyDeleteMaybe you could include a dress that comes with a matching bolero, so you can wear the dress with or without it.
ReplyDeleteThe beauty of dresses is that you can throw one on and be done. For me they are the easiest way to get ready for work and I really need that.
ReplyDeleteWhile trousers do sound appealing, I'm not likely to make a pair of pants for a while so it wouldn't matter to me. Neither would I make a bolero.
I hope one of the blouses is similar to the bow-tied blouse. I love that one and haven't been able to find it.
I'm just now finishing up my crepe dress and I'm so impressed with all the techniques I have learned from that sew-along. I look forward to your book and I can't wait for it to be on the shelves!
Definately a dress. Boleros come and go on the fashion scene.
ReplyDeleteAngie R
More dresses would be my preference.
ReplyDeleteMore dresses! I have way too many already, but I love to sew them, and something like a fitted day dress sounds dreamy!
ReplyDeleteWell, thinking about the vogue book i'd say trouwsers please. And maybe the bolero as a bonus. And the dress for the special edition. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteditch the bolero. As cute as yours was, people really dont wear them much these days. If you felt inspired to do pants instead, that would be fantastic, and practical, but I can imagine that would need its own chapter, and to me, it doesn't really reflect what you've become known for....plus, if you indeed have a "killer joan holloway-inspired daytime sheath" on offer, I'm dying to see it!
ReplyDeleteI'm certainly in favor of dresses over boleros... although I wouldn't mind a trouser pattern instead. :)
ReplyDeleteHey Gertie, I say the more dresses the better! Don't get me wrong, I love a little bolero jacket, but I love dresses even more - making them,wearing them. I can't wait for your book, it sounds excellent!
ReplyDeleteAs much as I suspect I will get around to making a bolero eventually to compliment some of my vintagy dresses that leave me chilly...I LOVE DRESSES. Favorite thing to make, favorite thing to wear. I would vote for the Holloway dress hands down.
ReplyDeleteYour book will be at the top of my gift hint list when it comes out.
I definitely vote for a dress over a bolero. But I would vote for just about anything over a bolero. I just can't pull them off. And I feel that they look dated (bad), not vintage-chic (good). If that makes sense. Just my 2 cents.
ReplyDeleteYES! Yes please! Dresses are the easiest way to get dressed in the morning and I can't get enough!
ReplyDeleteTROUSERS - It is this garment (post world war one) that marks the historical transformation of women which, in turn, "allows" us to hybridize our image as we do.
ReplyDeleteDresses are awesome and I can't get enough of them, but a little cute bolero or two would be fun to add to my wardrobe as I have none and I love the style!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for your book!!
I used to sew only dresses but a few months ago I decided I needed to learn to fit pants. It took me a while to get it right, but I've sewn several pairs since and I love them and wear them to death! Dresses are easier, but most women also need pants in their wardrobe. I vote for a pair of cigarette pants, maybe with interesting pocket details.
ReplyDeleteMore dresses please! I fins since starting to make my own clothes I want to wear more dresses. It may be that I'm scared of making trousers but I think I'm more comfortable in dresses and skirts.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see the book!
mad men dress please!
ReplyDeleteDress please! My wardrobe is more like 85% dresses.
ReplyDeleteJoan Holloway dress!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm a fan of diversity, so trousers or the bolero feel better to me as a way to povide a really well rounded book. But I will be honest that I have no problem with more dresses. :)
ReplyDeleteMy wardrobe is about 80% dresses - so I vote more dresses!
ReplyDeleteWhat about a cardigan or wrap instead of the bolero? I know I reach for a layer almost every single day. A cardigan or wrap would hark back to the bolero while being more accessible and more of a staple of a modern day wardrobe.
ReplyDeleteDresses dresses dresses please !
ReplyDeletemy vote is for pants too. I have been yearning to learn how to make some nice dress pants.
ReplyDeleteMore dresses please!
ReplyDeleteMore dresses please!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for the book to come out!
I adore dress patterns but just don't wear dresses all that often; the dresses that I do turn to again and again are warmer knit dresses. Lighter dresses just don't cut it most of the year when you take the bus in Canada. And, to be soul-baringly honest, I just don't shave that much (canada... cold weather... sensitive skin... hair removal = skin freakout).
ReplyDeleteI love boleros/shrugs because they help me warm up cooler weather tops. They can also be so flattering, i think - particularly to pear shaped women - because they can help balance out the hips.
Go for the dress! :) Joan Holloway-inspired? Sounds brilliant already!
ReplyDeleteI'd rather more dresses or another jacket, because I don't wear boleros at all.
ReplyDeleteWill we be able to buy the patterns? I don't like those that you have to print out, wasting your own toner, and taping together. Ugh!
Looking forward to the book!
Thanks for featuring a BG pattern!
An extra dress please!
ReplyDeleteThe dress sounds fascinating, but to be honest my wardrobe is about 90% separates (and the bottoms are mostly trousers).
ReplyDeleteBut dresses fall into the category of pattern love, so I'm happy either way:)
More skirts! But if that's not possible, then more dresses...
ReplyDeleteMore dresses, please! I'll take a dress over a bolero any time. As a busty girl, boleros look like crap on me anyway.
ReplyDelete