The Ishi Dress




Hi everyone! This week will be very busy blogging wise I hope you won't get bothered of seeing my makings. :) I am starting off this week with a dress that has become my favorite - it's the Ishi dress, a pattern by Straight Grain

Straight Grain is a bloand indie pdf patterns brand run by An, a Belgian mom of two girls. An makes the most beautiful things in her own style and color combo, go check her blog and you will see what I mean.

Oh, and yes, this girl just had a major hair cut. About 15+ inches of a long ginger curly hair is being donated to a Cancer Treatment Center. It wasn't my intention to cut it this much - I was thinking a chin-shoulder length - but the hairdresser grabbed the scissors and cut it in the back like that before I could say a thing... I was speechless!... Glad I could save it somehow, because I suggested her that she would at least leave it a bit longer at the front, and I really like it that way.






Pattern: the Ishi dress, pattern by Straight Grain.


Fabric & Notions:
Striped chambray blend, dark navy blue linen, yellow piping and zipper.

Details:
This dress comes in sizes 1 to 10, with the following options: long and short sleeves, straight or slanted pockets, and an invisible zipper or button placket closure at the back. 

I was immediately in love when I first saw this dress. Its clean lines, A-line, princess seams, and big pockets make an all together great style. Sewing it up was really easy and rather quick!
And of course I had to add piping to those straight seams, right? They were screaming for it, it's not actually my fault. :) 






Lately I have been thinking if there is a style, a trait, a color, a je ne sais quoi (like the French say) that characterizes my makings and I think I don't... People like MieTrineTashaAna SofiaCelina, April, Rachel, have a style of their own, something that makes you know they made that when you see it anywhere around the web even before you read their name. 

One year ago I would say that using floral fabrics was a signature style of my own but now I don't think it is anymore. And I don't think there is a color or color combo I use a lot or a pattern style that I always tend to use... Do you? When you look at the things I make is there anything you see and think "oh, this is totally Sara!"?

Thinking about this I came to the conclusion that maybe it's because sewing is mostly experimental for me.

I have a few colors I love (all shades of blue, white, black, red and pink - yes, pink) but I force myself to experiment using others that I don't so much (yellow, orange, green) because I don't want to limit myself or influence (so much) my kids preferences, and the truth is, yellow is growing on me. :) 

And I use patterns that look so different because I do love to try new techniques and styles. I can sew up a modern looking dress and then a vintage one, with ruffles and gathers. And the thing is, this doesn't bother me. I love to try new patterns and designers, different styles, discover new ways to make things, try new (to me) methods even if they don't end up like they should (like my first attempt on Lattice smocking... :) )... 


I have to say I don't think it's a bad thing not having a signature style. Not all of us are (sewing) artists, right? :) Most of us are just moms sewing practical everyday clothes for their kids. But... why not make them with style? :) 

Can you relate with this? Is there something of your own that you think makes your sewing kind of unique? A color combo, a style, the kind of fabrics you use? 




There is a super fun contest with about $700 in prizes running over StraightGrain! You just have to sew up an Ishi dress and link it up here for a chance to win.

Here's the line up for this pattern tour! 


ishitour button


Happy sewing!

43 comments

  1. Ok, you've done it. This is my fav Ishi so far. The stripes are so perfect!
    And I totally love your whole perspective on the signature style thing...

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    1. Oh my Annika... Thank you so much for your kind words!

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  2. No signature style sewist here as well! But i think piping is a little you :) I just grab inspiration everywhere I can and try to get out of my comfort zone, wether it is in fabric choice or pattern choice (and new techniques are a big influence on choice ;) ). Like now, I just want to make a dress just like yours, it´s so gorgeous!

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    1. Go ahead Andreia! I really don't mind if people feel like making an exact copy of my makings, after all "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." :)
      And yes, of all people I knew you would understand me perfectly. We are so alike when it comes to sewing!

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  3. Lindo lindo lindo! O tecido, o vivo, as fotos com as riscas por detrás essa modelo deslumbrante! Tudo absolutamente perfeito. Clap clap clap!

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  4. She is so pretty and the dress looks great! I love the piping and the stripes :) My signature style, well, maybeI could say it's details and quite girly style otherwise I'm just like you, I want to try all colours/ patterns/ new techniques possible ;)

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    1. Yay for trying new things! :) It's a great feeling, isn't it?
      I agree you have an eye for details!
      And thanks!

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  5. This is SO COOL Sara!! And I totally love your daughter's new hair!! And thanks for thinking I have a signature style....maybe us with a signature style are just boring and always makes the same thing hahaha. Nothing wrong with liking lots of different styles, colors and prints!

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    1. Thanks my sewing guru, ahem, my lovely friend. :)
      Bothering us with your consistent style is completely impossible! Everything you make is amazing!

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  6. It seems like forever since I've visited your blog! But I saw this dress and background and I was in love! It's just perfect. Whenever I see something with your favorite colors, I know that it's you--especially red! And I'm flattered that you feel I have a signature style because there are times when I try to sew something and it just doesn't feel like me. I'm excited to see what else you will be sharing this week!

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    1. The same way around April!... It seems I'm not having all the time I want to read all my favorite blogs, yours included! :)
      Yes, red is my thing, absolutely, although I think I'm not using it that much these days... I need to do something about that... :) And did you noticed that I used yellow piping? I owe you my new love for yellow, even if it is just in the details, but I actually love it already and it's all your fault. :)

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  7. AnonymousJune 15, 2015

    I really love that hair-style! And also the style of the Ishi! Lately I had the same thoughts about 'my style'. I just think it's important to sew what you love, what you think is beautiful...and stick to that!

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    1. Thanks! I agree, in the end what matters is sewing what we love!

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  8. Thank you, Sara, for making such a stunning and original Ishi. I'm just in love with it! And I love your daughter's new cut. Norah is also saving to donate her hair.
    I don't care if you have a signature style or not. You make so many beautiful things, and that is what matters :-)

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    1. Thanks for having me An! <3 It was an absolute delight to sew this up!
      And thank you so much for your compliment!

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  9. AnonymousJune 15, 2015

    Great combo of fabric, print, colours and the piping of course! It turned out great!! Love it :-)

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  10. I think it's great that you like to experiment, always fresh and exciting! I love all your makes! I don't think I have a particular style either when it comes to kids clothes. Maybe, never thought about it.

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    1. Glad you find my experiments fresh and exciting, my friend! :) Most of the times I dare to make something new or out of my comfort zone I feel insecure about my choices... :)

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  11. Não sou assim a fã n°1 do Ishi dress, mas ADOREI a tua versão. Está impecável, as cores e os tecidos combinam na perfeição! Adoro mesmo! A tua filhota é gira que se farta e o cabelo mais curto fica-lhe muito bem, mas imagino a carinha dela quando o viu tão curto ��

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    1. Obrigada Tânia! Para uma não-fã do Ishi isso é um elogio bem grande!
      Ela adorou o penteado! Reagiu super bem, melhor do que eu! :) :)

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  12. This is so cute, Sarah! Her hair suits her perfectly, and is just as adorable as ever! I need to get on the Ishi bandwagon and make one too :).

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  13. Sara, este é o Ishi mais giro que já vi! Está mesmo, mesmo o máximo!
    Adoro o background das fotografias e o novo corte de cabelo da tua filha.
    Muitos parabéns!

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    1. Obrigada Marta!
      O background das fotos foi escolhido a dedo para combinar com o vestido! :)

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  14. Replies
    1. And I totally hear you about that signature style! Though a few of my sewing buddies seem to 'recognize' my style, I call myself eclectic ;)

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    2. Thanks Mieke!
      And yes, I think you also have a style of your own!

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  15. This dress is one of my favourite versions and your daughters hair is gorgeous!!

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  16. Love the way you played with the direction of the stripes. And I totally agree - the princess seams were practically begging for piping ;) As for a signature style... I am with you! I don't think I have one.

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    1. They were begging for it and you heard them too! :) Love your Ishi!!

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  17. Lovely Sara. Your daughter is so pretty. How great to donate her hair! It looks gorgeous!

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    1. Thanks Suz. :) My next dress is the Dear Prudence! :) I am already playing with fabrics and style... Love this stage of sewing! :)

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  18. Love your version of the Ishi! Blue stripes are always my favorite, and when paired with this great pattern, it's a win! Also, I have to say I think your daughter's haircut is very chic - what gorgeous hair she has!

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  19. AnonymousJune 16, 2015

    it's stunning! perfect fabric combo! and a very sweet little girl.. :)!

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  20. AnonymousJune 16, 2015

    One of my favourite Ishi dresses, beautifully styled with the yellow stripes background. You daughter's new hair cut really suits her, I never knew you could donate hair to charity, what a fabulous idea.

    I love seeing what you make, signature style or not.

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  21. Oh Sara, you already know I think this one is perfection!! Amazing everything! And that girl looks so perfectly cute with her new hair style! GORGEOUS! Great job!

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  22. AnonymousJune 17, 2015

    Ficou tão giro!! Adoro as riscas e o piping amarelo ;)
    To be honest, I don't usually think I have a particular style. I just happen to fall in love with the same fabrics/prints over and over again ;)
    Your girl is so beautiful, she would look amazing no matter what. Nevertheles, the new haircut is perfect on her. Love it <3

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  23. Oh it is gorgeous !! Love the stripes and the piping is just perfect. And what a lovely little girl !

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Thank you for stopping by! Feel free to leave a comment and I will get back to you soon!