First, let me just state my disclaimer. If you have followed this blog for any time you already know I am a bit of a fussy bug when it comes to how people dress in public. I am a traditionalist, I do not apologize for that, I am a child of the 50's and 60's when dressing well was expected and little interpretation was required. There was never, ever someone wearing pajamas in public.
What drives me to go at this subject again? Well, while with husband at doctors appointment this morning, a young woman entered in what was presumably the current style of "leggings." There were NO undergarments, there was not one inch of her that was left to interpretation including the fact that the said leggings, (let me take a deep cleansing breath) were translucent! Yes! In addition, the upper garment was slashed with large cuts that shifted when she moved and things were exposed. An elderly gentleman removed and replaced his eyeglasses several times, skewing his face mask each time. He looked at me with a shocked expression. I was hoping he didn't grab his chest and fall to the floor! What in the world has happened here? Seriously, I truly cannot believe what I saw.
That brings me to appropriate dress, not some shabby sweatshirt, frayed at the cuffs with washed out colors. NO. We aren't cleaning out the barn, we are going to the grocery, to lunch with a friend, or a check up with our doctor.
Here we have a stunning interpretation of just how beautiful a stylized sweatshirt can be fashioned. You don't need to be decked out, head-to-toe in designer labels. I have shared this item before from Quilty Friend, Terri. It is worth a re-run. Now, I am fully aware that most of us do not have the talent to create something like this, but come on people, let's step up the look a bit, OK. What you wear in your own home is your business, but in the public eye, you need to be aware that sensitive people, children, and men of all ages will be looking at you. Not to mention women with good taste and modesty. OK, I'm done. For now. 
OK, so what makes this piece work?
- First, the color palette. Terri is really good with colors. Her blocks her were chosen with care, not entirely matched, but in the same families. Get yourself a good color wheel and study. You can do this too! The design is balanced. This is something that needs to be tested on you, change up the blocks before you stitch them down. Make sure the pattern emphasizes the right places.
- Terri disassembled the shirt, removed cuffs, and bottom band. By making a flat base, the design is easier to balance.
- Remember that the stitching, the quilting, the trimming, will draw up some of the fabric. She recommends choosing a sweatshirt about one size larger than you normally wear.
- Note the binding trim, perfect contrast, it has direction, motion, and visually confines the design. Without this, it would appear unfinished. It would not be as fashionable.
In recent reading and research I am seeing some movement in the RTW (ready to wear) toward clothing with nicer design lines that flatter the figure, not big boxy cuts. Not just in high end wear, in big-box stores too. Now quality construction, well I cannot speak to that but it is a bit of a trend. Will it stick? Who knows, we have all become more accustomed to very comfortable and casual clothing. Our bespoke pieces can be comfortable, they can be casual, they can be flattering. Yes, we can do this.
A lady named Rhonda Williford has a curated photo collection much like Terri's on Pinterest, HERE, DO TAKE A LOOK!
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