October 11, 2012

New Fall Collection: Meet Juliet Nouveau!

Juliet Nouveau is the last design in the new fall collection. This one may look familiar to some of you as it is the new version of the Juliet Tunic pattern that I introduced to the line in 2008. I have printed that pattern many times as it has been a popular one for the company. When it came time to make a decision about whether to print it again, I decided that there were a few things I wanted to do to the pattern pieces so I opted not to print the original pattern again and present a refined fit with some new design options.

Kaffe Fassett fabric for Westminster, trimmed with Riley Blake fabrics
Cross-tie belt featured

Juliet Nouveau has the same great lines as Juliet, but I added a bit of length and a little more fullness in the bust, refined the fit of the bodice by adding darts to the back, and made the skirt just the tiniest bit fuller at the lower edge. I am offering new ways to piece the skirt and added a maxi length to the mix. I kept the hip length cutting line for those of you who would like to make this design as a top, but we didn't show any of this length in the photos. I just wanted you to have that option if you want it!


Jennifer Paganelli Crazy Love Fabric for Free Spirit
 

The back darts that were added to the bodice and skirt are really a way to pull the design in a bit and give it a little more definition. If you would rather have a looser fit, you can always leave the darts out. You would just ignore them by not marking or stitching them in place. The rest of the construction remains the same. This design features a center back zipper.


Art Gallery Fabrics with wide ruffle variation and tie belt
 

On the variations, I feature the above knee, below knee, and maxi lengths. This design would look great with leggings and some cute boots for the fall season. This pattern pairs up well with a jacket or cropped cardigan because the skirt does not have too much fullness to it. I have worn it with both long and short jackets, so it is a great versatile garment to have in your wardrobe.


Lily Ashbury Trade Winds fabric for Moda, trimmed with Michael Miller print, maxi length
 

I have provided instructions for how to make the belt that crosses in front and ties in the back, adding a ruffle or hemband to the lower edge, making the skirt tiered, and you also have options on adding a contrasting trim between seams as you like.

 
Three Sisters Martinique fabric for Moda, pre-pieced fabric by the yard featured for skirt, tie belt

Juliet Nouveau looks great made up in cotton, heavy silk, rayon, lightweight wool, or linen. I am sure there are other fabrics that would work equally well, but those are some of my suggestions to get the ball rolling. I am really pleased with the myriad of looks that this pattern provides. I hope you are too!

 
Michael Miller fabrics, wide hemband with contrast featured

We plan on listing ALL of the new fall patterns over the weekend and we'll post here as well as on our Facebook fan page when they are up for sale.

Happy Sewing!