Say Hello to Capital Chic Patterns

6.26.2014

I'm always excited to find out about a new pattern company, because it means there are even more pretties to add to my collection. So it was no surprise that I yelled "Yes, Yes" when Sally of Charity Shop Chic contacted me about a new line of patterns she was starting. MOAR Patterns!

Sally's new line of patterns is called Capital Chic and focuses on work wear, cocktail wear and day-to-night looks.  The first collection features 6 patterns with clean lines and a modern style aesthetic.  The patterns are available as print-at-home and print-at-copyshop PDF files. You can check out the whole collection over at captialchicpatterns.com.

Disclaimer time - Sally gave me the option of testing what ever patterns caught my fancy for free, in exchange for my feedback. The two patterns I chose to test were the cocktail dress Martini and the button up blouse Bellini.   I also used it as an excuse to buy a bunch of fabric. Sorry stash busting pledge.  I tested the beta versions of the patterns, however no major changes were made for the final version. So what you see in my sample garments is what you'll get in the purchased version. OK, now on to the fun stuff.

Martini -  Have I ever told you that I'm secretly a cocktail dress junkie?  It must stem from some past life hobnobbing with Don Draper at ritzy bars.  Oh Don, you're such a cad, now bring me another cocktail. Being a fictional character, Don never did bring me that drink. That's OK, I sewed myself a martini instead.
Martini can be sewn as a one-piece dress or a two piece pencil skirt and crop top combo.  I chose the one piece dress version because "my girls" would be working overtime trying to exit the bottom of the crop top. They're sneaky like that. The one piece dress still gives you the illusion of wearing a separate top without having to worry about the effects of gravity. Seems like a win win to me.
One thing that really impressed me about Sally's patterns is that they are designed to be as pretty on the inside as on the outside.  On Martini both the bodice and skirt are lined and then attached together with a french seam at the waist. The dress also has the detail of a zipper shield for the invisible zipper. I'll fully admit that I'm not a big sticker for finishing beyond overlocking. (*cough* lazy *cough*) But these kind of touches were appreciated by me as an experienced dressmaker.
Details you might like to know
Fitting - As someone with a bottom heavy hour glass figure, very little fitting was needed on this pattern. The skirt portion fit perfectly with no changes.  Due to my low set bust I had to lengthen the bodice by 1" to keep the bottom of the crop top below the girls.  I also made my standard fitting adjustments of 1/2" forward shoulder and dropping the bodice darts an 1".

Sewing confessions - I only skimmed the directions before choosing fabrics and didn't realize that the CB of the bodice self fabric is not attached to the zipper.  Probably would have chosen a black lining instead of cobalt if I'd known that. Oops (I did read the directions later, cause that's good testing and froggie was holding a ruler in a threatening manner.)
I love the textured ginkgo print suiting used for this sample, but it does not hold a press at all. That makes all the edges of the garment fluffy instead of my preferred crisp look.


Bellini - I also wanted to sew up one of the more causal patterns. You know, something a stay at home mom actually needs in her wardrobe. It also let me buy this cherry print broadcloth from Fabricmart. Cherries girls, Cherries!
Bellini is described as a loose fitting blouse with cap sleeves. While it has no darts, it still skims the body in a flattering manner. Bellini comes with two collar options, a straight collar and a scalloped one.  The scalloped one sold me on the pattern, but sadly it just didn't look right on me.  No matter, straight collars and I always get on.
Just like a Martini the insides are pretty, pretty.  Both the shoulder seams and side seams are sewn as french seams.  The armholes are finished with bias binding and the collar completely encloses the seam in a clean finish.
Details you might like to know
Fitting - Due to the looser fitting style, I didn't need to make many fitting adjustments on this pattern either.  I made the standard for me adjustments of  1/2" forward shoulder and 1/2" sway back. Looking at the finished garment I could have used a larger sway back adjustment  The shirt was also lengthened 5/8" for personal preferences.
Sewing confessions - Had this not been a pattern testing garment, then I would have added a side seam bust dart.. I think a little dart shaping on the front helps garments hang better on my body.

This garment was the first time I played with the buttonhole attachment on my snazzy Bernina 350.  In my excitement I made them a little too far away from the edge. Whoops.  It's good to know I'm human, right? ;)

To celebrate the launch of Capital Chic Patterns I'll be giving away a digital copy of the Martini pattern. To enter leave a blog comment and your information in Raffelcopter, so I have information to contact you if you win.  The drawing will run from 6/26/2014 till 7/3/2014.  Till then enjoy a candid of the Martini dress in action. The boy says we must DANCE!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

63 comments:

  1. looking fab! and call the peeking cobalt blue a "design feature" and you're good to go ;-) so my blog feed is blowing up about these new patterns, i better go read more!

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  2. Heather, you look absolutely stunning!!! Exquisite work on both of these makes. I'm hyperventilating here - the Martini looks incredible on you... I actually love the contrast lining, adds a nice little surprise at the back! And I love your cherry Bellini (new cocktail?!) as well! Thanks for sharing your pics of the insides too, I know that is something people are interested in. Thanks again for all your help during the testing process, you're a star :)

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  3. Wow! I am in love with the Martini! Just the right mix of modern and classic, it looks amazing on you too!

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  4. That martini looks great!

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  5. looking amazing heather! nice work.

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  6. The Martini dress was a stand-out for me too, and I love seeing it on you! I must buy this pattern immediatelly. Heather, you're looking AWESOME in these photos - and I love the bonus Des photobomb at the bottom!

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  7. Your Martini looks amazing- so flattering! That pattern is definitely my favorite of the bunch!!!

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  8. Wow, I love your Martini! Gorgeous makes as usual.

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  9. Your Martini dress is fabulous! I love that print! I'd make the same pattern, and maybe try out the crop top to go with some high waisted shorts, if I'm feeling really brave!

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  10. You look wonderful! I love the Martini - especially the floaty-ness of the bodice in the back! (Also I think I have that Ginko fabric...EOS? Good to know it doesn't press well)

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  11. wow, that's why it's been so quiet on her blog, which I read nearly since the beginning and love. I love the dress, too. simple yet very sophisticated and chic, just like the brand name. the blouse looks great, too, but it's a bit on the meh side for me to actually sew, but that might be just me.

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  12. Both of these are just lovely. And I like the cobalt lining with the rest of it. And now I need to go and check out these patterns.

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  13. The martini dress looks stunning on you - I hope you've lined up some exciting evening outings to show it off!

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  14. I want a Martini! LOVE this pattern! I wonder if it would work for my body type... i hope so.

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  15. OH MY GAH, THIS IS SO HOT ON YOU!!!!! I f-ing LOVE it! I really like the peep of blue at the back, too.

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  16. Ooh, how exciting! Your fabric choices are so lovely! I love the idea of the instructions telling you how to finish the inside nicely because I spend so much time puzzling over it in every garment.

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  17. You are such a stunner. The Martini dress looks amazing on you. If the cobalt blue looks closer to the one in the guts photo then I think it works a lot. I am a huge fan of wow lining and pops of color. No, I kinda of want my own Martini dress.

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  18. These are both such lovely garments! What a great, unique addition to the indie pattern world! No giveaway for me though, I'll just keep my fingers crossed that Sally is able to expand the size range soon ;)

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  19. Gorgeous dress! I love how it looks like a two piece but isn't.

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  20. Wow! That dress was made for you! Don would scoop you up in a heartbeat. I love those illusion waist-type dresses that are in style right now. The martini dress reminds me of them. Stunning dress. Then I scrolled down and saw the shirt!! squeal! Love that too! The green color goes perfect with your complexion. Even though it doesn't have a bust dart, you rock the look! Great job!

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  21. I love the design feature, just a glimpse of color on black and white... puuuurrrfect, wouldn't want it any other way.
    I must try that blouse, so pure and simple. Its even a PDF! oh how divine!

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  22. Ooh, That Martini dress is loooooooooooooooooovely! Very chic, but also very wearable looking. I'm looking forward to seeing all the new Capital Chic patterns popping up over the blogosphere.

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  23. I love your Martini dress, and I love the patterns. I wish Sally lots of luck with her new venture. I'd love to win the Martin pattern for myself :-)

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  24. I won't be able to use the pattern for a while... 8 months or so, but I love this pattern!

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  25. I adore this dress! Super, super cute! Would totally be work appropriate for my corporate office job.

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  26. Gorgeous dress! I don't have much need for a fancy cocktail dress either but won't be able to resist making my own now!

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  27. The Martini is stunning on you. Makes me want to take you out for cocktails myself!

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  28. Amazing dress, thanks for the giveway!

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  29. WOW!! I love your Martini, so pretty on the inside as well - I've spoken to Froggy & it simply must be had for the Down Under Spoolettes Frocktails event!
    What a beautiful new pattern range ;)

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  30. Oooh I like that dress! Very fun! And it looks like it moves well with dancing, excellent /\

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  31. This would be perfect to make for the cruise we've just booked!

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  32. Loving your Martini Dress!! I have been searching for a similar cocktail dress with the exposed midrife for ages!! The style suits you really well and I love your fabric choice too!! I especially love the peek-a-boo blue lining that shows through at the back :-)

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  33. LOVE the Martini dress on you Heather! Don should be proud to take you out on the town in that snazzy outfit! Agree about the bust dart thing on blouses - I think the Archer shirt would benefit from the same.

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  34. Va. Va. Voom. That Martini has clearly been shaken, not stirred. (Okay, I'm not entirely sure what I meant by that, only that it looks incredible on you.)

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  35. The martini is beautiful on you and I REALLY like the cobalt lining!

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  36. You are just perfection in these styles. Wow!

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  37. Fantastic dress! It looks amazing on you and I love being able to see the finishing details.

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  38. Your martini looks great, interesting to know about the inside finishing techniques.

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  39. I love this dress, I think I pinned a similar one from a runway show, don't remember the designer though

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  40. The dress looks amazing on you and I love the style, gorgeous. Honestly, I love the cobalt blue peaking out in the back. Beautiful blouse, too.

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  41. The dress looks amazing on you! Love both makes & I'm so excited for this new line!!

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  42. Love it, want it.

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  43. Love the pic of you and the little 'un dancing. Fab dress! The finishing details are special. I actually like the blue lining peeking out- it's a feature, not a bug.

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  44. Ok, that dress! I was loving it. And. Then.I .saw.the.back!!! So cool with the hint of lining showing! I want! I want!

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  45. That dress looks fabulous on you! This pattern is going on my wish list!

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  46. Love the dress definitely shaken not stirred

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  47. Oh my ... dress LOVE! Both makes are great.

    Please enter me, me, me, ME!

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  48. Louise Tomlinson-SylvestJune 28, 2014 at 12:34 PM

    I really like the way the cobalt lining peeps out at the back, a little hint of colour your not expecting. I really like the Bellini too- v cute :-)

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  49. I love both these makes, and I adore the fabrics too! Capital Chic Patterns looks like another winner!

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  50. Those are both great patterns and they look lovely on you!

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  51. that Martini dress is fantastic - so classic but unlikely any other pattern I've seen!

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  52. Oh that dress! Gorgeous!!

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  53. This is probably my second favorite of her patterns - this is the one that might actually get me into a dress again after such a long, long hiatus....

    Better break out the spray tan for my legs, though.

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  54. I like the bue showing at the back.

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  55. gorgeous fabric choice- I definitely want to give the Martini dress a try, lovely silhouette!

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  56. Loved your Martini dress so much that I quickly ordered it. I'm working on my muslin -- and have a couple of questions! Could you help me? Just send me your email address and I'll send you my questions! Thanks, "ewellons@nc.rr.com"

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  57. Love your martini! Awesome fabric choice too! I'd love to be enetered for the giveaway

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  58. I would love to win that gorgeous Martini dress pattern. You are making that dress sing. Thanks for having the giveaway.

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  59. Love your version of the Martini! I rather like the flash of coloured lining at the back too. Please add me to the draw!

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  60. You look fantastic in your Martini dress. I am loving the new collection of patterns. Well done Capital Chic!

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  61. I LOVE the Martini dress. When I first saw the pattern I just moved on because cropped tops and me just don't get along! But I do like that it is actually a dress. I think the peek of blue at the back is just magic - it was mean to be. Oh no, I can see my pattern box expanding as I type, cause I'm a sucker for a good dress.

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  62. Super cute blouse! May be a good pattern to dive into sewing more garments like that :)

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