Date: 10/13/09 2:36 PM

Next month is my 28th wedding anniversary and I want to make something to wear with friends out to eat. I love Simplicity 2816 belted jumper with the turtleneck and some black opague hose and some black boots. Do you think someone 52 years old is too old to wear something like this? If I could pull it off, what kind of fabric would you suggest I use? I haven't seen on PR where anyone here has made it. I was hoping to get some advise.

Next page>>

Reply to halleyscomet
Date: 10/13/09 6:43 PM

I think this would be really cute and no, I don't think you're too old for it at all. I'm thinking a dark plaid that you could turn on the bias for the yoke just to add some interest at the top? Or a vibrant emerald green or blue wool crepe that would look good with black hose? I hope you do a review when you get it done.

Congratulations on 28 years!

JT

Next page>>

Reply to halleyscomet
Date: 10/13/09 7:02 PM

Married 28 years..you poor thing, In that case I think the jumper, which is a classic and can be worn by all ages btw..is a perfect choice providing DH purchases new accesssories for the ensemble...maybe some nice diamonds to set off the black of the boots..

Next page>>

Reply to poorpigling
Date: 10/13/09 7:08 PM

Oh good! I was hoping I could get away with something like this! With being short, I don't do plaids well and I was thinking about a solid color to make me look taller and slimmer....maybe a wool ottoman blend with a little stretch. What do you think?

Oh....28 years...time flies when you're having fun! My DH should be given a medal!!! No wait...we both should be given medals!

Next page>>

Reply to halleyscomet
Date: 10/13/09 7:51 PM

I'm 50 and my mom recently said to me, "If it looks good on you, WEAR IT!" She is such a great role model to me in so many ways.

Next page>>

Date: 10/14/09 8:25 PM

Goodness, why *wouldn't* you wear that? It's classy, classic, and adorable. Wool was my first thought, as well, although it would also look beautiful in a good-quality satin for a *really* dressy dinner. And I think you're right--a nice heavy stable knit would also look terrific.

Is the bodice lined? I will say I'm not entirely crazy about how it's clinging to the top the model has underneath it. Also, you might want to be careful of the width of the belt; anything too wide might overwhelm a petite.

Congratulations and have fun!

------
~Gem in the prairie

Next page>>

Reply to stirwatersblue
Date: 10/15/09 8:40 AM

Yes the bodice is lined. What about a wool flannel? I agree with the width of the belt. I planned on using a a belt under an inch wide. I did cut out a muslim last night. I'm anxious to see how I will look in this.

Next page>>

Date: 10/16/09 3:51 PM

Well, I love wool flannel. I've worked with it several times (in historical applications), and it sews beautifully, feels absolutely delicious, and works wonderfully in softly structured applications. I will say, though, that I've only purchased it from dealers who work with historical costuming, so I don't know how much that wool flannel compares to "modern" wool flannel (obviously it's all modern, but you know what I mean!), like you'd buy from a more typical retailer.

------
~Gem in the prairie

Next page>>

Reply to halleyscomet
Date: 10/16/09 10:03 PM

Oh, I like that jumper...to take this into dinner dress and away from schoolish, wear some killer boots with heels. What color did you decide on? Cobalt blue? Emerald green? I agree with you that a solid would be easier on a petite body. I wonder what the jumper will look like without the belt? It might be a really nice look too. I hope you keep us posted. Congratulations on the 28 years!!

------
my blog: http://kf-biblioblog.blogspot.com/
Sewing through my pattern stash-95
completed.

Next page>>

Reply to marec
Date: 10/17/09 10:58 AM

I just finished a muslin and it would actually make a cute summer dress with nothing under it and no belt. I've got to do some tweaking to get the fit better but otherwise I think I am going to like it. I haven't decided yet on a fabric. I do have a pretty plum colored double knit with a slight stretch to it but I'm not sure if I want to go wit it or a wool type of fabric. Since I have big calves and short legs, it's almost impossible to find boots to fit me but I do have a pair of slightly pointy black booties that I thought would look cute with this.

Next page>>