Date: 6/9/05 8:35 AM

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the boards, but I figured this was the best place to put this question. I am loving the deconstructed look that you see in a lot of stores now, some with unfinished hems, some with seems on the outside, and some that just seem to be fabric draped appropriately.

I won't let myself buy any of it because it is "so easy to make" but I'm afraid if I really do try to make it, it won't look natural - it'll simply look like an unfinished garment.

Has anyone tried this style yet? Do you have any tips? What are your feelings on it?

Thanks,
-Alyson

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Date: 6/9/05 8:46 AM

I made one. It was easy and fun to make. It's also pretty fun to wear, but I do wonder if people look at it and ask themselves, "what in the world is she thinking?" Here's a detail photo.



Here's a link to the review:

Pink tweed suit with raw edge jacket

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Date: 6/9/05 9:03 AM

Redhead- I think your jacket looks great on you- you did a great job on the fit.
I'm older I guess and I work so hard to finish my seams and even the seams on the inside to look nice and neat that I don't understand the unfinished look. If something of mine doesn't look good on the inside and if I wear it I make sure no one sees the inside. It would sure make life a lot easier tho. I could never make anything and not hem it. I would say just go for it- I have seen these clothes in TRW, and I don't think you could really make a mistake. This should be an interesting post.

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Penny

Fabric Mart Bundle Fabric sewn- 10.5 yds

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Date: 6/9/05 10:34 AM

Interesting, yes. The best deconstructed clothing I have seen in the fancy boutiques are ones wich is clearly made with thought and care. Sometimes the deconstructed seams are contrasted with very fine embroidery or other emebellishments. Sometimes the seams are interestingly juxtapositioned to each other. Sometimes several fabrics are interestingly combined. Sometimes the whole garment sort of make a clever and irreverent "comment" on a classic theme or artist.

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Date: 6/9/05 1:08 PM

I like it at -- age 55! I often turn to craftster.org to see what the teenagers are doing. I try to refine on their ideas, but honestly, they have no limits and I love their sense of "anything goes".

Nina

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Date: 6/15/05 2:08 AM

Some of Issey Miyake's patterns are intended to have unfinished edges, so if you prefer to start with a pattern, check them out. Vogue 2556 and 2814 both have at least some raw edges (although I did finish them when I made them! ) One hint - if you cut a raw edge on the bias, it won't ravel.

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There are no sewing mistakes - only opportunites for design features.

My blog: http://everythingjustsew.blogspot.com/

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Reply to alysonwonderlan
Date: 6/15/05 9:24 AM

Actually - I reviewed a deconstructed jacket few weeks ago based on a technique in the latest issue of Threads:

Deconstructed Chanel jacket

I wear this jacket more than just about anything else I've make this year. It was lots of fun and I want to make another one. This issue of Threads is still on newsstands.

I agree with Vibek that the word "deconstructed" is kind of a misnomer - The good RTW versions I've seen also appear to be pretty well made even though they *look* deconstructed.

Even though my jacket has raw, uncut edges, it also has Hong Kong seams to give it some durability.

Phyllis

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Sewing = Fashion
http://coudremode.com/

Luck happens when preparation meets opportunity.

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Reply to redhead
Date: 6/15/05 9:25 AM

Hey - how did I miss this one? I love it!

------
Sewing = Fashion
http://coudremode.com/

Luck happens when preparation meets opportunity.

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Reply to PhyllisC
Date: 6/15/05 10:21 AM

Thanks! I liked yours also, particularly the fashion-forward color combination.

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Reply to Judy Williment
Date: 6/16/05 10:37 AM

Judy,

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll look into those patterns. It would definitely help me to have a pattern to start with that is supposed to look that way!

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