{"id":78340,"date":"2022-02-14T07:08:28","date_gmt":"2022-02-14T12:08:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/?p=78340"},"modified":"2022-02-13T21:41:44","modified_gmt":"2022-02-14T02:41:44","slug":"color-blocking-with-the-advisors-circle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/blog\/2022\/02\/color-blocking-with-the-advisors-circle.html","title":{"rendered":"color-blocking with the advisors circle"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><i>One of the things we like to do in the <a href=\"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/labels\/advisors-circle\">Advisors Circle<\/a> is to experiment with different ways to use our patterns. Today, <\/i><i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/studiobluemakes\/\">Dyann<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/sewmelwyk\/\">Melanie<\/a>\u00a0show off their different approaches to color-blocking the <a href=\"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/shop\/fira-dress-top-sewing-pattern.html\">Fira Dress + Top<\/a>! \u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n<p>Liesl often bounces around ideas for patterns or alterations to existing patterns in conversations with the Advisors Circle. Recently she was talking about color-blocking, which just happens to be a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instyle.com\/fashion\/clothing\/colorblocking-trend-spring-2022\">spring 2022 trend<\/a>. Melanie and Dyann both had ideas for trying this technique out on the same pattern: the Fira Dress and Top. They used different views and came up with very distinctive results. Here they are to tell you about them in their own words.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-78350 size-full\" src=\"\/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-pin.jpg\" alt=\"How to color-block a swing pattern.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"946\" srcset=\"\/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-pin-1200x649.jpg 1200w, \/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-pin-500x394.jpg 500w, \/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-pin-760x599.jpg 760w, \/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-pin-768x605.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Dyann&#8217;s color-blocked Fira Dress<\/h2>\n<p>The Fira dress was a fun pattern to color-block. I love how the color from the back peeks over the shoulders on the yoke. I considered a print for the front, but chose to keep it simple to bring out the sophistication of the silhouette. It\u2019s such a lovely neckline.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-78341 aligncenter\" src=\"\/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1639\" srcset=\"\/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-1-1200x649.jpg 1200w, \/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-1-500x683.jpg 500w, \/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-1-760x1038.jpg 760w, \/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-1-768x1049.jpg 768w, \/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-1-1125x1536.jpg 1125w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The fabric is Kaufman\u2019s Manchester yarn-dyed cotton in the Pepper and Royal colors. It has a slight bit of heft while maintaining a nice drape. I only cut the dress front from Royal. Everything else was cut from the Pepper, so no pattern manipulation was needed to achieve the color-blocking.<\/p>\n<p>A little bit of thought went into the topstitching around the sleeve edges and on the hem stitching. I didn\u2019t want to use the blue on the gray areas, so I used gray thread in the bobbin. When I got to the gray portion, I flipped the dress over and sewed it from underneath.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-78342 size-full\" src=\"\/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-2.jpg\" alt=\"How to color-block a dress.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1698\" srcset=\"\/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-2-1200x649.jpg 1200w, \/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-2-500x708.jpg 500w, \/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-2-760x1075.jpg 760w, \/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-2-768x1087.jpg 768w, \/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-2-1086x1536.jpg 1086w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>I used a size 10, which is my usual size in Liesl + Co. patterns. I did make a couple of alterations for fitting. I lowered the bust dart by 1&#8243; and pulled it back about 1\/2&#8243; using notes from <a href=\"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/blog\/2021\/11\/the-fitting-room-lyndseys-fira-dress.html\">Lyndsey\u2019s wonderful Fitting Room post<\/a>. I also lengthened the bodice by 1 1\/2\u201d.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-78343 size-full\" src=\"\/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-3.jpg\" alt=\"How to color-block a dress sewing pattern.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1725\" srcset=\"\/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-3-1200x649.jpg 1200w, \/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-3-500x719.jpg 500w, \/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-3-760x1093.jpg 760w, \/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-3-768x1104.jpg 768w, \/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-3-1069x1536.jpg 1069w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>I look forward to making this again in the future as a top.<\/p>\n<h2>Melanie&#8217;s color-blocked Fira Top<\/h2>\n<p>When challenged to color-block the Fira, I realized that the pattern lends itself to additional style seam lines. So I decided to add a few more to create a harlequin look. I had two tones of shirt-weight denim left over from an earlier dress project. These are low-contrast, so I thought alternating blocks of color would be subtle but effective.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-78346 size-full\" src=\"\/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-5.jpg\" alt=\"How to color-block a top.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1574\" srcset=\"\/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-5-1200x649.jpg 1200w, \/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-5-500x656.jpg 500w, \/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-5-760x997.jpg 760w, \/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-5-768x1007.jpg 768w, \/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-5-1171x1536.jpg 1171w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>These are the changes I made to the Fira to make this idea work:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Added a 1\/2&#8243; seam allowance to the front panel instead of cutting on a fold.<\/li>\n<li>Added a 1\/2&#8243; seam allowance to the outer back yoke instead of cutting on a fold.<\/li>\n<li>Shortened by 3&#8243; to fit onto my fabric remnants.<\/li>\n<li>Created a hem facing from the darker fabric in order to have a tiny 1\/4&#8243; hem depth.<\/li>\n<li>Pieced together fabric to make blocks large enough to cut the yokes and body from the more oddly shaped remnant of lighter fabric.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-78348 size-full\" src=\"\/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-7.jpg\" alt=\"DIY color-blocked dress and top.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"\/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-7-1200x649.jpg 1200w, \/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-7-500x375.jpg 500w, \/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-7-760x570.jpg 760w, \/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-7-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Then it was on to cutting alternating colors for each section of the top. I sketched out a color plan to keep myself on track. I carefully cut single pieces from each color so that they fit together and all faced the right direction. I cut all the dark ones first so that I could use them to make sure I was cutting the light ones with the correct orientation.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-78347 size-full\" src=\"\/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-6.jpg\" alt=\"DIY color-blocked blouse.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1546\" srcset=\"\/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-6-1200x649.jpg 1200w, \/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-6-500x644.jpg 500w, \/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-6-760x979.jpg 760w, \/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-6-768x989.jpg 768w, \/\/o.osimg.net\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-6-1192x1536.jpg 1192w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This was a creative project that I really enjoyed! These lovely denim scraps were the perfect mix for this colour-blocked project. There are a few key points to remember if you are interested in doing the same. First, be very careful about the orientation of the pattern pieces so that you cut all your sections with the right sides facing out and in the correct direction; you don&#8217;t want two left front sides, for example. Next, don&#8217;t be afraid to piece bits together if you need to make a larger section of fabric. Patchwork fits right in with this kind of color-blocking. And finally, have fun with your scrap sewing!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Color-blocking is a spring 2022 trend. Two of our advisors stopped by to show their unique takes on this technique using the Fira Dress + Top pattern.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6023,"featured_media":78349,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[20687],"tags":[20783,20850],"class_list":["post-78340","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general","tag-advisors-circle","tag-fira"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/color-block-hero.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p5jZS5-kny","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":77909,"url":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/blog\/2021\/10\/the-advisors-circle-sews-the-fira-dress-top.html","url_meta":{"origin":78340,"position":0},"title":"the advisors circle sews the fira dress + top","author":"Masha Richart","date":"October 19, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Our Advisors Circle has sewn up some beautiful versions of the Fira Dress + Top. Check them out in this post.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;general post&quot;","block_context":{"text":"general post","link":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/list\/general"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/oliverands.com\/community\/content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/firaAChero.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":65877,"url":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/blog\/2018\/06\/color-blocked-cartwheel-wrap-dress-tutorial.html","url_meta":{"origin":78340,"position":1},"title":"color blocked cartwheel wrap dress tutorial","author":"Rachel Le Grand","date":"June 1, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"As part of our Advisors Circle, Darcy is here to show you how she color blocked the Oliver + S Cartwheel Wrap Dress.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;tutorials&quot;","block_context":{"text":"tutorials","link":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/list\/tutorials"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/oliverands.com\/community\/content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/colorblockF.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":79058,"url":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/blog\/2022\/05\/sharons-fira-top.html","url_meta":{"origin":78340,"position":2},"title":"sharon&#8217;s fira top","author":"Lyndsey Stanfill","date":"May 23, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Sharon has created a light and airy piece for her summer wardrobe with the Fira Top. She's sharing why she thinks this is a clever pattern and why the feminine touch makes it perfect for her.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;general post&quot;","block_context":{"text":"general post","link":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/list\/general"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/oliverands.com\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Liesl-Co-Hero-Sharon-Fira.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":78207,"url":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/blog\/2022\/01\/meet-the-new-advisors-circle-2.html","url_meta":{"origin":78340,"position":3},"title":"meet the new advisors circle","author":"Masha Richart","date":"January 19, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"We've gone through all the wonderful applications we received, and are delighted to introduce the new Advisors Circle.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;general post&quot;","block_context":{"text":"general post","link":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/list\/general"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/oliverands.com\/community\/content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/advisors-circle-feature.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":76363,"url":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/blog\/2020\/12\/the-advisors-circle-sews-the-noord.html","url_meta":{"origin":78340,"position":4},"title":"the advisors circle sews the noord","author":"Masha Richart","date":"December 28, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Two of our advisors sewed up the new Noord T-Shirt and Sweatshirt pattern and are sharing their versions on the blog today. Get inspired to get cozy!","rel":"","context":"In &quot;general post&quot;","block_context":{"text":"general post","link":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/list\/general"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/oliverands.com\/community\/content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/noord-hero-2.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":77041,"url":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/blog\/2021\/05\/the-advisors-circle-sews-marais.html","url_meta":{"origin":78340,"position":5},"title":"the advisors circle sews marais","author":"Masha Richart","date":"May 19, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"The Marais Knit Dress + Top is your go-to pattern for everything from a pajama top to a slinky dress. Check out what our Advisors Circle did with it, and get ready to be inspired!","rel":"","context":"In &quot;general post&quot;","block_context":{"text":"general post","link":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/list\/general"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/oliverands.com\/community\/content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/marais-hero.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78340","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6023"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=78340"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78340\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":78353,"href":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78340\/revisions\/78353"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/78349"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=78340"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=78340"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=78340"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}