Oh Tessuti, how I love you

Tuesday 1 April 2008
I've been told that Tessuti means fabric in Italian, but it is also the name of a fabbo dress fabric shop here in Sydney, so the title of this post is true on both levels. They sell the most wonderful fabrics sourced from places such as Italy and France, and have a large and wonderful range. If you’re a Sydneysider get yourself there quick smart and expect to add to the fabric stash in a serious way, but if you’re from further afield all is not lost because they have also have a mail order service so check them out: http://www.tessuti.com.au/.

Since the lovely Colette from Tessuti’s has left a few charming comments on my previous posts, I thought I would show my appreciation by showing something I have made from their fabric. One of the fabrics I bought from there about two years ago is a lovely and soft cotton, in a black and white floral print splashed with some red chrysanthemums. It sat in my stash for a while as I needed time to settle on a project worthy of its loveliness.
















I made a simple shift dress made from Simplicity 9404, which is actually designed for knit fabrics but had enough ease in the pattern to be worn as a fitted shift. I kept the lines of the dress rather simple because the fabric was so beautiful I wanted it to be the focus rather than the construction details. The dress is so comfortable, and the fabric wears so well that by the end of the day there's hardly any wrinkles at all.

I do recommend you have a look at Colette’s blog, it has customers creations, her own amazing garments and new fabrics coming into the store. Truth be told however I’m too bashful to wear one of my creations from their fabric in the store because the standard of what everyone else comes up with is just outstanding!


Oh, and please ignore the shocking state of the floorboards and skirting in this photo, this was taken in the sunroom of our house which is yet to be renovated......

10 comments:

  1. I have been lurking for a bit and I am really enjoying your projects. You have a great eye for matching fabric to pattern and you know what is flattering on you. Thanks for sharing!

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  2. I am mad about cotton prints, hence my name Cotton Picker. That is a beautiful print. I think you did the right thing to keep the design simple.

    I only recently found your blog and am really enjoying reading about your sewing projects.

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  3. Thankyou for the lovely compliment. We are very passionate about our fabrics and we are grateful that there are sewers like yourself that appreciate quality dress fabrics. Not only do I think you are worthy of coming into the store wearing your creations but I also think you should enter our Tessuti awards in September. Hope to see you soon.

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  4. sorry Kristy, I published the last comment too quickly and forgot to add that the dress you made up in our Japanese cotton is fabulous...the pattern you chose is perfect. Hope to see it up close one day . Thanks again.

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  5. I work with Kristy and she is wearing this fabulous creation at work today - it looks even more amazing up close! In the office we are all jelaous of Kristy's abilities when it comes to sewing and making fantastic outfits - she puts the rest of us with our OTR office clothes to shame.

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  6. Hey there! Thanks for the nice comment, and it's always grouse to appear on someone's 'favourites' list! Oscar is exceedingly handsome and I love his ability to insert himself into pictures. Squid does that too. "I don't know what we're doing here, boss, but I want to be involved. Helping!"

    Never been to Tessuti but next time I'm up north, I must check it out.

    Your garments are very nifty. Are you at the stage where everything you wear is something you own? That's my ultimate goal.

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  7. This is my first visit but I have to say that I love your dress! You did that pattern right!!!! The simple shape and the busy fabric added together creates a stunning garment!

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  8. Hey I just came here from Dress-a-Day and here you are, another Sydney-sider who loves Tessuti! I work up the road from my favourite Tessuti shop and have had to ban myself from lunchtime excursions down there-my pay was disappearing too quickly, and my fabric cupboard threatening an avalanche of projects waiting for me...

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  9. Oh, that's such a gorgeous dress! I came over from the Colette's blog and I too am a big fan of theirs.

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