Friday 9 May 2014

Sewing Inspiration - Boden

OK, hands up who looks at fashion spreads in magazines and starts trying to work out what patterns/ fabric they could hack to make it themselves? 

I recently got sent the latest Boden catalogue, and in addition to a coupon which will allow me to replace a couple of seen-better-days fine knit cardigans (if you know me in real life or follow my Me Made May daily pics, you'll see I wear these just about every day!) there are some excellent knock-off-able looks which I am considering for summer sewing.

I have been somewhat scathing about Boden in the past, totally putting them into the Yummy Mummy box, but their last few seasons collections have been great!

The Lovely Linen dress could easily be made with a Colette Pastille dress bodice with a bit of piping and a gathered skirt (like an Emery if you needed a pattern rather than just using a big rectangle!)

Source: Boden, Colette Patterns (from the Sewing Handbook), Christine Haynes
I would use a lovely blue graphic floral rather than the yellow pictured here.


The 60s Ponte Dress is a dead ringer for a sleeveless funnel necked Coco:

Source: Boden, Tilly & the Buttons

With a little bit of tweaking (stitching down the pleats a bit and adding grosgrain ribbon to the waist), Maria Denmark's Paula pleat skirt could be just the ticket to make a version of the Poppy skirt:

Source: Boden, Maria Denmark
I think with a bit of tweaking of the wrap bodice pieces and addition of some braid (perhaps in a more tasteful colour than Boden's neon orange!), Cake Patterns Tiramisu could make a fab version of the Rosie dress:

Sourc: Boden, Cake Patterns
You could use Sinbad and Sailor's new Hepworth pattern with a little bit of neckline reshaping to make your own version of the Nancy dress (what is with all the yellow Boden?):

Source: Boden, Sinbad & Sailor

Do you like the new Boden looks?  Any you are planning to recreate?  What other fashion brands are inspitring your sewing this summer (or winter if you are in the southern hemisphere!)

13 comments:

  1. I loved the Boden catalogue this time as well - I have never bought anything from it but I do like to look at it and I really like your suggestions as to how to recreate some of the looks - the Lovely Linen dress is a bit Cambie shaped as well?

    I also love White Stuff - the shapes are straightforward but I have found it hard to find similar prints that aren't quilting cottons.

    Louise

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    1. thanks louise - yes it could be a cambie too! i also agree on white stuff - it would be so easy to recreate if you could get hold of the lovely prints they use!

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  2. I do this constantly. I'm not a massive Boden fan but tend to lust after designer stuff - love following the Red Carpet for inspiration.

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    1. i love your red carpet hacks sally - the stella mccartney one was inspired!

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  3. I have always been a total dedicated follower of Boden and if I ever buy RTW its either Boden (normally via ebay) or GAP. They just seem to get my style if not my actual life!

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    1. they definitely don't get my budget unfortunately!

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  4. Boden has definitely improved over the past few years, although, I did wonder if it's just that I've got older! Like your pattern hacks, and yes I do this all the time!

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  5. I just did this very thing this morning with the new Pepperberry catalogue... Stash, watch out- here I come...

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    1. haha. definitely! i should look at hacking pepperberry - i always like what i see in the window but i don't have the assets to fill them, so hacking should be a good way to get them!

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  6. I have just been looking at the Boden autumn catalogue and have been doing this as well :-). Glad to know I am not alone. I like their stuff but out of my budget. There are some lovely things that are easily hackable from pattern stash

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  7. Gorgeous fabric and these are really cute dress.
    African Fabrics, African Wax Print

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  8. great work. look so gorgeous and pretty. love them all
    Sequin Fabrics

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Thanks for your comment - it's great to hear from you!