FAQ – The Bestiaire 2 Capsule

The Bestiary returns for a new chapter. With new fabrics and new patterns, we continue the story with a backdrop of wild, untamed nature. The Maison Fauve wardrobe navigates between strength and softness, boldness and timelessness, for creations with high seduction power!

This capsule tells the story of our ever-renewed love for animal prints, in original materials and colors.

The Savage motif makes the cotton gabardine roar and offers a graphic look in its zebra version.

The Tiger viscose jacquard continues its power of attraction and reinvents itself in two new colors: a wildly elegant navy blue and a luminous cumin.

The "Femme Fauve" does not lose her boldness; she dares and explores new materials.

Suedette joins the Maison Fauve fabric library: the suede effect is beautifully rendered, its feel and appearance are velvety, and its weight and drape are perfect. Easy to sew, we offer it in a neutral, very easy-to-match palette: glazed brown, beige, and khaki.

The lightweight 100% virgin wool flannel is a marvel of softness and fluidity; its heather grey color is also just right, elegant. It pairs well with both powdery tones and bold colors. The little black dress transforms into an iconic storm-sky colored dress!

The patterns also blow hot and cold: the sensuality of the Cursive knit wrap top and the nonchalance of the Ex Libris overshirt, two pieces to curl up in come autumn.

The spirit of "Mots Bleus" persists: your creations speak for you. Through their radicality, freedom, or softness, they tell the story of the "Femme Fauve" silhouette. Follow me as we explore this new, high-spirited Bestiary.

Lookbook Le Bestiaire 2

Capsules Le Bestiaire 1 & 2

FAQ Summary

Questions about patterns

• Can the Ex Libris overshirt be lined?
• How does the Ex Libris overshirt fit?
• Which fabrics should be chosen for the overshirt?
• Can the Cursive wrap top be sewn on a sewing machine?
• Can the wrap top be transformed into a faux-wrap, dress, or bodysuit?
• Is the wrap top long or short? Can it be lengthened?
• Is the wrap top flattering on all body types?
• Can the wrap top be worn without a top underneath?

Questions about fabrics

• What is the difference between the Fauve and Cumin colors of the doupion?
• What projects can I sew with the lightweight wool flannel?
• What types of patterns is the suedette suitable for?
• What types of patterns is the new soft jersey knit suitable for?
• What can be sewn with the Savage cotton gabardine?
• Are the patterns on the Savage gabardine identical to those on the viscose poplin?

Questions about patterns

Can the Ex Libris overshirt be lined?

It is certainly possible, but it is not intended. Ex Libris is neither a winter jacket nor a coat, and although there are many fabric choices for sewing it, it was not designed as a garment that would be lined. There are no plans to offer this extension for the pattern.

How does the Ex Libris overshirt fit?

The overshirt has a straight cut. Designed to be worn over T-shirts, light blouses, or thin sweaters, it has a comfortable ease. It is not necessary to size up, and if you are between two sizes, choose the smaller one. Vanina wears Ex Libris in size 50, Julie in 40, Deborah and Emilie in 36, which is their usual size for Maison Fauve blouse/jacket patterns.

Which fabrics should be chosen for the overshirt?

We sewed the pattern in a polyviscose suedette with a nice hand and good drape, cotton gabardine which has structure, and corduroy. All medium-weight fabrics are suitable. Softer fabrics, however, require "supporting" the rounded pocket opening of the front piece (1) with a strip of fusible interfacing so that it does not sag.

Can the Cursive wrap top be sewn on a sewing machine?

Yes, of course. The Cursive video step-by-step guide describes assembly using a serger, but we have created a video tutorial to explain how to sew knit fabric on a sewing machine. The finishes, however, will be less "clean" and durable than with a serger.

Can the wrap top be transformed into a faux-wrap, dress, or bodysuit?

In sewing, anything is possible! But it is not intended by the pattern. It will not have the volume or the cut adapted for a significant lengthening into a dress or a transformation into a bodysuit. You will need pattern-making skills to execute these modifications. Similarly, a faux-wrap is not constructed in the same way. If you want this type of garment, we offer the Ludmilla dress/top pattern, which includes this variation.

Is the wrap top long or short? Can it be lengthened?

The Cursive wrap top is inspired by ballet dancers' wraps, so it is quite short and the long belt sits in the hollow of the waist. The pattern includes shorten/lengthen lines to adapt it to your bust height, but these lines are not intended for significant lengthening, such as reaching the small hips.

Is the wrap top flattering on all body types?

The pattern has been tested and approved on the entire size range offered. It is just as pretty worn by Vanina, who wears a size 50 and has a full bust, as it is by Julie, who wears it in 40 and also has a full bust, by Deborah, who has a small bust and wears it in 36, or Emilie, who has a narrow back and a small bust in 36. The cut is very flattering. And the fact that the material recommended for sewing the pattern has elasticity makes it even better at hugging your curves.

Can the wrap top be worn without a top underneath?

Yes, that is quite possible. If you don't want your belly to show, we recommend pairing it with high-waisted pants or a skirt.

Questions about fabrics

What is the difference between the Fauve and Cumin colors of the doupion?

The Fauve color is more orange, while the Cumin is more golden. They are 2 colors that pair beautifully for a color-block outfit playing on a monochromatic theme.

The Cumin color of the doupion is very close to the background color of the tiger-striped Savage gabardine.

What projects can I sew with the lightweight wool flannel?

It is a soft, supple fabric with a magnificent drape. Its 100% virgin wool composition and tight weave mean it wrinkles very little. It will be perfect for tailored trousers like the Brooklyn pattern, as well as for a very elegant and more formal version of the Andrea barrel trousers or the Synopsis bermuda shorts.

It will also be perfect for sewing a dress like the Twist dress (its suppleness will perfectly highlight the folds), a beautiful dress worked with pleats like the Prose dress, a pinafore dress like Cosmopolitan, or even shorts like Peacock or Grand Bain.

The Ex Libris overshirt would also be very beautiful, provided you take the precaution of reinforcing the front pocket opening with a strip of fusible interfacing.

For a jacket, you should favor models to which fluid fabrics add a bit of "nonchalance," and whose construction will not be altered, such as the Mimosa blazer jacket.

What types of patterns is the suedette suitable for?

The suedette is a magnificent fabric whose "suede" effect is really successful, and which is both supple and has some structure. A jacket like the Misfit perfecto, the Pilar jacket, or even the Calypso pea coat will be superb. The Ex Libris overshirt is of course a wise choice.

And why not beautiful trousers or shorts in suedette: Ronsard, Andrea, Synopsis, or Peacock, for example, will be very successful.

We also sewed it as a Prose skirt and it is very beautiful. The drape is a bit heavy, very elegant, like a skirt in real suede.

What types of patterns is the new soft jersey knit suitable for?

It is a supple knit of fairly light weight, which is suitable for sewing the Cursive wrap top but also T-shirts or tank tops. It will, however, be too light for a dress version of Ludmilla or the Pirate sailor top.

What can be sewn with the Savage cotton gabardine?

The Savage cotton gabardine is dyed on the same 100% cotton base as our other solid or printed gabardines. We recommend a wide range of patterns:

• Jackets or overcoats (Roman, Ex Libris, Pilar, Misfit, for example)
• Shorts and trousers (Worn, Andrea, Ronsard, or Peacock)
• A structured skirt like the Silvana pattern

If your pattern can be sewn in denim, gabardine, or chino, it can also be sewn in the Savage gabardine!

Are the patterns on the Savage gabardine identical to those on the viscose poplin?

Almost, but not quite. The Zebra version is truly black and white, unlike the poplin one where very dark brown shades appear in the motif. The Cumin background is slightly different between the poplin and the Tiger gabardine due to the difference in material and technique (the gabardine is yarn-dyed (the threads are dyed before printing the pattern), while the poplin is printed. These differences do not prevent mixing and matching materials and patterns ;)