Thursday, July 8, 2010

Comfy Cool Knit Dress

Simplicity 3506 was made previously here, for myself.  I wore it to work, and immediately had a coworker ask me to make her one.  So, here it is, in a different knit border print (from FabricMart).
Fabric:  I really like this fabric, and am so glad I bought a couple extra yards.  It's an ivory background with a tan/purple print.  Either I'll make myself one, or wait to see if anyone else offers me money to sew for them!  This was a really easy job, I have to say.  Just 4 pieces, and no fitting issues (gotta love knits).
Alterations:  Since this pattern is intended for wovens, I eliminated the zipper, and used the pattern measurements at bust, waist, and hips to decide what size to use.  I also made ties and inserted them into the side seams.  I got creative, and figured that you can add a waistline lots of ways...
Necessary Notions:  My serger was a big deal on this project.  You have to press the side seams open to form the armholes, so I serged the side edge of the front and back separately, then used my regular machine to close that seam. Steam-a-Seam was very handy on my last version (at the hem), but this one I left unhemmed.  Gasp! Un-hemmed?  You can't do that, can you???  Yes, I most certainly did.  I really wanted to keep a little purple at the edge, and if I hemmed it, good-bye purple.  It's such a nice stable knit, there will be no unraveling or fraying, so why not?  I can always add a hem if it proves to be a problem, but I really like the look.
Skill Level:  Beginner, Beginner, Beginner!  Easy peazy, lemon squeezy!  Just a few little gathers at the shoulder, but anyone can handle this pattern.  And don't forget... you can always shorten it and wear it as a top!

Warnings:  V-neck facings can be a pain, but don't let them scare you off.  I got smart, and used the blindstitch on my machine to anchor them at CF/CB this time!  I just did a few stitches, anchoring 1 into the dress itself, then knotted the threads to keep them anchored.  If you choose to go the "knit route", don't forget to cut the back neck facing on the fold and eliminate the seam allowance.  I also cut the back of the dress that way, too.

Future Plans/Recommendations:  I love this pattern.  It's easy to make and easy to wear.  So comfy, like spending the day in a big t-shirt.  I also love knit border prints, and this pattern dresses them up and showcases them so well.  I have 2 more yards of this fabric for another version: either for myself, or someone else who makes me an offer.  "Will Sew for CASH!!!" used to be the idea bubble over my head, but now it reads more like, "Will Pay to Have Time to Sew for MYSELF!!!"  Speaking of which, time to go...

21 comments:

Karin van D. said...

Great dress, I bet the receiver will love it. It looks so comfortable and soft, nice!

onix said...

otro vestido precioso...me encanta tu blog.espero que traduzcas mis comentarios.Besos

Anonymous said...

That dress is awesome!

Ann Brodsky said...

Great looking dress! What a lucky coworker! I have this fabric too, and it is inspiring to see it made up into something so pretty.

Debbie Cook said...

Love the dress. And the fabric too - so glad I bought a bunch. :-)

Rose said...

Great dress! Love the fabric!!

Dinah said...

I just found your blog thru PatternReview! What great projects - your sewing is beautiful. I've added you to my "reader" and look forward to following along as you sew.

Shari said...

Great looking dress! Love the fabric

Bunny said...

This is a very pretty dress, Kristine. Your co worker is one lucky lady. Great border print.

AuntieAllyn said...

What's not to like about such a dress??!! Looks great! I'm a bit vexed, though . . . how did I miss that knit border print at FabricMart (I luv them, too).

Gail said...

I love that fabric too. My trick for v neck facings is start and end stitching at the point of the v.

Lori said...

Fabulous dress.

Michelle said...

What a great dress! I love the border print!! Very pretty.

Toocutedobs said...

I made this pattern in a knit but yours is so much better. Like you I left out the zipper but the neckline is so big on me. I like the side ties you added. The pattern is super easy but I'll need to re-draft that big ole neckline. Everytime I bend over you can see down to my waist!

Elaray said...

The dress looks great, but I'm more impressed that you sewed for someone else! I wish I could do that!

Summerset said...

Fab! Just what we all need for this hot weather, a cute, comfy dress!

Tee said...

Love the dress! Also need to take on your mantra...will pay for more time to sew!!!!! I've been sewing for others (Jan - May) it's me time now!

Jos van KloskaCreAtief! said...

really love the dress and the fabric!

Kristy Chan said...

lovely lovely dress, I'd find it very hard to part with! Can I ask how you set your rates when sewing for others? I have friends ask, and I always feel bad asking for more than the materials cost (subsequently I try to avoid sewing for others!)

amber said...

Man, do I love that fabric. ;) I love seeing it made up in another style of dress. Very cute!

Meg said...

That's really cute, Kristine!