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...