I’ve already posted about what I did with some of what was left of this fabric. This was the dress though that made me think “love.red.polka.dots.”
I’ve had this fabric though since last summer, why hadn’t I made anything with it sooner if it was so perfect? Don’t you find that being perfect makes it harder to decide. It needs to do it justice, you can’t let the fabric down. I was all of a dither, not really being sure what kind of jersey dress patterns would a. not look too boring, b. too old fashioned c. too formal or d. just old in a non vintage way. Not asking for too much! I wanted it to be an everyday dress that was also stylish. The favorite was a Built by Wendy pattern, the basic shape of my Patty Young dress, with a more flared skirt. But then there was the Simplicity half price sale & you know how much I love the cowl. I underwent my mental checklist “Do U Really Need It”. Well, it’s a cowl knit dress, unrepresented in my pattern library, so yes!
Simplicity 2580, come home with me. And the rest was determined by buying some spools of red overlocker thread. I was sorted, the fuel tank was full, the green light was shining brightly down on me & I had a long afternoon to share with my sewing machine.
The cutting out, I have to say, was helped along by my rotary cutter. It just seemed to be a breeze – the fabric equivalent of a hot knife through butter. The dress itself was only six pieces, & two of those were facing bands for the arms & back neck. I also made the sway back adjustment- it seems to be what I need to do, I think I have almost built it into my cutting psyche! Hark at me being lackadaisical about pattern adjustments!
This pattern has a lovely finish. The front is completely sealed in & self lined with no flappy facings. I have made another cowl top with a half facing – this is far superior. No fussin’ with facings, just wear & go. Interestingly an alternative view for this dress has a ruched front. This is achieved with exactly the same piece as the cowl front – it is just pulled down & secured in the centre. I hope you can picture it, because I certainly won’t be making that version. No way when I can have a cowl.
What I learnt this time was how to use seam tape through the foot of my overlocker as I sewed to stabilise the seam. It’s got a special groove to feed the tape through (& even elastic I think) into the stitching. Clever. I didn’t actually have seam tape, but had some narrow ribbon that was the right width.
It was a wonderful pattern to sew & I really like the end result. Obviously the fabric choice is a key factor – do you get that I love it? And it’s a lovely quality. (Note to self: spend more, buy less).
The only thing I thought when I saw the photos is that I could shorten it to make it more fun, less frumpy. So, not pictured, I took off about an inch.
And red is a key part of my wardrobe now that I’ve found that it goes really well with turquoise …he he he! Especially with a quickly prepared but much to be worn turquoise fabric flower. I wore this dress to a family do. Very comfy for travelling & made me look like I’d put some effort in (but you know me – anything for the easy life!)
So sleek, stylish and sophisticated!
Looks like so much fun to wear–especially with turquoise heels !
Oh. My. God. That is an amazing dress, you look beautiful in it (killer figure!), it goes with the new shoes, I seem to be watching someone grow in confidence by the HOUR. This is a brilliant make. You have an overlocker – overlocker envy! – and you know how to use seam tape. Eh? What’s seam tape?!
O you guys, thank you but no, I’m sorry I’m not giving up my shoes!! Glad you like the dress, I will look out to see if anyone else gets making it. Seriously recommended. The idea of a slinky long version is very tempting if only I had the occasion to wear it!
Karen, i might be wrong, but i think Seam tape- if that’s what you call it, just stabilises the seam to stop it stretching out of shape- obviously with knit fabrics this can happen more easily. I think the shoulders needed it the most but I also added it for the side seams. Felt v professional!
Happy weekend tout le monde xx
ScruffyB – this dress is awesome
P.S. I love all your pics – you look like you’re havin’ a blast!
Oh my, more polka dot gorgeousness? This dress is perfect for you. You look absolutely stunning, and together with the shoes? Lovely!
OMG! I love this dress soooo much! the photos are amazing too (I love the last one!!) And it goes fabby with your shoes!!!
Love! I am seriously tempted by this pattern. And I love how much fun you’re having in the photos.
I must admit, though, those shoes are seriously making me green…
Your pictures are so happy! I love the dress!
It’s gorgeous and SSOOO flattering. You know how much I love red and how much I love polka dots so the fabric has me weeping with envy. Beautiful. And I agree, red and turquoise look fab together. x
You look amazing in that dress! It really shows how much you love the polka dots and the shoes that we’ll all clobber you for given half a chance! Are you going to make the full length slinky number version of it now? Maybe in turquoise??
The dress really suits you, the colour and the shape look fab. You seem to be flying in regard to your sewing at moment! And so jealous of those shoes.
Wow – you look so happy! And no wonder. Turquoise and red ARE a great combination. Who would have thought?!
this looks fabulous on you! great fabric, great fit, and really just a great dress. Definitely ups the knit dress ante = comfortable but lovely
I need to dig out this pattern. I missed the view you picked on this one altogether. I was surprised to see your dress was made with the pattern. I am glad it is in my stash now. Great styling on this SSS day, too.
Thanks Susan – yes – I studied the pattern long & hard, because the diagrams don’t actually show it made this way, do they? Thank you for the comment
Pingback: Me Made 12 update #4Scruffy Badger Time