Saturday, July 30, 2011

Sophia Doubleknit fabric review and a wadder

Anybody remember waaaaayyyyy back in January when I made this winter white double knit dress and wrote that the fabric was Sophia Doubleknit from Fabric.com? I then went on to write that it seemed exactly like the Ponteroma knit at Hancock's which can be bought at a cheaper price. Well, turns out I was mistaken about that fabric, (I knew I had bought some, just forgot which pattern I paired it with) because I just used the winter white Sophia Doubleknit for Vogue 1087, with unsuccessful results. Observe (and please excuse the poor lighting):
Looks pretty nice, right? I had only a few more steps to do but unfortunately won't be finishing. Because of the construction process and all of those draping elements, it cannot be tried on until after it's mostly completed. Check out the back:
The back of the skirt looks painted on - not a look I prefer. This Sophia Doubleknit is some really nice stuff. It's slightly thicker then the Ponteroma, which I do like for structured garments. The one big difference is that while the Sophia is a knit, it behaves like a woven as far as ease is concerned. In a Ponteroma knit this same size wouldn't be so tight, and the negative ease would look well fitted instead. A fitted jacket would be perfect for the Sophia, since it retains its shape so well. Hmmm, that might just be a great look for fall.

I just placed an order for 2 yards of navy Sophia doubleknit this morning, to remake the dress in a larger size. I love the pattern, and really want to add it to my wardrobe. I am bummed this dress wasn't better fitting, and I did like it in winter white like the pattern envelope, but honestly, how many winter white doubleknit dresses does one girl need?

19 comments:

  1. If you cut this white one off at the upper hip it would make a really cute top! Or could you insert some side panels waist down? Tany did this with some pants that were too tight and in my opinion made them look better than the original design. Looks beautifully made and will look gorgeous on you in navy too.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you for clearing up the difference between the Sophia doubleknit and the Ponteroma. I have never used either, but am planning some garments in the future with them. As Vicki suggested, you might try cutting off the dress and making a top. I look forward to seeing the remade version.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Vicki, you are so smart! I wonder if that would work? I am glad you are going to make it again because it is such a beautiful design

    ReplyDelete
  4. It looks absolutely gorgeous, so sorry that it doesn't fit - the not being able to fit as you go thing is a problem with these interesting DK patterns. You should definitely try out Vicki's suggestions and see if it can be saved at all otherwise we will just have to wait for the navy version!

    ReplyDelete
  5. awwww...it looks so good on your dressform!

    ReplyDelete
  6. oiiiiiiiiii,amei seu blog,tenho um novinho,vem me visitar já sou sua seguidora.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I have to say - that is a ridiculously good looking wadder! I hope v2 turns out well.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks for the insight on the fabric differences, Amanda. I'm making a garment using the Ponteroma knit right now and have considered ordering the Sophia for future projects. You saved me frustration and disappointment if I would have paired it with the wrong patterns.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Too bad about the fit! It looks like it's going to be gorgeous on you.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wow, that's really too bad...this is a beautiful dress! I bet it's going to look stunning in navy on you!! Looking forward to seeing it completed, good luck!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I've counted the number of wadders i've made and decided i'm better of buying RTW instead.For the cost and fraustration of 2-3 wadders I could buy myself an anthropologie dress on sale.sewing is not even worth it anymore.

    ReplyDelete
  12. If you haven't already cut this one off to make a top, try it with a pair of Spanx and it might just skim right over your backside. It's soooo close.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Too bad, because it's really, really cute!

    ReplyDelete
  14. It is gorgeous. I have to agree about attempting to add the side panels or Spanx, because it breaks my hear not to see it worn! If I was as experienced as you I'd give this pattern a whirl, because it looks so beautiful on your dress form. I really love it!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I like the shoulders on this dress and hope it works well with new fabic. I loved your other winter white dress, too. Doubleknits and pontes are really fun but I've discovered they vary a lot in weight depending on maker, which makes it hard to determine fit. Have you ever tried all rayon doubleknit? Sometimes it is drapier/less squeezy and it breathes! Gorgeous Fabrics carries quite a bit of these. (And all I can think about right now in Austin is needing to breathe!)

    ReplyDelete
  16. I've been always see your posts, I'm starting to sew clothes.
    Beautiful site.
    Congratulations.
    luzweber.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. This is such a beautiful dress. love it.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Dear Amanda, i followed you and i think that you are very extraordinary!!! You are the best!!!
    Bye bye!
    Sara

    ReplyDelete
  19. wow your sewing stuff are all amazing! you are so pro!!

    http://rosysky2011.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete