Saturday, April 28, 2012

NewLook 6940 - Black print knit top w/ front knot detail

Lately I feel like I don't have much to wear. Oh I have pretty dresses and skirts - which I do wear - but not a whole lot of everyday stuff. Most of my summer go-to's have been packed away because they are too big in the bust. So, I have decided to make myself some things for summer that will get worn over and over; easy stuff that won't need special laundry care.

I've had this pattern in my stash for a few years now. Knotted details have disappeared from RTW clothing but I still think it's a pretty detail. This fabric is a polyester jersey knit purchased from JoAnn Fabrics and was part of a line of fabrics that I bought a bunch of and now cannot remember the name of.

I made a size 12 and cut 3" off the hemline. It went together easily until I attached one sleeve and tried it on. The sleeves are gathered at the top and there was too much knit fabric swaying about at the sleeve hem. I had to unpick it all and make it sleeveless instead.

I read all of the reviews for this top on Patternreview.com and everyone who made it disliked the bias tape finish along the neckline. I, however, do like bias tape and cannot get the hang of clear elastic to save my life. So I finished my neckline and my armholes with bias tape and am really liking the results.

Sewing knits has suddenly become fast and fun after learning how to use the overlocking foot on my sewing machine. Now I have pretty finished edges and don't have to fiddle with all the french seams and other finishes I use to do.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Vogue 1087 - Winter white doubleknit Donna Karen dress

This awesome design came out a few years back. I found it really interesting and loved the draped front bodice and interesting design lines. 
You may recall that I attempted this pattern back in July of 2011 and found it too tight for my liking. The doubleknit fabric I used was such a dream that I kept the dress. I never could find any more of that fabric and can't even be sure of where it came from. I finally lost the rest of my baby weight in the fall and tried it back on last month. This time around the fit was much better so I finished it up and love the results.
Now I have two winter white doubleknit dresses for the same exact season. Duh!
I really don't have much to write about this dress because I don't remember any of the details. I did decide to put the back zipper in after all because it was so hard to wiggle into it without one - kind of made me feel claustrophobic. I cut several inches off the bottom and omitted the walking vent. Then I had to add a hem facing because I accidentally cut too much off.
I found this pattern to be really great, although you can't try it on until it's mostly sewn up. Donna Karen really knows how to make garments that are flattering to a woman's shape.