Monday, May 27, 2013

NewLook 6071 - Brown bamboo knit dress

I love to wear knit dresses during the summer. They're comfortable, keep my cool, and are totally effortless. Throw on a knit dress in the morning with some strappy sandals and a necklace and I'm off to drop my son at swimteam practice or run to the grocery store. Here and here are two of my favorites. I've made another in a brown bamboo bought online, I think from fabricmartfabrics.com.


I really don't remember what I had in mind for this fabric when I bought it. Bamboo knit is soft and drapey and just wonderful to feel next to your skin. However, it clings and is thin and shows every lump and bump. From now on I shall be using it for tops only or possibly dresses with full skirts.


This pattern was easy and fun with a bit of interest up top to help balance me out and give the girls some oomph. They provided pattern pieces for binding along the neckline and armholes, which I love to have in a pattern. I sewed it up in a little over a day with frequent interruptions.


I made a straight size 10, which is my normal size for my top half. Normally I cut a 12 for the waist and hips but didn't need to grade out with this pattern. I did lengthen the bottom by 1.5" in order to take a 1.25" hem. I am not a fan of 5/8" hems, and that is what the directions suggested. I used a twin needle to stitch it in place.


The neckline is a bit low for me but got the okay from my husband since it hugs my skin and doesn't gape.


I plan to make this dress again. The next time, though, I will use an ITY knit and shorten the armhole bindings, which I found just a bit too long.

45 comments:

  1. NL6071 is my favorite dress of all time--I wear it so much! I made mine out of brown ponte knit. I had to add darts to the back of mine for my sway back. Also I wear it with a store-bought cami, that I cut under the bust and added elastic where I cut it. That way it covers most of my cleavage while not adding all the length of a cami. I guess I could have made the cami myself but had no interest!

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    1. I think it was your dress that made me add the pattern to my collection! Wow, and looks like I copied your exact color too. How funny!

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  2. I love the dress. Wondering about the "okay from my husband" comment.

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    1. We both strive for modesty and I like to run questionable clothing past him. I don't want to be ogled by other men, so I ask him what he, as a man, thinks of my outfit.

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  3. What a cute pattern! It looks like a perfect summer dress. Thanks for the comment about the Bamboo knit. I was thinking about ordering some for a dress. I need to rethink that now. ~Teri

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  4. That neckline is just beautiful! Great for summer.

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  5. That is a pretty dress and the color looks great on you.

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  6. This fits you perfectly! Wow and it makes your booty look really good if I can even say that. haha great job Amanda,

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  7. OH and I am with you on dressing modestly. I try to keep myself covered up.

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    1. I do wear a regular bathing suit and shorts throughout the summer. I don't think I'm extreme about it. I just want to feel comfortable and not on display, KWIM?

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  8. I love the dress! Great color. But I agree with you on the bamboo knit - even for tops I find it a bit clingy (and I tend to have back fat:(...but your result here with the brownish color is fab.

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    1. Well... I did try to pick the most flattering pictures, not going to lie. Justin kept saying, "Suck in!" while he was snapping my pictures. I'll probably end up wearing this dress with a cardigan to not feel self conscience about it. Thanks for your comment!

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  9. Its awesome! I'm not a kind of dresslady,and always a little scared to make one.But this one looks great.something to think about.
    Love, Wilma

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  10. Cute! I'm going to keep any eye out for that pattern, definitely!

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  11. I love this style on you - it's such a great pattern! The twist at the front bust is fabulousness personified :)

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    1. Thanks Poppykettle! I am definitely making another one!

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  12. Nice! Brown looks so good on you.

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  13. Love the brown on you, Amanda! I, too, love bamboo knits but as you said, it does want to cling to everything. I'm going to have to get this pattern.

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  14. Lovely dress and it looks great and comfy on you Amanda!

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  15. Your dress looks (and fits) better than RTW. You sold me on the pattern - thanks!

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  16. Great job, this really looks great on you! I am applauding the modesty, I always feel like the lone ranger when I want to be modest! That is awesome!

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  17. Yes this is a perfect "throw it on and still look great for any occasion" dress, the neckline is just right. I understand what you mean in general about bamboo knits being unforgiving, but there is not a lump or bump that needs forgiving on you!

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    1. Ha! There were plenty of unflattering photos that I deleted, trust me. But thanks!

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  18. This is a really great shape on you--I can see why your husband approves. `-)

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  19. Congratulation, I loved all the dresses that you show here. I love dresses. You could learn sew, make a project with class and to sale for us. I love all that I saw, you are very talented.


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  20. This is a great dress on you and one of my all time favorite patterns. I've made it at least four times for myself, my sister and a friend. I agree that it's a bit of a deep v in front and usually wear a Cami with mine.

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    1. Thanks Julie! I will definitely be making it again!

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  21. The draped crossover neckline is so lovely! It looks like a very useful and pretty little summer dress to have.

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