A few weeks ago I was searching the racks at Goodwill and found a gem in the linens section. This stable knit was hanging there with a $4 price tag, just begging to be taken home. I took all 3 yards to the register and got it half off for $2. This double knit is soft and stretchy.
I decided to use Vogue 8667, a wovens pattern, because some people on patternreview.com have had success using it with double knits.
I cut it out and sewed most of it in an evening. I used clear elastic to reinforce the shoulder and waist seams. I took it in a bunch at the side seams and center back, and it fits like a glove. I think I brought the neckline up, but now I can’t really remember.
I was going to take pictures outside, but we just got 8″ of snow last night. It’s chilly!
Hmm…didn’t know that the back bodice bunched a bit in this picture. I wonder if it’s just the way I’m standing or if the fit needs adjusting.
I used my twin needle to finish the sleeve edges and skirt hem edge. I folded the neckline over 1/2″ and also finished it with the twin needle. I’m glad I took a risk instead of doing a facing. It would have just added bulk.
Dude! It’s time for spring. Look at those white legs! Why do we keep getting snow?! We’re getting another storm tomorrow. I forgot to take down my snowflake ballerinas. One of them makes an appearance in these pictures. In other news, the hem looks flawless. Oh, how I love stable knits!
This is probably the first dress I’ve made that is a basic. I can dress it up or down. I can wear it with a brown belt and boots or red heels and a long necklace. I can wear it with a cardigan in colder weather. I could probably even wear it with cute white Keds.
I removed 3/8″ at center front and back to account for the stretchiness of the knit. I can fit into this dress without a zipper, so I omitted that.
I wasn’t crazy about the way the back bodice distorts the sleeves, pulling them back. I sewed this dress in a woven last winter and it was a disaster. With the woven, it felt like the fit of the sleeve was cutting off my circulation. Thank goodness for forgiving knits! This dress is sooo comfy. If I use this pattern again, I’m going to try to fix the sleeve issue. Other people on patternreview.com complained of this problem.
Here are some other examples of how to accessorize a navy-striped dress:
Belted:
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| bananarepublic.com |
| modcloth.com |
Red lips, shoes and purse:
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| zimbio.com |
I love the idea of adding a red belt:
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| modcloth.com |
What a great score on that fabric! Love your dress–you got a wonderful fit and it looks like it will be so versatile.
Great looking dress. It fits you so well and what a bargain find.
Yahoo what a great find! Very cute dress!
I love it!! What a great fabric find too!
-Ash P
http://distractedashley.blogspot.com
Cute dress! I love these kind of basic items.