This past Saturday, I decided I just HAD to take a break from Lady Grey making and posting. I needed a quick, fun project that wouldn't take two months to make. On a whim, I pulled out
McCalls 5975 and some wine-colored doubleknit. The next day, I had a new dress! There's something to be said for instant gratification.
The fit on this dress is really forgiving since it's meant for knits—no darts or anything like that—but it's still a shapely sheath. I took note of the finished garment measurements, did a quick tissue-fitting on my dress form, and that was it! No muslins or anything. I made a size 14, but added an extra inch of width around the hips. I did do some couture-ish techniques—like a handpicked, lapped zipper. But for the most part, I stuck with the pattern instructions, and they were great.
This is View B, which has cute pleated cap sleeves and neckline pleats as well. Here's a better shot of the bodice:
I ordered this fabric recently from Fabric.com. It's called
Sophia Double Knit, and it comes in a bunch of colors for about $10 a yard. I wanted to give it a try because the double knits I've found here in New York are so pricey—well over $20 a yard for synthetic blends. This Sophia stuff is just as good (if perhaps a bit thinner) and the price is right.
I ordered three more colors of this fabric yesterday! I suddenly got it in my head that I need a whole winter wardrobe of double knit dresses. They're so comfy and cozy and incredibly easy to sew. (For tips, check out my post "
Field Notes on Sewing with Double Knits.") I like the silhouette they give me, too: figure-hugging without being overly clingy and showing every little lump or bump.
I was so energized by my quickie project that I'm planning another one! I just cut out
Vogue 8409 in some luxe navy wool double knit (this is the real deal, not the synthetics) and I have some fun plans for retro-fying it. More to come!
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| Vogue 8409 |
