The Perfect Knit Dress?

Well so much for my "week of sewing and stash-bustin"..I took 3 days off work to finish some projects and start new ones, but ended up going in on Thursday and Tuesday was spent running errands and cleaning..so not much got done. Unfortunately my party dress for Anna's birthday was not done in time (due to some fitting issues which I will blog about later), but I did finish McCall's 5752 - "The Perfect Knit Dress" on Monday (it was horrible weather all last week so I couldn't get a picture until today!)

I'm not going to post a full review, but I do think it is noteworthy. This is a really simple dress to make, and it is soo comfortable! The A-line skirt is also great for showing off prints (the placement of mine was unintentional I swear!)

One thing I would like to point out:

I made a size 10 toile in a 100% cotton knit, and it fit me perfectly. However, my dress fabric is 92% modal and 8% spandex. I decided to stay with the 10 instead of relying on the stretch of the spandex to fit into a size 8..it probably would have looked alright but I think spandex helps with the drape of the garment more than the fit, and I also didn't want the print to appear distorted from stretching.

I didn't have to make any alterations or changes, except I pressed open all of the side seams and used a stretch stitch for the whole garment instead of just on the skirt like the instructions say. Would I make it again? I'm not sure yet because I'm not a fan of the midriff section.. it is composed of 3 layers: the rouching pannel set on top of a backing pannel, and a self-lined pannel on the inside (see below).

Although the inside lining pannel is aesthetically pleasing, it helps make for bulky seams along the midsection (which is the WORST place to have them!) because you have 3 layers in front and 3 in back. I think if I made this again, I would leave off the rouching pannels because I don't think they are flattering to my figure. If you are paranoid about bulkyness or don't care how the inside looks you could leave off the lining pannel, or even the lining and rouching.

Overall I'm really pleased with it and know it will get a lot of use. I have some other jersey dress patterns that I want to try next, but I'm sure this is one I will come back to!

New project - vintage dress

Now that my jacket is finished I need a new project..I have been itching to use one of my vintage patterns that I bought ages ago, so I have decided on this:






It's a 1960's Pauline Trigère dress..cute, simple, and versaitle, which is exactly what I am in the mood to make. I still can't believe my luck with this pattern..I bought it at a vintage fashion fair from a vendor that had no idea about the condition or completeness of any of the patterns. I gave it a quick look over and thought what the hell, it's only £1..the envelope is in horrible shape (it has no bottom fold and barely any sides) but upon closer inspection the pattern and directions are absolutely mint and factory folded..score! I've already got it traced off and am starting the toile..the rest of the week will be spent scouring for the perfect fabric!

New patterns

The new McCall's summer patterns have arrived! I'm not a huge fan of McCall's patterns, but I'm digging M6112 (very Top Shop - lower photo):

M6113:

and M6119 - this top is similar to a style of dresses made by All Saints (my favorite UK high street chain - lower photo):

I think these would look great with or without leggings, gladiator sandals for day or high heels for evening, and a lightweight leather jacket in a neutral shade for summer (this is England people..you've always got to have a jacket with you!)

And even better, Hancock Fabrics is having a McCall's 99¢ pattern sale from 22 - 25 April, so stock up while you can!