Skip to main content

Made by a Fabricista: You're Gonna Hear Me Roar!!

Image
By
Helloooo!! I'm back and I'm still sewing with knits!  Recently I made it my mission to find more TNT- tried and true patterns, those that I've mastered the fit on and I can come back to again and again for easy no fuss makes.  One of the patterns I chose to master was a basic knit dress.  What's not to love about knits I ask??  I'm quickly becoming obsessed!  Knits are so comfy to wear...soft, breathable, stretchy and easy to launder, wash-dry-no iron involved! 




I picked up this fun animal print jersey knit from Fabric Mart. (Exact fabric not available yet, but check out the other knits available!) It's lightweight and super comfy.  For the pattern I used Kitschy Coo's Lady Skater pattern.  This pattern is very functional, dress it up for work or play it down with some sneakers for shopping.  It features a fitted bodice that ends at the natural waistline and flows into an easy breezy skirt.  It's flattering on any body type.



I started with a tissue fitting of the pattern on my handmade dress form, then moved to a muslin.  Very quickly (because I know fitting can be a real snooze to read about) my alterations were (I cut a size 3):
    1. Shortened front and back bodice 2 1/2 inches
    2. Shortened upper back bodice 3 inches, this really helped my swayback problem
    3. Pinned out excess on front bodice, armpit to apex
    4. Shortened the sleeves 5 inches. 
    5. Shortened hem line 1 inch
Once my muslin confirmed a good fit I moved on to the real deal.  Using my serger allowed me to make this in a little over an hour.  I always breathe a little easier after the neckline band is attached.  I'm so paranoid I'm either going to stretch it too much resulting in a puckered neckline or stretch it not enough for a floppy neckline.  This neck band was drafted to perfection, no holding my breath necessary!



The only time I used my sewing machine was when using the twin needle to finish the neckline and hem line.



I'm really pleased and excited to have one tried and true pattern to add to my stash.  I've also made this up in a red ponte knit and think this striped print would be super cute. 



Because the knit is lighter weight it will be perfect for spring or summer.  But that's not gonna stop me from wearing it now with boots and a cardigan!


What's your TNT knit pattern?
~Shannon


Comments

  1. Linda LFebruary 13, 2014 at 8:12 AM

    Cute dress! I have this pattern and need to give it a try.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousFebruary 13, 2014 at 9:47 AM

    I love Kwik Sew 3571. I probably have made thirty dresses using this pattern.I modified the pattern to fit me perfectly.I gave the dress a more fitted shape and made it knee length. I have used all kinds of fabrics and so I have a whole wardrobe of dresses from casual to elegant. I agree with you, knits are very comfortable to wear and easy care.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Rose OKFebruary 16, 2014 at 9:57 PM

    Where did you get this pattern? It is not from the states.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ShannonFebruary 20, 2014 at 6:28 PM

      This is a downloadable pattern available here, http://kitschycoo.bigcartel.com/product/the-lady-skater-sewing-pattern-for-teens-and-women

      Delete
  4. It's Melanie DarlingFebruary 20, 2014 at 8:37 AM

    Its a lovely dress and even more lovely on you.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thanks for leaving a comment! All comments are reviewed before posting to help us eliminate spam. Your comment will be posted within 24 hours.

Recent Posts You Might Like

Help Our Buyers Shop!

By
  Comment on this post with what you are looking for right now and our buyers will seek it out!  I am craving wool gabardines and ponte knits in fun autumn colors. What about you?
129 comments
Continue Reading »

Sewing Vintage for Summer

By
Hello sewing friends!  I was highly motivated to try another one of the vintage Polynesian Pattern dresses I’ve collected during our hot weather. The patterns are all dramatic and fashionable and really apropos for summer styling. This one is number 204, the Pilialoha Dress.  The gown includes a wide boatneck that many of them feature, plus a very beautiful back gathering and wraparound closure. I always find that the special details on the back are such a chic surprise compared to the simple front.  I chose a lemon covered cotton lawn . I am really delighted with the quality of this cotton, it’s luxuriously soft and smooth. The scale of the lemons and blossoms are just right and not overwhelming, and the soft yellow background is beautiful. This could not be more charming and summery!  I also chose some excellent lightweight interfacing for my facings, and the real highlight is these Dritz Floral Sew-On Snaps that I’ve had my eye on for months! Finally, the perfect ...
4 comments
Continue Reading »

Athletic Wear Refresh: A Bold New Gym Set

By
There’s something especially motivating about refreshing your workout wardrobe with pieces that feel like you. As part of my ongoing athletic wear refresh, I’m adding another handmade set to my gym wardrobe—and this one might be the boldest yet. Lately, I’ve been taking a closer look at my handmade wardrobe and thinking more intentionally about what I actually wear in this season of my life. Athletic wear has become a big part of that. Instead of treating workout clothes as an afterthought, I want my gym wardrobe to have the same personality, color, and style as everything else I make. And this fabric made that very easy.  The Fabric That Started It All   The moment I saw this vibrant multicolored paisley, I was immediately drawn to it. The mix of warm reds, oranges, greens, turquoise, and golden yellow against the light background feels bold, energetic, and a little unexpected for athletic wear . There’s something about the print that reminds me of Etro and other higher-end f...
7 comments
Continue Reading »

Falling for Chiffon Again

By
Hello Sewing Friends! It’s Tira from Tira Cooks, and I finally made the perfect sundress too bad summer is almost over! This is my last sewing project of the summer season, and I chose a beautiful red-and-white print. The result is a lightweight, flowy dress that can easily transition from summer into fall and even winter with the right layers. This fabric was actually my second choice. I originally told myself, “You need a break from chiffon!” But here I am, sewing chiffon again. The crisp hems and sewing overall were surprisingly easy. The only reminder that I was working with chiffon fabric was all the fraying! Even better, this fabric is practically wrinkle resistant. I twisted, tied, and scrunched it, and it still came out looking beautiful with zero wrinkles. Because this was a border print, planning my layout before cutting was extremely important. I mapped out the pattern pieces first to make sure the print continued beautifully throughout the dress without breaking up the de...
6 comments
Continue Reading »