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Reader's Pick Sew-Along: Julie's Finished Dress!

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I'm so excited to share with you the dress that YOU helped me pick out! Thank you to all that voted on which pattern we should sew together AND for selecting the fabric that I would sew with. I hope you all got something out of it, whether you were sewing along or not. 

 The big reveal:

 Overall, I thought the pattern was pretty easy! I liked the collar on the knit dress. You don't see collars in knit too often. (Makes me want to explore making knit tops with collars!) I was really glad I made a muslin because there were a few things that I needed to address. The bodice needed to be cut smaller than the skirt and the back neckline needed to be smaller. I also made the sleeves thinner.




The tab on the sleeve was really clever. Another feature you would not expect in a knit garment. In fact, I have at least three woven RTW blouses in my closet that have this feature. 



I wasn't sure if I would like pockets in the dress, because a few years ago I made a dress with pockets similar to this and didn't like the way it looked. But I think these sit far enough back that it wasn't a problem. I used a heavier fabric for my muslin and the pockets don't sit as nicely. So I think fabric choice also has a lot to do with it too. 



I decided not to make the belt that came with the dress. I made it and did not like the way it looked. Because the fabric is already busy, the belt just blended in I plan on making a solid black knit belt to go with this dress, but didn't have any black knit at the moment! But in the meantime, I used a thin belt from my closet. 



I took the dress for a test drive soon after finishing it and did notice the gaping neckline as the day went on. I don't know if it was just because of wear or the fact that I was conscious about keeping it in place, that I ended up stretching it. I think I may tack the front piece in place so that I don't have this problem in the future! If I make the dress again, I also think I may try some Seams Right (which I mentioned using in the shoulder seams) along the facing to help hold it in place. Anyone else have a suggestion on this? Seems like it is an inevitable thing...



If you missed the sew-along steps and would like to reference them, click here. 



Who's ready to win a $50 gift certificate to Fabric Mart!?!?! 
Well get those dresses finished and take some photos of the completed dress! Blogging about it is definitely encouraged, but not required! And don't forget to add the Reader's Pick Sew-Along widget to your page! (See widget along the right side bar.) To enter the giveaway, email me [fabricmartblog (a) gmail.com] a photo of the finished dress by Wednesday, May 7th. I will post everyone's finished dresses on Thursday, May 8th. Then at random, select a winner of a $50 gift certificate for FabricMartFabrics.com. To be considered, your dress must have been made during the sew-along and be completed.

If you have photos of your progress or would like to share your dress before the big reveal, you can definitely post photos on our Flickr page! I can't wait to see what everyone else's dress looks like!!

~ Julie

Comments

  1. Sharon G NicholsApril 28, 2014 at 8:55 PM

    Very nice! I too like the collar and will have to try that on some knits. The dress looks very good on you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. EileenApril 28, 2014 at 9:36 PM

    I really enjoyed your sewalong and am just starting mine now. I had to order the pattern as it is no longer available. I'm not sure about the pockets yet and was wondering if clear elastic would help the neckline? Also thought about rigging up a tie belt so it looks more like a wrap dress (that's still up in the air too!) instead of making the belt in the pattern.
    Thank you for encouraging me to make this. I would have never thought of making it otherwise :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fabric MartMay 1, 2014 at 2:22 PM

      Clear elastic may help the neckline. I am going to make this dress again, just for fun and try out different options for the neckline. Thanks for following!

      Delete
  3. Send Flower PakistanApril 29, 2014 at 3:28 AM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  4. EApril 29, 2014 at 8:45 AM

    I've only read your posts on this dress and had to comment. It looks so good and I love so many things about it. The pockets aren't bulky (I love pockets in dresses and skirts) and the wrap is one I, with my 36 AA bust size, could wear as it's not extremely low like most wraps I've tried on. And of course the way you've sculpted it to fit your form perfectly makes a huge difference. You look fabulous! Hoping I will be able to do that one day. I think the material is really nice and also think it would be interesting to see a version with a plain collar, cuffs and belt in one of the colors in the material used. Great job and hope I can sew along with the next pattern.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fabric MartMay 1, 2014 at 2:21 PM

      I will be posting many of the other sew-along participants finished products, so you will get a chance to see many different variations! Thanks for following!

      Delete
  5. CalApril 29, 2014 at 6:34 PM

    So nice! I loved to read the sewalong although I did not participate. I did learn a few helpful hints and got ideas. I really hope you have more of these, and maybe one day I will throw my hat in the ring too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fabric MartMay 1, 2014 at 2:20 PM

      Glad you enjoyed following! I will have to think about what we can sew-along with next.....

      Delete
  6. AnnieApril 30, 2014 at 5:57 PM

    Your dress looks great! I'm still working on mine, but your blog posts have been so helpful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fabric MartMay 1, 2014 at 2:19 PM

      thanks! I'm glad the sew-along was helpful.

      Delete
  7. dinagideonMay 1, 2014 at 10:56 AM

    Hey, so I finished the dress before the sewalong was completed, but that was only because I was desperate to wear it in Florida on April 21. :-) But it was definitely sewn as the steps were presented here on the blog. I just hurried the last two along, lol.

    Anyhow, I blogged about it before I went on my vacation, you can see the post here .

    I will also email you the photo of me wearing it in Florida for your files.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fabric MartMay 1, 2014 at 2:19 PM

      Awesome job Dina! I can't wait to post yours and many of the others I'm getting in my inbox! Have fun in Florida!

      Delete
  8. Carl and MissyMay 9, 2014 at 5:05 PM

    I finished!! I emailed you pictures and posted them to Flickr

    ReplyDelete

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