Made by a Fabricista: Classic Ponte Knit Pieces!

Happy Saturday All!
I am so over this heat here in South Florida! The humidity and the high temperature feels like 100+ degrees each day. I can't wait for Fall so that I can truly enjoy the cooler temperatures.

Whenever Fabric Mart has designer ponte knit fabric in stock and on sale, I grab as many yards as I am allowed to. I absolutely love sewing with ponte knit versus other knits as the stability and structure are perfect for my personal taste (See my previous Fabric Mart post using ponte knit here and here).

For my July post, I quickly grabbed a few yards of this midnight black viscose/nylon/lycra blend ponte knit as I wanted to add a simple classic black dress that was not fitted. I also selected a designer rayon/nylon ponte knit in eggshell (off white) for my July post. Unfortunately both colors are sold out, however, these two here and here are absolutely perfect for these look.

When I came across this Simplicity S8874 pattern a month ago, the midi/maxi length and bust dart caught my attention. I knew I wanted to make at least 2 looks from this pattern as the bodice would be a perfect fit for my smaller upper frame. Working with knit fabrics can be tricking and I have learned a few tips from Erica Bunker's recent post. In addition, because of the neckline and armholes and my previous experience from my February blog post, I decided to do a little research before cutting and came across two great articles here and here.

When I sewed up the bodice for "View C" first, I fell in love immediately. For the bodice, I graded the size 10 to the 12 at the waist and for the skirt, I graded the 12 to the 16!

Loving my custom pattern weights!

Grading skirts and pants can be tricky, however, my High School friend Trudy shared a trick to always use a yard stick (meter stick) when grading or altering certain patterns. This worked out perfect for the skirt and fit. (CUSTOM PATTERN WEIGHTS purchased from my sew sister Bianca)!

I am so proud of my clean finish around the neckline!

For my makes, I ensure the inside is just as clean as the outside.

In addition, I made sure I did not forget to add elastic at the shoulder seams and waist. I actually use clear elastic at the shoulder and sewed regular elastic in between the seams of the skirt and peplum before serging (black and white).

For my second look, I hacked the bodice of the same pattern Simplicity S8874, "VIEW A" and created a peplum top instead of a dress using the peplum of McCall's M7752 pattern. I am not 100% fond of the skirt pattern so I decided to switch it up a bit. I was a bit hesitant to cut this bodice view at first because of the boxy neckline but found that it was just the same sewing it as the curve.

I quickly cut the pattern pieces, including the front peplum piece of the McCall's pattern (cut 2 of the front piece). I had to size down the peplum a bit to the 8 after measuring it. This was a quick sew and I whipped this up from cut to finish in about 3 hours.

I also took my time and made sure that my neckline and armhole band were sewed and pressed for a clean and crisp finish. Spray starch was all I needed to have handy which did the trick!

Both makes are absolutely great staple pieces! I may not reuse the skirt pattern pieces but will draft a circle skirt for my next make based on the look and fit of this peplum top.

Thank you so much for reading and the love and support you have shown. Be sure to stop by my Instagram page to check out my recent makes.

Photos were taken by my daughter Arielle!

One Love,

Marica - Overdriveafter30

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