The Second Chances Dress


Say hello to V8805, round two. Last spring, I made up this pattern in fabric that I just love, but wasn't happy with the final dress. (See here, worn once, now a top.) However, I really felt the pattern had some potential, given a different fabric, and here we are!


This is the pattern straight out of the envelope, with only one minor change - I added piping between the middle and bottom panels to differentiate them. I didn't want to use a third fabric, but I did want a bit of visual interest. I was even thinking of adding pockets in the seam, (a la Sallie) but it's a bit low, and I didn't feel like moving it up. And unlike many dress patterns, this one is as long as it seems on the envelope. I usually find myself adding a few inches to the length, but not this time.


I threw caution to the wind and decided to make this dress in a knit. I had the black fabric left over from an earlier project, it's a medium weight double knit. The grey I bought for this dress, and though you can't see it in the photos, it has a very narrow black  horizontal stripe. It's very subtle, but it does give the grey fabric a bit more life. I didn't size down, so it's a bit roomy under the arms, but it doesn't bother me. 




As for the back neck closure, mine is fake! There is a button, but it's purely decorative. I bound the neckline instead of turning the strip to the inside. It looks neater, and gives the neckline stability. I finished the sleeves and hem with a straight stretch stitch, which I don't think I've ever used before. 


My winter wardrobe is fairly heavy on the neutrals, so I've been trying to wear some brighter accessories - I've had these beads for a while now, and they go together really well - bonus! I think I've got a real wardrobe workhorse here - I finished it on Boxing Day, and I think it's been worn three times already.


Til next time...

Comments

  1. Cute! Nothing quite so awesome and versatile as a knit dress! And LOVE the red beads! Out of curiosity, did you get your double knit in our garment district?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I'm enjoying it - so easy to wear. The black double knit came from DFO at Queen and Brock. It was a while ago, but it's worth a look.

      Delete
  2. I love this dress! I think color blocking is going to be on my to do list this year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Go for it! It could be a great stash buster - just think of all those too big to throw out, too small for a whole project bits just waiting to be sewn together...

      Delete
  3. This looks great - I love the way you have colour blocked with the variety of knits. It must have been colddddd taking those photos :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks - and not to worry, the snow is deceiving. It was the warmest day in a few weeks, and I had to get out there and take advantage of it!

      Delete
  4. I really like how it turned out. It's the perfect blank canvas for a statement jewelry such as your red necklace.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That was actually a surprise - sometimes I have jewelry in mind when I make something, but not this time. And I have a few bigger pieces that will be right at home here!

      Delete
  5. It looks great! I've always been interested in that pattern... and now I suddenly want brown boots, too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gillian, I can see this one joining your arsenal of patterns - and it really lent itself to the knit fabric :)

      Delete
  6. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Awesome dress, and it fits so well. I really like the colour block and the piping detail. I bet you get lots of wear from it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks very much - I even wore it today! Sure sign of a winner.

      Delete
  8. Hey, this is a lovely dress! I do like this tunic style, I find it flattering and easy to wear. I like how you added the piping as well and kept the colour blocking very monochromatic. I'm going to have to look that pattern up as I think it will work for me, as well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Catja, I think this pattern would be great on you - and even all one colour could be great with really punchy top stitching.

      Delete

Post a Comment

Popular Posts