Springtime arrives and suddenly all I want to make are dresses. Comfy, knit dresses.
So on a whim, I made one. Because this fabulous fabric had been in my stash far too long.
Since this is a border print, I needed a pattern with a straight hemline, and I generally favor flared skirts, so none of my favorite knit dress patterns would do. I perused the pattern stash and came across
Simplicity 3678, which was a PR best pattern in 2008.
I'm actually not sure why I haven't made this before! It has almost all of my favorite things - wrapped, pleated bodice, midriff band, nice v neckline... I must have been nervous about the gathers around the tummy area, but
my favorite maxi dress pattern has them, so I decided to go for it.
The only thing I had to add was pockets. I cannot wear a dress without pockets. I just grabbed the pattern piece from Vogue 1027 and added them to the side seam.
Speaking of side seams... Print matching, much?? So happy with how well the motif matched up here!! It was partly careful planning and partly luck.
For fit, I made my usual Simplicity flat pattern alterations. I think this bodice may run a bit short, as it turned out that way on me. The shoulder seam is just slightly forward at the neckline, but the fit is still OK. When I'm making a surplice top, I basically ignore the pattern markings for the wrap. I construct the bodice (including side seams!) and then try it on, arranging the wrap the way I like. I generally find that I like a more snug wrap than the pattern calls for, so I often have to alter the skirt to fit after I've wrapped the bodice. In this case, I took about an inch out of the midriff band width, and just gathered the skirt to fit.
I do love the fit in back though. So sleek, even with the slightly gathered skirt!
The fabric is an amazing border printed ITY from FabricMart. I got this one in a fabric bundle, and it was exactly enough for this dress. I love those bundles. I get something amazing every time!
So basically this is my new favorite dress. I can't believe I let this pattern and this fabric sit in my stash for so long!! What gems are you holding on to? Go! Cut!
21 comments:
Gorgeous dress!
This fabric is amazing. And you look freaking fantastic in that dress!
Gorgeous dress and I adore your fabric choice. Border prints always look so RTW. Perfect matching too!
Your dress is absolutely beautiful. You should be the model on the pattern envelope.
YEAH big pics, and glorious eyepopping dress!
Wow! Stunning dress! I love the wrap top and subtle gathers. You have my hopes up now because I just ordered a FabricMart bundle in my recent order :P
So spring-like. I love the greens in the fabulous print. It looks beautifully casual and relaxed.
Fantastic dress, great pattern matching. Your garden is looking very lush too - spring has definitely sprung around your way finally!
Gorgeous! A really lovely dress... I just love those colours. I really love this dress.
Gorgeous dress and fabulous job on the print matching.
Oh, just looked at the pattern, I have made that for myself before. You are right short bodice but the rest is great.
Perfect pattern to showcase this gorgeous border print. Very pretty dress.
I LOVE that fabric!!!! And you used it oh so well. It would be my favorite dress too!
This is so awesome—I love the fabric and style!
Awww sweet fabric/pattern combo there Katie. It looks so flattering and comfy. Mmmmm pockets precious.
Great fabric and pattern matching! And print matching, even if it was partly luck, it still counts. Looks like a comfortable easy to wear summer dress!
Super fantastic! I can never find knit border prints. I am sooooo jealous. But, that dress is gorgeous!
perfect print for this! I love it!
You chose the perfect pattern for this print. I LOVE it!
Love. Love, that combination of fabric and pattern!
Just saw this and had to comment because it's AMAZING!! Fabulous job! Thanks for the great tip about the wrap bodice.
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