The very lovely Lindsey of Sew To Grow asked me to pattern test one of her latest creations, the Meridan Knit Dress.
Now, I don't have the best history with knit fabric. It scares me and doesn't behave itself. I have only made 2 successful pieces with knits (see here and here)... not a great track record! However, I decided to face my fear and give this pattern a try. This is the ONLY knit dress I have made that did not result in cold sweats and a volley of profanity, I consider that a huge win!
The dress has 2 neckline options, 3 sleeve options and 2 hem line options... oh happy days!
I made a round neck (I did raise it about 2 cm) with short sleeves and a straight hem. I added 3 cm length to the bodice (will add a little less next time) and about 5 cm to the hem.
This dress came together easily and quickly. The all in one facing means you get a beautiful neckline without having to stress yourself out over neck binding (I'm possibly the only one stressed out by neck binding).
This is a great dress for beginners, and for those more experienced it's one of those easy patterns you can make up quickly and know you're going to get a great result.
I love this dress, oh and it has pockets!!! I will be making more. I almost feel like I can sew with knits now... almost...I think I need to make a few more first!
Okay, so I'm revealing some wardrobe shame here.... I've been wearing this coat for years. I bought it because it was on sale, I love the colour, it was on sale, it's weather & toddler proof and did I mention it was on sale?!
At the time of the purchase my arms were the same length they are now... yet I still bought it although it was way too short in the sleeves. Sleeves are kind of an important part of a coat!
I finally decided it was time to do something about it, thanks in part to being given some knit fabric which is almost the same gorgeous colour of my coat! This is such a simple DIY that I'm ashamed it took me so long to do it!
Here's how:
Take a rectangle of fabric the width of your cuff opening + seam allowance (1.5cm) x 2 the length you want the new cuff to be.
Sew up the side seam, right sides together, and fold in half. Tuck the 2 raw edges (knits don't fray so you can just leave them) inside the coat sleeve and sew around end of sleeve. Done! As the fabric cuffs I added were knit fabric, I stretched them a little for a snug fit. My wrists will finally be warm!
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| Before... hello wrists! |
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| After... warm wrists! |
