Friends, there has been a lot of hub bub and rigmarole in the sewing world about knit dresses that feel like jammies, so I had to join in the action and make myself something comfy but warm enough to wear in the snow!
During my day after Christmas fabric binge, I ordered 2.5 yards of this fantastic Black and White Wool Sweater Knit from Mood Fabrics. Ya'll I love it!!! It is heavy weight and fantastically warm. I was a little hesitant seeing as it is wool that it might be itchy, so imagine my surprise and delight when it didn't itch not one little bit! Though I am not at all affiliated with Mood, if you are looking for a warm sweater knit for a cold weather wrap dress, or a nice warm sweater, get yourself over there and order some of this, because they still have it in stock, and with temperatures dropping I don't think it will be around for long!
I ordered a few other goodies from Mood, but the best surprise of all came in a small zip top bag.
I decided to hand sew the hem and sleeve cuffs, because I just don't like the way that a double needle finish looks on a heavy knit. Plus it gave me an excuse to use some of the new gadgets that I got for Christmas (these nifty hem clips...thanks Mom!)
I am very happy with how this great Italian Wool Sweater Knit Dress turned out. I think that it will fill a void in my wardrobe, and it will keep me warm. The high here in Indy is supposed to be seven degrees. So cold in fact that school is on a two hour delay because it will be below zero when the buses would normally run! I see lots of warm ginger tea, and wool knits in my future!!
Friends, what are you sewing to keep warm as the mercury is dropping? Maybe a long overdue Winter Coat, or some nice Fuzzy PJs? Tell me...what is on the cutting table!?
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| Ta Da! |
I ordered a few other goodies from Mood, but the best surprise of all came in a small zip top bag.
That's right friends...it is my very first Sewn With Mood tag. There is something thrilling about the little things in life, and I giggled like a school girl when I found this among my treasures.
As for my Sweater Dress Pattern, it is a Green Style Creations Laurel. This isn't my first Laurel. Though it has not yet been lifted to pattern addiction the way their Centerfield Raglan has, it is a great pattern with lots of variation.
The Laurel is perfect for my pear with a big booty body type. The empire waist line shows off my best assets without clinging to my liabilities...if you know what I mean!
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| Those girls with all the Ks in their names ain't got nothing on me! |
I did make an alteration to the pattern this go round. I decided that since I normally do a sway back adjustment on most dresses and shirts I should do something on this as well, because my original Laurel hangs a little low at the back bodice. Since the Laurel comes with cutting lines for short, regular and long torsos, and I use the long torso for the front bodice, I just curved from the long torso line to the short torso line on the pattern.
This little adjustment made the back bodice perfect length, with no dragging or sloppiness.
I decided to hand sew the hem and sleeve cuffs, because I just don't like the way that a double needle finish looks on a heavy knit. Plus it gave me an excuse to use some of the new gadgets that I got for Christmas (these nifty hem clips...thanks Mom!)
I am very happy with how this great Italian Wool Sweater Knit Dress turned out. I think that it will fill a void in my wardrobe, and it will keep me warm. The high here in Indy is supposed to be seven degrees. So cold in fact that school is on a two hour delay because it will be below zero when the buses would normally run! I see lots of warm ginger tea, and wool knits in my future!!
Friends, what are you sewing to keep warm as the mercury is dropping? Maybe a long overdue Winter Coat, or some nice Fuzzy PJs? Tell me...what is on the cutting table!?
This is a lovely make and your fit is tip top perfection. The sweater knit suits the cut so brilliantly. Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThanks, T! I really do love it.
DeleteThis looks amazing on you, Alicia! The back adjustment works perfectly! Great fabric, too, and I love that little tag. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Andie! The fabric was a bit of a splurge, but in these temperatures, it was totally worth it.
DeleteGorgeous. Love the laurel dress design on you.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, the little things tickle me silly.
Thanks, Kathy! The little things are what get us through.
DeleteThat dress suits you so well -- not only in the fit and design, but with the color. Super comfy and chic at the same time is the best thing ever!! I also got a little tag with my last order from Mood. Haven't decided what to use it in yet! I've been doing that back tuck adjustment to my bodices lately, too, when they come down to a certain point. I wasn't definitely sure what it was called as I've read varying things, but a sway back sounds about right. Although, when I think "sway back" I'm thinking of a horse....
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tanya! I too associate sway backs with horses, but the term does make sense in this case. Can't wait to see what you end up using your mood tag on!
DeleteThis dress is sensational! Both the pattern and the fabric look great on you. Just lovely!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'm now wishing I'd snagged this fabric, in my last Mood order. It sounds so cozy!
Thanks, Mary! The fabric really is quite cozy. I have a mere quarter yard left of it, and I am trying to decide what warm little lovely I should make with it.
DeleteUse it on a BGD Violet :)
DeleteWhat a great dress. You look so cosy and glamourous at the same time and a fab fit. How cool is your label! Nothing cosy on the cutting table here but going to tackle some knits at the weekend. Xx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mother of Reinvention. There is something comforting about sewing knits this time of year. Good luck with your weekend sewing ambitions.
DeleteI love that dress--and the knit is gorgeous. I just discovered your blog and--my goodness, I think we are body doubles--no kidding. The Curvy Sewing Collective is so helpful and supportive to plus sized sewists. Happy Sewing!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Robin! The CSC has been great for connecting all us curvy gals. It is also great to know that there are other women out there with my body shape, because sometimes it just feels like I am the only one.
DeleteHi Alicia, I am also in Greenwood, IN!!! Also plus size and old enough to be your mother (53). Do you have an email or FB that I can send you a message with my email and phone? I've been wanting to find other sewers in our area in hopes of a meet up to share ideas or just fun. Sherri
ReplyDeleteHi Sherri. Wonder how many times we have bumped into each other at Joann? Ha! You can email me at pandorasews at gmail dot com.
DeleteYay, the best knit dress pattern in the WORLD! Love this version: it's so smart and chic but also looks so snuggly. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rosie! I never would have made the dress length if I hadn't liked the one you made so much. I am thinking about color blocking my next one. After all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!
DeleteI am very flattered! The dress version is awesome and you look gorgeous. Defo colour block: I can't wait to see what you do with it! xxxx
DeleteYou look amazing in that dress and im going to attempt to get the pattern and make it, I have a 51 -49-52 and a stomach so it hides well with the pleates
ReplyDeleteVery inspiring :-) Keep up the great work! I'm sewing MY plus size collection also.
ReplyDelete