Perfect Weekend Dress: Fabric Mart guest post
I hope everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable Thanksgiving! I know I was ready for a break. For those of you who love Black Friday I hope you grabbed all the doorbusters on your list!
FINALLY! Fall is creeping in here in the south. It was warm through Halloween here, but a chill is definitely in the air now (well at least in the mornings). Summer is probably my favorite season to sew for, simply because I love sundresses and they are such a breeze to make. However, I do enjoy creating certain cold weather looks like sweaters, jackets and capes. One day I'm going to make a true coat, but that's not today.
Today I bring you this perfect weekend dress. Whether you are headed out to run errands, to meet your girlfriends for brunch or to meet up with the crew to watch a football game you'll be dressed for it. This dress can be worn with tights and booties, fishnets and heeled boots or legging and chucks. Just change out a scarf for gold jewelry and you've instantly gone from day to night.
New Look 6298 is a raglan sleeve knit dress with several options; a scoop or V neck, a narrow hem or a band hem, three-quarter or full sleeves, knee length or below the knee and lastly pockets are no pockets. I've had this pattern in my stash for at LEAST a year, maybe two. Though very simple, I remember instantly picking it up. For once I think it was the pattern model that got me! She looks comfortable and put together and that's what I want.
I chose this wool blend knit because I wanted this to be cold weather dress. I love this wool knit, though I wished I picked another color for the sake of better photos, it has a great feel I can't quite explain other than to call it luxe. It feels just like a ponte or double knit but with the coziness of wool. My biggest fear was that it would itch, but in the time I worked with it and wore the dress for photos I had no issues. I'm not the most sensitive to wool though. Sadly this fabric is sold out and unfortunately I didn't grab a screenshot of the description. I believe it is a double knit as it is similar in weight to most of the ponte knit I own. Fabric Mart currently has several wool blend jersey and interlock knits to choose from that I believe would be similar in feel just lighter weight. Take a look here.
I sewed View B minus the pocket, because I did not have enough fabric. Let this be a reminder to you (because it was for me) to always check the width of fabric while ordering. At 54" wide (instead of 60") I could not layout the pattern as shown in the instructions. I had to get very creative with my pattern piece placement to squeeze everything on my 2yds and the pockets didn't make the cut.
This pattern was a breeze to sew up as it only has 4 pieces, front, back, sleeve, neck band. I found it interesting that the raglan sleeve had a dart but I looked at a few other raglan sleeved patterns (like McCalls 6992) and I realized this was not unusual.
I chose this wool blend knit because I wanted this to be cold weather dress. I love this wool knit, though I wished I picked another color for the sake of better photos, it has a great feel I can't quite explain other than to call it luxe. It feels just like a ponte or double knit but with the coziness of wool. My biggest fear was that it would itch, but in the time I worked with it and wore the dress for photos I had no issues. I'm not the most sensitive to wool though. Sadly this fabric is sold out and unfortunately I didn't grab a screenshot of the description. I believe it is a double knit as it is similar in weight to most of the ponte knit I own. Fabric Mart currently has several wool blend jersey and interlock knits to choose from that I believe would be similar in feel just lighter weight. Take a look here.I sewed View B minus the pocket, because I did not have enough fabric. Let this be a reminder to you (because it was for me) to always check the width of fabric while ordering. At 54" wide (instead of 60") I could not layout the pattern as shown in the instructions. I had to get very creative with my pattern piece placement to squeeze everything on my 2yds and the pockets didn't make the cut.This pattern was a breeze to sew up as it only has 4 pieces, front, back, sleeve, neck band. I found it interesting that the raglan sleeve had a dart but I looked at a few other raglan sleeved patterns (like McCalls 6992) and I realized this was not unusual.
Other than that everything was simple and straight forward. I've heard/read others sewists say this pattern runs large and perhaps it does. I haven't sewn enough New Look patterns to have a go to size. I cut a 16 based on the finished bust measurements and knowing I wanted a looser fit. However I did end up taking a half inch out at the back center seam. I graded from the top of the seam out to a half inch so that I wouldn't have to make any adjustments to my neck band. Next time I may go down a size on the back piece for a more fitted look.
Even though I've been sewing for three years, this was my first time attaching a V neck band. I've heard they could be tricky and I was certain it would take a few attempts. To my surprise I got it on the first try. I'm not sure if it really isn't that difficult, the instructions were incredibly clear or I was just lucky, but everything came together once I got all my markings lined up correctly. My topstitching could be better but I am pleased with it.
I will definitely be making this dress again likely with a different color of wool knit if Fabric Mart gets more in stock. I'll be keeping a look out for a bright red or a deep green.
Pattern: New Look 6298Pattern Description: Misses' easy Just4Knits dress is what you are looking for this season! Knit dress with options that include V or scoop neck, long or three-quarter sleeve, pockets and cut lines for length variation. New Look sewing pattern. I made View B.Sizing: 10-22 in one envelope. I cut a 16 based on my 38" bust.Difficulty: 2/easyFabric Used: Black wool blend double knit from Fabric MartDoes it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? Yes it does!Were the instructions easy to follow? Very!Likes: I like to raglan sleeves and V neck. I like that the pattern includes different sleeve, neck and length options.Dislikes: NonePattern alterations or any design changes made: I took in the back about a half inch. I probably could have cut a 14 all around but because I only had an issue with the fullness in the back next time I think I'll cut a size 16 front and a 14 back.Would I sew it again? Yes I plan to make it again in a jewel tone and maybe a fleece or sweater knit.Would I recommend it to others? Yes if you're looking for a comfy yet cute dress.Conclusion: A great dress for lounging or heading out.
Even though I've been sewing for three years, this was my first time attaching a V neck band. I've heard they could be tricky and I was certain it would take a few attempts. To my surprise I got it on the first try. I'm not sure if it really isn't that difficult, the instructions were incredibly clear or I was just lucky, but everything came together once I got all my markings lined up correctly. My topstitching could be better but I am pleased with it.I will definitely be making this dress again likely with a different color of wool knit if Fabric Mart gets more in stock. I'll be keeping a look out for a bright red or a deep green.Pattern: New Look 6298Pattern Description: Misses' easy Just4Knits dress is what you are looking for this season! Knit dress with options that include V or scoop neck, long or three-quarter sleeve, pockets and cut lines for length variation. New Look sewing pattern. I made View B.Sizing: 10-22 in one envelope. I cut a 16 based on my 38" bust.Difficulty: 2/easyFabric Used: Black wool blend double knit from Fabric MartDoes it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? Yes it does!Were the instructions easy to follow? Very!Likes: I like to raglan sleeves and V neck. I like that the pattern includes different sleeve, neck and length options.Dislikes: NonePattern alterations or any design changes made: I took in the back about a half inch. I probably could have cut a 14 all around but because I only had an issue with the fullness in the back next time I think I'll cut a size 16 front and a 14 back.Would I sew it again? Yes I plan to make it again in a jewel tone and maybe a fleece or sweater knit.Would I recommend it to others? Yes if you're looking for a comfy yet cute dress.Conclusion: A great dress for lounging or heading out.