So, the big news is that I recently fell down the garment sewing hole. I've been making ALL THE CLOTHES! I even bought myself a second hand serger and have been tackling knits. Have you seen the new Colette patterns? Colette has made two knit patterns, Mabel and Moneta and they come in plus sizes! Sweet!
I've made two versions of the Moneta so far. The first is a heavier knit. I made Version 1 exactly as per the pattern, including the lapped collar. The bodice is lined - I used a Michael Miller knit that I had left over from a skirt I made last summer. This was my first time using clear elastic to gather a skirt and I didn't much enjoy it. In making this version, I realized that I wanted to make the bodice a bit longer, but otherwise, the fit is fabulous. Also, bonus! In this knit, the dress is dressy enough to wear to work!
My second version is a lighter jersey knit. I also made this version sleeveless, but this time I omitted the collar. I also made the bodice an inch and a half longer and I think it's far more flattering. I lengthened the skirt by three inches too. I used clear elastic again to gather the skirt, even though I found it a beast to work with the first time around. I tried a different gathering method though. Colette's tutorial shows two methods and I liked method two much better gather the skirt first using basting stitches, then sew on the elastic, versus "stretch and sew."
Stay tuned for more garment sewing goodness coming your way. I have FOUR shirts to share with you! In the meantime, see you on Instagram!