I made something! Yes, I finally finished a project in 2017.
It's a dress that I've been wanting to make for a long time, KwikSew 3757, a casual dress that originally caught my eye with its cool pockets. I had just enough of a denim coloured knit in my stash to make this, in View A (I had no interest in a drawstring around my hip area).
So I cut it pretty much as the pattern shows -- I added a couple of inches to the bottom when I cut it out so that it wouldn't be too short, but there was no need. I ended up having to trim it by 3" before hemming, so I just added and removed the same amount of fabric, grr.
The pockets do end up at the widest part of you, assuming you're average height - I think I'd raise the pocket by at least an inch next go round. They are great pockets though, and pretty close to the right placement.
I was planning on copying Patti from PR & adding in some flat piping to accentuate the seams, but decided that I didn't want the curve of the pocket highlighting my hip/thigh, so just ran it to the top of the pocket. It adds a bit of a vertical line and I think that helps with my figure and this dress. I just used the reverse side of the fabric for the silvery piping & made a neckband as well, instead of using facings.
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| Simple back view, all one piece |
It was a fairly straightforward dress, other than adding in the piping & neckband, and went together quickly. I like the casual feel of it, and have worn it both alone with funky tights and with a matching cardigan (with deep enough armholes to accommodate the fairly large sleeve on the dress). It's a very comfortable, simple dress but I feel quite put together in it. So nice to get going with a quick project again! I feel like this dress would fall a bit more smoothly if the knit was a bit more fluid, though. I love this denim knit but it is very lightweight and yet somehow with body. The good part about that is that it isn't inclined to cling, too badly.
Anyhow, a fun, easy and comfortable dress that I could take pictures of, outside, in February! That's weird enough in itself, never mind the weirdness of finally FINISHING a project ;) Some of the old KwikSew's that I've made have turned out to be my favourite things, and this dress has a good chance of being added to that list.
Very nice! I think the pockets are very nice, I see what you mean how they hit at the widest part of hips, but somehow it still is ok on you. The piping is great, very sliming. I like that the sleeves are not too short.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Yes, these are cut-on sleeves but they are nice and long - I like how they drape.
DeleteThat dress looks very comfy! And I love how you did the piping down to the pockets.
ReplyDeleteYeah, weird weather, huh?
Very - I have been wearing many summer dresses with just tights & a sweater & they've been fine with the mild weather. Odd..... But this is a slightly warmer & cozy dress that will work in fall, winter & spring, I think.
DeleteA lovely comfortable dress. I love how you used the reverse side of the fabric for the piping and neckband.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was cutting it out I noticed how shimmery the back of the fabric was and decided it would be easiest just to use it rather than find another knit - I really like it!
DeleteHey, did you know climate change is totally a liberal conspiracy and doesn't really exist?? *rolls eyes* The dress looks really comfy and the accent details in the piping add a nice contrast to the look. Good make!
ReplyDeleteTotally... ;) Thanks for the compliment, it's nice when you make something that is comfortable but not sloppy!
DeleteCatching up on my blog reading so forgive the late post -- This dress looks comfy! And I love the tights :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping in to comment -- it's never too late for that :) I also love these tights; a friend gave them to me & they are fun to wear.
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