Monday, 11 June 2012

A Nautical Knit

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Ahoy there! Long-time, no blog! Sorry about the lack of blogging around here recently – I’ve been going through a lot of stressful/emotional/unnecessary-to-blog-about wedding-related crap recently (who knew I would find planning a wedding one of the most un-enjoyable things I’ve ever done!!) and it’s zapped my sewing mo-jo a bit. But I think I’m turning a corner and things could be looking up…after all, I have a lovely new jersey dress to wear!

This is my first proper attempt to sew with jersey (previously I made this skirt…but it was super-duper easy so I wasn’t really counting it!) and I used my lovely overlocker as much as possible. The jersey that I bought was part of a big haul that I picked up during a sale at my local fabric shop. I loved the stripes (I am a sucker for anything striped!), but it’s rather drapey, and while that might be nice for the end result, trying to tame it while sewing was a bit trickier than I thought. I had also planned for this to be a maxi-dress, but unfortunately didn’t have enough fabric for this pattern.

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The pattern I used was McCall’s 5490, a ‘vintage’ 70’s pattern from an Ebay job-lot I won a few years back. It is specifically for stretch-knits…but requires a zip at the back. I don’t get that! I knew my jersey was stretchy enough to not need a zip, plus I knew a zip would weigh the fabric down, so I omitted it.

You may be able to see that the pattern also comes with your classic 70’s mega-collar. Not normally my style, but I thought I’d give it a go anyway. Turns out, I didn’t have enough fabric to add the collar! I was a bit disappointed about that, but I do like the dress as is nonetheless.

 

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I cut the front yolk and the waist tie with the stripes perpendicular to the main body for a nice contrast effect, which I really love. The waist tie (or empire-line tie really!) is a god-send because without it the dress would be a bit sac-like. It does have a bit of shaping, but the tie really pulls it all in and make it a lot more flattering.

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It’s not perfectly executed by any means, but as a first attempt at jersey, I’m pretty happy! I can see myself wearing this a LOT over the Summer (Northern Irish weather permitting!!!).

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12 in 2012 update:

I am please to say that this project ticks off a massive THREE goals from my 12 in 2012 list:

12 Pieces of Handmade Clothing:

  • A Summer Dress

12 New Sewing Skills:

  • Sew from a vintage pattern
  • Sew with jersey

Woo-hoo!!

Sunny Ballyholme 011

Right…I’m off now to kick some wedding-planning butt!

 

P.S. For those of you who may be curious the photos were taken on Ballyholme beach, N.I. (where future-hubs and I are hoping to move to soon…if the wedding doesn’t consume all of our savings!!!)

Comments (19)

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I LOVE this dress. It's very stylish while being (I assume) comfy. Sad day about the collar but it really does look great without it.
1 reply · active 656 weeks ago
You are right, it is SUPER comfy!!! Thanks for the lovely comment :)
Your dress is fantastic!! And I'm very jealous about your maybe move to Ballyholme! Re wedding planning - as someone who has been there and got the t-shirt - my advice is sort out each thing between the two of you, book/buy it, THEN tell the relations (in my case my Mum). I recall two big rows about my earrings (cos the world was going to end if I wore three earrings in church...), and my sister's shoes. You will look back at this and laugh, honest!! Good luck!!! :)
1 reply · active 656 weeks ago
Thanks for the words of wisdom Lynne...your tips sound very similar to what I've been going through - and I haven't even booked a venue yet...argh!!!!
Absolutely gorgeous! I especially love the vertical stripes in the front yoke and waist and ties. It really stands out and stops it from looking plain. Brilliant!
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1 reply · active 656 weeks ago
I love the contrast . its visually very pleasing. In other news, did you see on Kestrels blog that I am your swap partner for the summer sewing swap? I tried to contact you via email, but I can't see any link on ur blog.
1 reply · active 656 weeks ago
Whoops! I've fallen behind on my blog reading so hadn't got to Kestrels post about the swap yet - doh! But Woohoo, so glad we are partners!!!
And thanks for pointing out that I don't have a link to my email on my blog...that's not good!! Will sort out pronto. And will send you an email about the swap.
Nice! I love stripy mixes, working on one myself out of remnants from my drapetastic dress XD
My recent post Drape-tastic Stripe-splosion
1 reply · active 656 weeks ago
Oh wow - excellent stripe work on your latest make! Fab!
Love this! I am such a sucker for a stripe, especially when it changes directions. Such a a fun dress!
My recent post Circle Skirts and Stripes
1 reply · active 656 weeks ago
Yeay - thanks so much Liza Jane!
gorgeous dress! fits so well! stripes and summer go so well together :)
Oh, I love this so much! The neckline detail is so cool...what a great summer dress! Welcome to jersey-love-land ;o)
SuzySewing's avatar

SuzySewing · 656 weeks ago

Such a fun little number!! And you look stunning ;)
This looks fantastic. Your first time sewing jersey was definitely a success. Good luck with wedding planning, it's definitely crazy and time consuming.
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OOoh gorgeous. I've just found your blog hence the past post stalking.
:-)
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You look gorgeous, miss! I couldn't even guess how old you were because of how young you looked! For more info on how to look good over 40, check out this cool site: https://www.fabulousafter40.com/
These fashion ideas are awesome ideas even You will realize that 90% of the people who are leading good lives are as a result of education and working hard in the same. My recent post cordless leaf blower

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