Coco Dress by Tilly and the Buttons

The moment Tilly announced her Coco dress pattern I fell in love with it. What a cute casual dress. I especially love the sixties style funnel neckline. It also offers a shirt version, two different sleeve lengths, and optional pockets.

For my first version I cut out a size 3, but I think next time I will go for a size 2. It runs a little bit, at least with this fabric. It is a cotton interlock from fabric.com.

Here is the back view. I wonder if it will less wrinkle in a smaller size. Or maybe I have to make an alteration on the pattern after all. 

This shows those wrinkles in the lower back area pretty good, too. 

I am in love with the funnel neckline. The perfect casual dress. And since it has only five pattern pieces it is super easy and quick to sew.Very good for beginners with knit fabrics. 

I can't say this enough: knits are not hard to sew with. In a way they are actually easier than some wovens. No finishing of the seams necessary. Very forgiving, especially when setting in a sleeve, because this can be done before sewing the side seams.

 It looks a bit different on my dress form since the form is not yet padded to my exact measurements.

A closeup of the funnel neck. Love!!! I see more Coco dresses in my future.

Pattern Description:
Breton top or knit dress with multiple variations. Simple to sew, Coco is easy fitting, with no zips, buttons or other fiddly bits.
Designed for low-stretch knit fabrics, this classic style features a boat neckline, choice of top or dress lengths, three quarter length or long sleeves, with side splits at the hips on the top version. Make it your own with optional sixties funnel roll neck, rolled cuffs and patch pockets.

Pattern Sizing:
1 (30" bust) to 8 (44" bust)
I made a size 3, but will move down to a size 2 next time

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very easy instructions. She has a sew-along on her website

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Nothing to dislike about this pattern. It has only 5 pattern pieces, no closures, and is very easy to fit. I love the many choices the pattern offers, and especially the sixty style funnel neck.

Fabric Used:
Cotton Interlock

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I didn't make any alterations

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I will absolutely sew it again, and highly recommend it.

Conclusion: 
Perfect pattern for beginners, very good choice to start sewing knits.

More Skater Dresses

Just in case you haven't noticed, I love the Skater Dress by Kitschy Coo

I've posted about this pattern in detail here.

So today just pictures of my two newest versions. The fabric is from Girl Charlee.

 Isn't this fabric awesome?!?!

I shortened the bodice 3/4 inch for this version and it fits much better now. Less crinkles in the back.

I always knew I am a trendsetter. Look at this.
Taylor Swift with fox shirt. Can't believe what a copycat she is!

New Fabric and some thoughts about knits

 Some of my new fabric. First up Anna Maria Horner Hand Drawn Garden Fat Quarter Bundle. She is one of my absolute favorite fabric designers. Aren't those colors just beautiful?

 This is a bundle of fabrics I got from my older sister for my birthday last year. Heather Ross prints. Again one of my all time favorite designers. (the pigeon wasn't part of the present, and isn't Heather Ross either) The solid is a Shot Cotton Fat Quarter. Almost a year in my stash now and I still didn't find the perfect project for these treasures. It has to be very special.

Wee Wander by Sarah Jane

Oh, how I love these prints. I couldn't wait until I finally had the Fat Quarter Bundle. With the matching solids. And they even added a Mini Lucky Charms pack to my order for free.

 I found these wonderful jerseys at Girl Charlee. They have so many beautiful jerseys for really good prices. These two are super soft and flowy jerseys. Perfect for some skater dresses.

Which brings me right to my thoughts about knits. When I started sewing I read a lot of online tutorials, and how-to's, and such. And I thought sewing with knits must be some very hard super special task. 

IT IS NOT!!!!!

It is very easy, and I don't understand why there is so much fuss out there about sewing with knits. I think in some ways it is even easier than sewing with some kind of woven fabrics. All there is to it is a ball point needle, and a walking foot would be very good, but not necessary. But don't most sewing machines come with a walking foot? My super cheap brother had one, and I know Janome includes it. Not all Bernina's have one included, but if one spends the money on a Bernina the walking foot really is the smallest expense. Just saying! Don't let 'em scare you!

Colette Truffle Dress

The Truffle Dress was the pattern I fell in love with first from the Colette Sewing Handbook. The version in the book is so cute. It was also the pattern I tried first after receiving the book for Christmas that year. I had just started sewing in September 2011, and so of course I made some stupid mistakes with this dress. It ended up laying around for over a year unfinished. But I finally finished it last September with help from my mom.

The fabric is Crepe Back Satin from JoAnn's. I was thinking about to play with the shiny and matte side of the fabric, but decided against it and used only the shiny side. I made a muslin of the bodice and the fit was spot on. But for some reason the bodice from the dress was gaping a lot in the back. Which was one of the reasons why it ended up in the UFO bin. 

The other mistake was using the wrong interfacing. At that point in my sewing adventures I had not clue whatsoever about different interfacings. I learned, mostly the hard way. The wrong choice of interfacing is not really visible, and the dress is for sure wearable.

The dress is fully lined with blue Rayon Bemberg. And of course after I set in the zipper and tried on the dress it ripped a hole in the lining. Zippers aren't exactly my friends. 

Finally last September I got around to open some seams and taking in the back of the bodice to get rid of the gaping. It still gapes a little, but it might be just me being too picky about it. It really isn't that bad. 

It is a cute dress, and I will attempt it again. Maybe a version without the drape in front. 

Pattern Description:

Dress with wide scoop neck, darted bodice, straight skirt with assymetrical flounce.

Pattern Sizing:

0 (33") - 18 (46"), I made a size 2

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Very easy and detailed instructions in the Colette Sewing Handbook.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I love the flounce, and the fitted bodice.

Fabric Used:

Shell fabric: Crepe backed Satin
Lining fabric: Rayon Bemberg

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I had to take in the back an inch. No other alterations.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I will sew it again, and recommend it.

Conclusion: 

A lovely dress that works with fancy fabric as well as with cotton. It is also cute without the drape on the skirt.

Skater Dress x3

And here they are, my Skater dresses. Because when I like a pattern I can't just make one. The pattern is by Kitschy Coo and you can find it here

It is a PDF pattern, so prepare for some printing and assembling. But it is well worth it!

This version is Crepe Jersey which I bought a year ago at Fabric.com. Anyone else annoyed about their new website?

 This fabric is from Denver Fabrics in Denver (not the website). It is a nice rather slinky jersey.

 

The Strawberry version. Heather Ross Briar Rose in Lilac. I am not sure if all that white doesn't look too much on me due to my rather fair skin tone. But I love the fabric. 

Here is a side/back view. 

Pattern Description:
This funky yet functional knit dress has a fitted bodice, scooped banded neckline, a curved flared knee-length skirt, and options for trimmed cap sleeves, or banded ¾ length sleeves or long sleeves. It's designed to flatter the figure with a waistline that hits at the natural waist and a skirt that gently skims over the lower waist and hips.

Pattern Sizing:
There are eight sizes included in the pattern, ranging from a 30” to 44” high bust, and a 24” to 38” high waist. I made a size 34"

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow?
The PDF pattern comes with two different instructions. A long version with lots of photos and detailed instructions, and a short version without pics. Both very easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Nothing to dislike.

Fabric Used:
All three versions are cotton jersey.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I didn't make any alterations. In a next version I might shorten the bodice a bit.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I will sew it again, and highly recommend it to others. Great pattern for beginners with knit fabric.

Conclusion: 
A super easy and fast to sew dress. Very cute and flattering.

This is my favorite song right now. The whole CD is running constantly on my playlist.

Sewaholic Lonsdale Polka Dot Dress

 I finally got some useable pictures of my Lonsdale Dress, which I made last summer. I wasn't quite drawn in by this pattern when it was released, to be honest. It didn't do much for me. But then I started to see more and more wonderful versions of this dress and thought I would give it a try. Boy, do I love this dress!!

The fabric is a very cheap polyester from Fabric.com. It looked so cute on the website. But the thing with ordering fabric online is one can't touch it to feel the quality. This fabric feels very cheap, so I decided to use it as a wearable muslin for this dress. What can I say, it actually turned out awesome. It is one of my favorite summer dresses now. Especially worn with a petticoat. I love petticoats!

It has pockets, even thou I don't care for pockets in my dresses. The next one will be without. 

Pattern Description:

The Lonsdale Dress is the perfect summer sundress. It’s fitted on top with a flared skirt, with your choice of a flattering knee-length or dramatic, full-length dress.

This dress is designed with a pear-shaped figure in mind. Knotted bodice and halter neckline draw attention to the shoulders, while the narrow waistband highlights the waist. The skirt is softly flared from the waistline to create a flattering silhouette. Pockets in the skirt are easy to sew and add a practical touch to this pretty dress. Sizing is proportioned for a pear-shaped figure: smaller bust and waist, larger hips.

Change the look by tying a half-knot or a full knot in the front. Shoulder straps are completely adjustable, tying in a bow at centre back. Just untie the bow and pull the straps tighter as needed. Bodice is self-lined, skirt is unlined, with a centre back zipper closure.
 

Pattern Sizing:

0 - 16, I made a size 8
 

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? 

Yes
 

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes, as with all Sewaholic patterns
 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

There is nothing to dislike. I like that the bodice is lined and easily adjustable with the straps.
 

Fabric Used:

Polyester Charmeuse
 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I didn't make any alterations or changes.
 

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

It is on my list projects for this year. I absolutely recommend it.
 

Conclusion: 

Lovely summer dress, easy to fit, fast project.