Sunday 24 May 2015

it's all about the fabric - pitt trading double knit (cynthia rowley simplicity 2054)

in my sewing i often seem to sew a lot of one type of garment for a while before swapping to another garment type.  at the moment its dresses, and more particularly the knit dress.


the fabric is a double knit from pitt trading.  i was drawn to the fabric as soon as i saw it on the pitt trading IG feed.  i wasn't able to get in store so called and ordered the fabric over the phone - the service was very helpful and quick.

the girl i spoke to at pitt trading initially called the fabric 'scuba like' when i was describing it.  i was a bit worried as i don't find thick scuba suitable for dresses, but she assured me it would be ok for a dress and she was right.  i have worn this many times already and the material breathes fine.  the fabric is also reasonably slippery so perfect for wearing with tights.  but the thing i love most about this fabric is the COLOURS!! the bright colours are perfect to brighten up dull winter days.


the pattern is my tnt for knit dresses - cynthia rowley simplicity 2054.  i have made this pattern many many times before.  i make a size 10 even though my waist and hip measurements are between size 14 and 16.  i vary the seam allowance width depending on the stretch and thickness of the fabric - for this fabric i used 3/8".  i also add two darts at the back to get a fitted result.


for this version i went for 3/4 length sleeves as i was worried that the fabric would not breath well - but as i said i haven't had any troubles with this.  the pattern has a binding for the neckline but for this dress i turned the neck under 1/4" and used a twin needle which worked out fine. 


so yes its definitely another 'no iron work wardrobe' win woot woot and yes i really need to make a grainline morris blazer as i only have one rtw work jacket and a whole bunch of cardys.


while i do love this pattern i am keen to try some new knit dress patterns too - next on my to make list is the named inari tee dress, hopefully i will be blogging one soon!


emma

20 comments :

  1. Such a beautifully vibrant dress but without being OTT. I can see this will be worn a lot it is lovely.

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  2. Such a beautifully vibrant dress but without being OTT. I can see this will be worn a lot it is lovely.

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    1. Thanks Louise, that's exactly what I was hoping for - its getting weekly wear at the moment and am sure it will continue all winter!

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  3. Ooh gorgeous Emma - and 'no iron work wardrobe' - winning!

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    1. Thanks Jane! Its such a nice feeling being able to wear a good looking work dress but not having to get the iron out - more time in bed in the mornings!

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  4. such a happy winter dress and a great shape!

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    1. Thanks Helen - yep I love this pattern and shape. I have muslined the Inner though and am very happy with how it looks, I can feel a few of them coming along!

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  5. Oh wow this looks amazing! I absolutely love that fabric too & can see how you couldn't resist it! The Inari tee pattern is lovely too, looking forward to seeing your version.

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    1. Thanks Kathryn! And thanks for commenting on my post, I just checked out your blog and am now following it. Love your recent raglans for the kids - am a big fan of raglans for the kids! Looking forward to your future posts too! I've muslined the inari and am v happy with it so hopefully will post a finished version soon.

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  6. Scuba knits are lovely. You've chosen a great print to brush away Winter greyness.

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    1. Thanks Maria, and great to catch up for lunch yesterday! I will send that link to you when i get a chance!

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  7. This is so freaking happy, Emma! I love how joyous this is and any non-iron work dress is a win! :D

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    1. Thanks Amanda! I so love your comments they make me freaking happy and joyous!

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  8. Love everything about your new dress...the colour, the shape, and the fact that it needs no ironing. It also looks great with your black jacket too.

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    1. Thanks very much Jean - hopefully someday soon I'll be able to make my own jacket!

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  9. Any dress that does away with never ending black and grey is a great dress in winter. Love it!

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    1. Thanks Paola - yes I'm a bit over all the black and grey so this year decided to go with some brighter options and I am loving it. Weird to say but I do think it has a positive impact on mood too - particularly when i'm out on the cold city streets.

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  10. So, so pretty. This fabric was divine to touch and I so wish I could get into the double knit craze. Maybe I just need to suck it up and try if it turns out this well! Just lovely :)

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  11. Really love this - you are right the colours are perfect for a bright winter dress. And as I said on IG - I love the higher neckline.

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  12. Love the splash of colour for winter and you can have a lot of fun with this dress.

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