I'm a slow sewer and it's very rare that I buy a pattern and make it within the same month. When I saw Gertie's latest Patreon pattern, however, I knew I had to make it.
Only one problem - it is designed for knits and I don't sew knits. I have made exactly one knit sewing project 6 years ago - and while this wrap cardigan is still in my closet and in use - it did not make me feel confident about my ability to fit and sew knits.
Despite my fears, I persevered. And as if meant to be, a perfect sized roll end of this jacquard animal print doubleknit was available from Emma One Sock!
This fabric is so soft and surprisingly (to me) stable. It does stretch, but it isn't slinky or slippery and I didn't have any issues with it stretching while I sewed it. As someone who has avoided knits, I didn't realize how much variety there was.
Before I read the pattern instructions, I dug out my neglected serger - purchased many years ago - and cleaned it out, re-threaded it, and practiced on some scraps. Then I read the instructions and realized I didn't need it. I guess I need to sew more knits.
This dress was very easy to sew together. It calls for a fusible interfacing, but I didn't have any I thought would work with a knit so I just sewed in some bias cut silk organza. I also ended up taking in the hips about 2" total, taking the hem up 1", and made some minor changes to the shoulders and sleeves. After I made my dress, Gertie issued an update to the pattern that fixed some of the shoulder and sleeve issues I had to adjust for.
I don't have the hourglass proportions of a Joan Holloway, but the cut of this dress makes me feel like I do.
And as a bonus... when I wear this, Simon and I match.
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