Monday, February 6, 2012

Polka Dot Peony



I am in love with this dress. Colette Patterns, Peony is a boat neck dress with an A-line skirt. A very simple design, but a very classic look. I was inspired by a polka dot Kate Spade dress in a thick knit fabric (see it here on my pinterest). I found this similar fabric, a grey knit fabric with black flocked polka dots, at Harts Fabric.

The Peony pattern does not suggest a knit fabric, but it worked out really well for me. I just made a tiny adjustment to the sleeves, making them a closer fit to the arm. I also omitted the back zipper, and can just slip the dress over my head. I didn't include the cummerbund belt, which would have made it look even more like my inspiration, I already had a cute bow belt I could use.

Sewing with knits is really simple, I don't know why some people avoid it. I just made sure to use a needle designated for stretch, and then finished the seams with the serger. Stabilizing the shoulder seams, I used stay tape, is also a must, to keep it from stretching.

This is a really classic dress pattern, that can be adapted really easily. I plan on using it again for some silk crepe fruit print I have in my stash. I think I used around 2 yards of fabric, making this a very economical dress.






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8 comments:

  1. Gorgeous ! I LOVE this dress :-)

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  2. Adorable, of course! I really like it with the skinny belt - can't imagine it now with the cummerbund! I really need to get back to my Peony.

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  3. That looks great! I think I have that dress pattern in my cue for my easter dress this year. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  4. Very cute! I've made the peony in non-knit, but now I'm intrigued...might have to give it a try in knit. Great work on this adorable dress, Erika!

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  5. Found you via Flickr-- great idea to use a jersey! This is super cute!

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