Tribal Print Knit Dress

I used to be terrified of sewing with knits. Hearing all the horror stories about the fabric curling, puckering, getting wavy, I just didn't want to try it. Then I stumbled across medium weight knit and it was so easy to sew. After finding a lot of tips online, and practicing a lot, I have to say that I now love knits. Its comfortable for my kids and there are some adorable fabric choices out there!

So, this dress. Where to begin. This dress has been in my mind for awhile. After I bought this amazing tribal knit fabric, I knew it would look adorable as a simple dress. I looked for patterns and tutorials online but just didn't find exactly what I was looking for.

Remembering that I had some printed patterns, I started searching and found this pattern in my stash (picked up at estate sale) and it was perfect. Vintage-ish. Produced in 1990 but the style definitely works for today. Dropped waist, gathered skirt, sleeveless. And the size 5 was even cut out and ready to go. So far, so good.

Turns out I didn't have enough fabric to cut as instructed so I had to improvise. Not ideal but easy enough to work around. I could live with the pattern not lining up or matching perfectly (sort-of). Both kids were napping and I sewed this up in 2 hours. Hooray!

It looked great but also looked big. How big? About 2 sizes too big. I should have looked at the sizing a bit closer and made her a 3 or 4. So, my seam ripper and I got real cozy. I took apart the skirt, took in the side seams, added a pleat to the back, a few details to the front to fix the low and loose neckline, and traumatized my daughter by having her try it on so many times!

All that and I must say that I love this dress. So simple, casual, comfortable and just perfect for my active girl. And the bow? Her favorite part! Oh, and there are pockets. Though, since I lengthened the bodice, they are a bit out if her reach. But I have a feeling she will have a growth spurt pretty soon and it will be perfect!

 Lesson learned? Always double check the sizing on all patterns! And make sure there is enough fabric.

The Pattern: McCall's 4806, View A

The Fabric: Gray and beige tribal knit. From SAS Fabrics.

The Size: 5, adjusted to about a 4T

It looks cute with sparkly shoes and it's even perfect for playing at the park!

Rise and Shine PJs // Pattern Testing

I "met" Rachel from Once Upon A Sewing Machine when I made her son this hangout hoodie as part of the Peek-A-Boo pattern clothing swap.

She and her mom, Donna, sew and blog about all the cute things they make for Rachel's kids. They just released their Ruffled PJ pattern and I had so much fun testing this pattern.

I was going to make a cozy plaid version but Miette had other things in mind. A friend have me this chicken, rooster and egg fabric and I had no idea what I would ever make with it. It's not something I would normally chose. But Miette found it and wanted me to use it for the PJs. So I named them her Rise and Shine pajamas! 

I omitted the optional ruffle, since the print was already so busy. The bodice is fully lined, the sleeves have elastic (based on feedback, they updated the pattern to have the sleeves a bit shorter), the skirt portion is gathered (so it twirls!!) and I used snaps instead of buttons. She absolutely loves these and even though its been in the 80's, she insists on wearing these!

They are definitely a fun, fancy pair of pajamas! And so easy to sew. I plan to make her a few more pairs for this Winter!

Guest Post at I Seam Stressed

Hi! Today I'm guest posting at I Seam Stressed talking about this cute knit dress. Come on over and say hello!

Draped Cardigan // Selfish Sewing Week

I have a stash of women's patterns. Adorable dresses, shirts, vintage patterns. Mostly purchased, on sale, from the fabric store. But have I cut into any of them and sewn with them? Until recently, no. I also have a handful of patterns by independent pattern makers and I've used quite a few of those.

I just started sewing for myself and it is so much fun! Harder than sewing for kids but so rewarding. I even have two patterns that I plan to sew for my hubby!

My go-to clothing item is the cardigan. I love blazers and sweaters but I always reach for the comfy cardi.

Seamingly Smitten is about to release a new pattern--The Draped Cardigan. And I was able to test the pattern. I wanted it to be a little on the loose side so I sewed a Medium. The fit is great but the next time around I will lengthen the sleeves and the overall length. I just prefer my clothes on the long side.

I picked up the floral knit at M&L Fabrics. It's such a lightweight fabric and so comfy. 

I have a few other things in mind to sew. Hope I can get around to them for Selfish Sewing Week (hosted by imagine gnats).