Supplement 330 - Model#161
Knit dress with short, kimono sleeves and side slits
Hi there folks. It seems like Thanksgiving is right around the corner and I thought I should make a dress that won't have me roasting in the hot kitchen along with the turkey. This cap sleeved, knit dress looked like just the ticket. The high, round neckline is not the most flattering for me so I changed it to a draped, cowl neckline.
Pattern Hints:
This pattern was a breeze to enlarge to my size. It is rather long though so make sure you have a nice long table to work on. The short sleeved view of this pattern is comprised of just two pattern pieces, front and back with neck facings from the same pattern pieces. The self belt is a suggested length rectangle. I was surprised to find that despite the apparent shaping at the waist this dress really does turn out as shapeless as the line drawing for the back suggests.
Design Changes:
Design Changes:
The one major design change I made was to convert this pattern to a draped, cowl neckline. I used the instructions outlined in this article by Threads magazine. Since my figure is curvier than the model pictured I knew I would skip the self belt worn at the hips. I also had to cut my pattern at the waist and make separate bodice and skirt pieces. Besides making it easier to adjust for the cowl neckline it also made it possible to cut this altered pattern out of just 1.75 yards of 58 inch wide fabric. Since my belt sits at the waist it completely hides the seam there.
Fabric Used/Suggested:
This pattern is designed for a knit fabric and without a closure of some kind that's exactly the type of fabric needed to get the dress over your head and shoulders. My fabric is a lovely, soft cotton print from Fabric Worm with 5% Lycra added. I was fortunate enough to have stopped by their retail store in Paso Robles, CA on a trip to see a friend in Ventura, CA. I'm sure this simple pattern would lend itself to many different knit fabrics. I may change the neckline to a "V" shape to use up some sweater knit.
Closing Hints:
The longer length with high side slits on this dress makes it feel just a little fancier than a standard T-shirt type dress. The top of the slits, at the suggested 30cm, hit a little above the knee on me. I am finding I prefer the shorter, kimono type sleeve to a separate set in style. I feel like it gives me just a little more room at the bust when making an otherwise close fitting bodice. Now that I have this altered for a cowl neck I will likely use the pattern at the shorter, top length for #162 to make a shell for under jackets. Cooler weather is upon us.
Make sure to take some time for yourself this busy season. We all deserve it.
Happy sewing everyone,
Ann in Calif.
