I was eager to get sewing on this one, so I didn't even bother to make a muslin. When it comes to knits, I live on the EDGE. I sewed a size L, my measurements matching most closely to the 12. I was really pleased with how well it fit me right out of the envelope. I have 2 small tweaks I'll be making for my next version - shortening the waist by about 1/2" and taking a small dart out of the neckline on the pattern to remove a bit of gaping.
I tried a new method of cutting this time, which I've read is good for knits and other slippery fabrics, where I layered a piece of paper (the thin kind you sit on at doctor's office) between the fabric. It really did help keep it stable while I cut, but it was a struggle to get it all in place. I ended up laying it all on my living room floor, but I felt like I was basting a quilt with all that smoothing. I think I got a more accurate cut in the end, though, so I'm hoping that gets less awkward to set up the more I do it. Here's a snap where you can see the paper between the two layers pretty well:
The simplicity of this dress is a big part of what attracted me to it. Dresses like this are so easy to wear and can easily be sewn and worn in so many ways! My pattern making semester didn't cover knits and I haven't sewn with them much, so I'm also fascinated with the pattern itself and how you make fit adjustments. Plus, Jersey is so comfy! It's a superb casual dress.
Hooray for working with new fabrics! Are you trying any new fabrics or techniques this summer?
this is lovely! i keep thinking the moneta is so simple, but as you say, it is exactly what makes it so great!
ReplyDeleteYes, exactly! Thanks, Joelle!
DeleteThat looks lovely on you – I am always smitten with polka dot prints and doubly so in jersey. Over half of my latest sewing projects have been jersey dresses as they are so easy to wear and suit my lifestyle perfectly. As how great are pockets in a jersey dress! Another reason to swoon over a Moneta!
ReplyDeleteThey are SO easy to wear!! I'm traveling more for work lately, and I'm so excited to have something comfy to wear on planes. You've found some great jersey for your projects lately. The daisy print for your Moneta was amazing!
DeleteYour Moneta looks lovely. I can see how this type of dress would easily become a staple, especially in a summer wardrobe! It would be incredibly easy to wear. I like how you have it here, with the belt at the waist for extra definition and a divide between the top and bottom.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Yes, I find I have to have a bit of waist definition, otherwise I look like a mass of hips and bust. Tehehe.
DeleteIt looks great! It's really no wonder that this pattern is so popular.
ReplyDeleteYes, and a fast sew! There's something so incredibly satisfying about finishing a project in just a few hours.
DeleteYour dress is so cute!!! And I'm trying not to covet your swing..... I want one too! Merry from eachlittlebird.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThanks, Merry! It's the backyard at my brother's house, and my 8-month old nephew has tons of fun swinging with grandma on it during the day! It's a great backyard fixture.
DeleteI love your moneta! Thanks for that tip about the layer of paper, I should give that a go. I must admit I'm pretty slapdash when cutting knits as they're so much more forgiving in the fit than wovens!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kathryn! That's so true. I love that you can be a little more loose when sewing with knits!
DeleteI love your Moneta! I've seen great ones out there, but yours is what I would normally sew for myself if I made it. Polka dots! It looks amazing on you. I can't wait to see your other variations! I love that you added the belt for a little pop against the black and also waist definition.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kathy!! I really like it with the belt, too. I feel like it made it a little dressier so I could wear this look to work, too.
DeleteLovely! I've got the Lady Skater lined up but I'm all of a tizz about fitting it right. This looks like a really good and flattering fit x
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laura! So many folks love that pattern, but I was worried it would look wobbly on me. I thought the gathers on this skirt would look more flattering on me. Have you seen Shannon's fitting process on the Lady Skater? It might help you: http://www.shanniloves.com/2014/02/fitting-lady-skater-my-journey.html
DeleteI think I was wearing this exact fabric yesterday! Bamboo knit? Mine came from fabric.com, but I've seen identical looking stuff at Harts and Marcy Tilton... Bamboo is just so love for a dress like this. Drapey where you want it, and smoothes over things at the same time!
ReplyDeleteIt is bamboo! It's SO soft!
DeletePerfect! Polka dots and not a wavy seamline anywhere.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeletePolka dots and the Moneta are a match made in heaven! I love the navy jersey and the red. Perfectly paired! That fabric is a fave of mine as well!!
ReplyDeleteI know, I want to buy so many colors!! It was a test of my will that I didn't.
DeleteYou look fabulous. That is all.
ReplyDeleteThanks, miss!
DeleteThis is really cute! Polka dots will never steer you wrong. :) Glad you got such a well-fitting and comfortable dress right out of the envelope - it's a 4th of July miracle!
ReplyDeleteA 4th of July miracle, indeed! I love that idea. I'll have to test it next year and see if I can get another one!
DeleteThis dress looks great! The polka dots are super cute!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Heather! I think this is my first polka dot dress, and I'm wondering what on earth I've been doing all this time that I waited so long to sew one!
DeleteWhite polka dots on navy are powerful stuff, ma'am! My power polka dress can bend my family to my will (which is why I need to make another one, as I have worn it to shreds). May it give you great happiness as well!
DeleteHahaha, a power polka dress! What a smashing idea! I
DeleteCute - I love this on you! Great print and styling :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lizzie! I do love red with everything!
DeleteSo cute! Those polka dots look super dishy on you, Lauren.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary! Can you believe it's my first polka dot dress?! I need more polka dots in my life!
DeleteYou look so cute in this! You've got to make more!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carolyn!! I think I will!
DeleteLove your Moneta! I have this pattern and have got to get started on it now, especially after seeing and reading about yours. Sounds so comfy and just the thing for summer wear! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteOh, yay! It really is great for summer!
DeleteThat looks fantastic on you, just lovely! And what a great staple piece in that color and polka dot combo. I adore it! I could easily see a bunch more for summer comfort, or layering with tights when it gets cool.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tasha! I think you're right about the layering - this could turn out to be a really good year-round dress!
DeleteI have been wondering about buying Moneta and now I'm convinced! Gorgeous! A good place to learn to sew knits too. I would love to make a polka dot one like yours and then one with horses on it!
ReplyDeleteHorses?! That sounds awesome!!
DeleteI'm desperate for of a Moneta of my own but my first attempt has been lay g in the corner for nearly a month. The elastic gathering did not treat me kindly. Yours is lovely!
ReplyDeleteOh no! What happened with the elastic gathering?
DeleteCute as a button! I can see you making loads more of these
ReplyDeleteThanks, Amy! I hope to!
DeleteThe more Monetas I see, the more convinced I am that I should get the pattern. I love your dotty version, it looks chic and comfy at the same time.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Essi! Yes, it's a great, comfy staple. I definitely recommend it!
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