Monday, September 12, 2011

Froggy Went A Courtin' Dress


Last week I finally made Kwik Sew 3758, and adorable pattern used by Patty for her "No Fuss Knit & Cotton Dress" class.  It's a pattern of genuis because it appears to be separates, but is a knit top with a gathered skirt (not a full dirndl- more of gathered to the amount of a classic babydoll) and an obi-style wide belt.

Available online here, ask for Indigo!

I'd been contemplating which fabrics from my stash I might use to make a version of this up, when we got Tula Pink's Frog Prince in stock in this Indigo colorway.  I had been charmed by the other colorways we'd had in stock, how could I not be?  Not only is it a frog prince, it has a fly in the middle of what looks like a sacred heart to me, and when we got the Indigo in, I fell hard.  I decided to make the belt in one of the Prince Charming coordinates, Turtle Bay (also in Indigo) available here online..



my hands are in my pockets!

Since I have a perfect cardi to wear with this in a cool icy lemon shade (yellow can so be cool..) I decided to make the top in simple navy, and to make it in the easily layerable tank version.  Even in the coldest Minnesotan winter, I get hot sometimes, mostly because most workplaces go way overboard with the lobby heat, so I like to keep a lighter layer underneath.  Here's where I fully disclose my own lack of attention to detail.

The skirt is a simple rectangle and uses the same pattern piece for back and front, so I went on auto-pilot and cut out the bodice using one piece as well.  It wasn't until much later when I tried on the top and noted the low scooped back (which I was digging) that I realized I never cut out the back bodice pattern piece, and had made 2 fronts.


Since I had already successfully applied the neckline trim, I didn't really mind, but once the whole dress was assembled, I will note that it probably added to the top being larger than it needs to be.  When the belt is tied, the back isn't gapey, but you could grab some extra fabric back there for sure.

Not enough to unpick and fix, just enough for me to look at the back view and sigh the slightest sigh from lack of perfection.  As Patty noted, I too, would like the knit top better in a size L, and will make that adjustment with the next version.  Because I have at least 2 more in my immediate future.  I'd wear nothing but versions of this dress if I thought I could get away with it!





Also, I have realized that I should wear more navy.  Probably everyone should...

2 comments:

  1. Faux-separates are the best kinds of dresses for sure... I love the throw-on-and-go ease. You look smashing!

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  2. this is gorgeous. i love the pattern of the "skirt" and the cut is so flattering on you. you look fabulous!

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