Pattern: Vogue 8667, view B
Fabric: Charcoal ponte knit from Joann (one of their new seasonal collections, this fabric is still available.)
Notes:
When I was 14 years old or so, leopard print enjoyed a comeback. I recall at one point having leopard shoes, a leopard purse, and a leopard coat all at the same time. That must have been a whole lot of look! I’ve dialed it back since then… one animal print item at a time. I like this one because it’s gray, which honestly is much better on me that brown.
This was my favorite dress in the Vogue fall patterns this year. I was attracted to the rolled bias collar and the skirt options. I found this ponte knit at Joann and thought it would make a great fabric for this dress (which calls for lightweight doubleknits, among other choices.) Technically, this isn’t a pattern for knits. It isn’t sized for knits, so I had a to make a few adjustments (this ponte is stretchier than some doubleknits.) I graded it down a size (to a size 6.) I usually wear an 8 in Vogue patterns, but because I was using a knit I wanted it to be more snug.
I omitted the back zipper (no need in a knit!) and the lining, making this a really quick project. I think I was missing part of the instructions in my pattern – it contained no hemming info, and only the barest information on attaching the collar. I used a sewing book from the 1960s to tell me how to do a bias rolled collar, although I suppose I’m not absolutely certain that it’s the way it’s supposed to be. I slip stitched the collar down on the inside. Because this is a knit, the collar has a bit more of a cowl-neckline look. I’m not generally a huge cowlneck fan, as I think they make my shoulders look broad, but this one is pretty small, and I think it’s pretty.
Most of this dress was constructed using a narrow zig-zag stitch. My serger doesn’t like double-knits so much, and the machine works fine. I even machine hemmed it (and you can’t see it – yay!) I think I would like this with a belt, but I haven’t found the right one yet.
I’d like to make it again using a woven, so that I can get the collar to stand up a bit. It’s an excellent pattern, and I recommend it – I’m looking forward to wearing it in the fall (well, I’m wearing it today, but I think it looks more like an early fall dress.)
Love, love, LOVE it! It fits and suits you so well.
I’m into leopard again now, too. In addition to a jacket, skirt and shoes I had in the 90′s, I also had a bed-in-a-bag. Mrow! Sadly, I no longer have any of it, but I’m making a pencil skirt this fall for SURE.
Since you’re a leopard lover, you might enjoy the CAbi shrug/bolero/jacket thingy that they’re offering this season. (Look under the Chelsea group): http://www.cabionline.com/Fall2010/index.asp#/Clothing/LookBook/
$138? Yeah, right. We sew!
I love that jacket – thanks for showing it to me! I’m planning a leopard pencil skirt also, but that’s the end of leopard this year for me… as long as I can stop myself from buying more fabric!
It looks so lovely. And I bet it’s very comfortable at the same time, isn’t it? The perfect combination!
Great dress! I personally think it would look fabulous with a red patent leather belt and some red patent leather pumps.
I can see that working! I put it on after the photos with red wedges, but it needs red heels… I can’t believe there is a type of shoe I don’t already own!
Really pretty! I like animal prints as well. Have you thought of maybe a red belt for a pop of color? Although I think it’s fabulous without too.
A red belt is a great idea – I’m going outlet shopping tomorrow, and I may keep my eyes out for one!
I love the dress (especially the collar), and your new hair color is fantastic.
This looks so perfect for fall! Perfect for transition weather too! I like!
You look mavelous!
It looks quite lovely! The print looks so good in the material.
Lovely! I may just have to copy that exactly.
I haven’t been able to make it to my Joanns when the vogues are on sale but I will be there as soon as they are again to get this pattern and maybe, ahem, that fabric. Btw, I have the same serger but have had better luck with doubleknits. It could just be some needle/setting issues. (It handles the sofia double knit beautifully).
Hmm… well, it sewed the heavier ponte I used before fine, it just didn’t like this one. It’s probably a setting issue. I’ve watched the video, but somehow the exact meaning of the settings eludes me, so I just fiddle with them until it looks right. I’ll try a different needle… maybe a ballpoint? I’m sure it has a sharp right now. Thanks!
i have been following your blog for some time and really think this dress come out real nicely much along with all things you make but i was suprised at the leopard print coming out nicely in a dress…..great work
What a great dress! I’ve been lurking for a while and I don’t sew, but your blog really tempts me to do so.
It looks so soft and comfortable and the fit is just perfect. Love the print with that dress pattern. Another fabulous make!
That is super super lovely! very inspired by that pattern now.
The fit is perfect on you – very well done!
Beautiful dress! I bought this pattern a few days ago. I love the look–never would have thought of using a knit for it though. It looks fantastic!
Wonderful fitting dress in a fun fabric! Perfect for the fall weather.
This looks so comfortable in the knit! It fits you really well.
Another wonderful dress! I would love to see it paired with a really flashy belt: I’m thinking something like a bright yellow for contrast.
(Found your site via Google Reader recommended feeds, hooray!)
The dress is beautiful, and I love your hair colour!
Love, love, love! I second the idea of a belt in bright red, flashy yellow, or even hot pink. Or turquoise. Great dress!
Oh, that is so pretty! That was one of my favorites from the new Vogues, too. Glad to see that it sews up so well.
I’m a follower of your blog & really admire your prolific sewing skills, your eye for fabric + pattern matching & how you seem to always achieve a perfect fit. (Sorry if it comes over too gushing!!) I especially love this dress. Now I have a dress length of some knit (I think it’s double knit) but am a bit timid as I don’t have much knit sewing experience, plus wasn’t sure what fabrics this pattern is suitable for. I haven’t done woven to knit conversions either. It wouldn’t be too steep a challenge would it?