Sewing Knitted Fabric

During June I did put together this little number.  The pattern was from a favourite top which I cut up to use the pattern but becasue this knitted fabric was more stretchy it ended up being a wrap around with a ribbon tie. I added lace trim on the edge.  I did have to hand sew it on becasue the sewing machine kept missing the edge.  I gathered around the bottom of the garment so it has a ballooning effect.  It's very warm and quite elegant.

If I made it again I would cut the waist slightly lower.  I didn't allow for the seam allowance so it sits just a little bit too high - not much but I would have liked the waist to be down an inch.

I got the knitted material  at Sakaguchi's annual sale. I thought it would be hard to sew but it wasn't and it didn't unravel.  It behaved itself admirably.

I found a good tip on making sure that the overlocking doesn't unravel.  You leave a rats tail on the end of the stiching and then thread a needle and sew it in like you would when you put together an actual  knitted garment.

If you wonder if I have disasters.  Yes I do!  I have a half assembled blouse.  The fabric is so flimsy and hard to sew and it doesn't fit and it's not doing what it is supposed to. I think it is going on the scrapheap!  Lesson learned.  Just becasue you like the material, doesn't mean it will be easy to sew!  Be fussy about what you choose.  Getting ambitious is when I am often faced with disaster but then again, I'm not going to get good at sewing if I don't take a few risks now and again.

Another Easy Comfy Summer Dress

February was a glorious month weatherwise, (not too good for the farmers though).  Anyway I made another dress in the same style but fitted the back with two long darts.  Again I used Cotton Sateen bought from Fabric Vision and again it was easy peasy to sew. And congratulate me, I didn't use black!  Love this dress and since I already had the fitted toile, it was quick to make.  I put in a V-neck this time and edged the neck with satin bias binding.

It's so comfy.  I think its the slight stretch in the material that makes it so.  I've been wearing it with a short sleeved red cardie to barbeques and out shopping.

I would have to admit to being a bit of an impatient  sewer, simply because I want it finished so I can wear it.  But when I get like that I have now trained myself to put it down and come back to it another day.  Forcing myself  to make a toile was soooo worthwhile, I recommend it.