Wednesday 28 November 2012

Knit dress plans

Yesterday saw the last of my xmas craft fairs. Despite the torrential rain and gale force winds affecting the UK at the moment, lots of people made the effort to attend and I sold TONS. Well, not quite, but I did make a sizeable dent in my tooth fairy cushion mountain and more than enough to alleviate the guilt of buying this Kate Spade bag….


I know it's hideously expensive but I don't buy clothes anymore, and this bag couldn't be more perfectly me if it had JANE scrawled across it. Anyway, mad bag purchases aside, the pressure is definitely off and I'm looking forward to getting back to dressmaking.

Having worn my Peonyesque knit dress an embarrassing number of times, I really have to make something similar. I received some great suggestions after asking for advice on knit patterns, but it was reader midsummermellie who directed me to Maria Denmark's fab range, thanks Mellie! They were exactly what I was after and I ordered two patterns straight away. I've heard good things about Maria Denmark patterns from Sew Busy Lizzy who has an interview with the designer here, and from the queen of knits herself, Scruffy Badger, so I'm optimistic to say the least! The patterns arrived this week and I'm pretty excited to start work on them.  


First up is a raglan sleeved dress which I'll be making without the flare at the hem (it's not quite me is it?) I'd like to make this in a patterned knit fabric as it's so simple. What pattern to choose though…stripes? polka dots? florals? animals?!! It's quite a plain shift style so my fabric will have to be reasonably thick to ensure every lump and bump isn't displayed. Oh I can't decide, I can feel another trip to the Goldhawk Road coming on...


The second pattern can also be made as a tunic top and has a few more interesting details than the first, which makes me think a solid colour would be a better choice.  I really like the gathered shoulders and the cuffs, which are crying out to be made in a contrast fabric. I think I'll make this one in a double knit as it's so cosy. Again, I'm procrastinating over colour. My immediate instinct is to make a navy dress with cream cuffs. But I see that Calico Laine now stocks Royal Blue in their double knit section. Hhmm. What do you think? Do I go for a burst of colour for once, or play safe with the classics?  Any suggestions/opinions re colours, prints or knit fabric featuring animals will be gratefully received. Keep warm and dry. x

12 comments:

  1. I'm pretty sure I'd have to agree that purse couldn't be any more you! Are you sure it doesn't say Jane in the lining instead?

    I love the idea of the first one in a fun print. I'm partial to stripes so they cold contrast with your polka dot purse. You could do contrast cuffs and maybe even the waistband on the second! Can't wait to see what you decide on.

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  2. Oooooh! I have been wanting to make a raglan sleeved dress for a while, after eyeing up a colleague's high street one. Will be checking out that pattern - cheers!

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  3. The bag is so cute. I also indulged in a Kate Spade bag. Darn Cyber Monday sales! I've always wanted to try Maria Denmark patterns. I'm interested to see what you come up with.

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  4. I love the patterns, especially the second one. I haven't seen that range before. Have you looked at the knits on Stone Fabrics website? Some of them are quite expensive, but the website is so much easier to navigate than it used to be and they have a great range, including heavier weight knits.

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  5. I've been eyeing the second pattern for a while and I'm really interested to see what you make of it. I'll think I'll wait and see what you think of the pattern before i buy it... :) But it's really cute. Good luck!

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  6. Oh same with my kist dress, it's my favourite dress and like you I need to get a new knit dress on the way. Love the idea of Maria's range,

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  7. Oh, wow - those patterns are lovely. Thanks for posting, I might head over there and make a start on my list for Santa!

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  8. Oooo!!! I LOVE that bag!! You were just right to buy it!

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  9. What a truly fab polka dot bag!! It's adorable!!! I reckon you deserve it with all your craft fair hard work. And I must say those dress patterns are great choices, I'm almost thinking I need them myself , or at least one for my Christmas list....the second one perhaps? X

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  10. Royal blue could be pretty fab! I do like that second pattern - hadn't seen that before.

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  11. Ooh, the black and white stripy dress is gorgeous - if I were making one I would love to replicate that!! Royal blue would also be fab. Love that polka dot bag - it'll go with so many things :-)

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  12. Ohhhh I can't wait to see what you make! I'm liking the wearability and look of both those dresses.

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