Megan Nielsen sent me this gorgeous lawn (at least I think it’s a lawn) about 2 years ago. It was more time than I would like to admit. Why, oh why do I tend to let such pretty fabric just sit in my stash? I have no idea.
I wanted it to be something flowy and free for summer. Miriam convinced me that I should make a fit and flare dress. She’s right. She’s always right when it comes to sewing matters.
I didn’t have any good light-weight stretchy black knit on hand, so I ended up dicing up an old maxi dress that I made (and never blogged, only wore once) while I was pregnant with Juniper. That fabric is getting much more use now as the top and sleeves of my dress.
I used the scout tee for the base of this dress. I pieced the front and took in the sides to compensate for the knit in the back. I considered not taking it in and having it with more of a 90’s proportion, but it feels so feminine with the tapered waist. I’m glad I didn’t make it baggy.
The dress is so comfortable and light-weight. Perfect for those hot summer days. It was an easy sew, too. Because of the knit back, I didn’t need to put in any enclosures. And I put in a knit binding at the collar so that was super easy.
Anyone know a good technique for binding a woven neckline without it puckering or curling? Let me know. I’m all ears!
Outfit details:
- dress: scout tee, revised | fabric from megan nielsen
- necklace: H&M
- bracelet: THP shop
- shoes: Forever 21
- bag: coach (!!!! a mother’s day gift from my mom !!!!)
BEAUTIFUL summery dress you’ve sewn and FAB photos to show it, MELISSA! CREATIVE and CLEVER use of fabrics: LOVELY lawn & black knit for a dress! LOVE the pink and purple colorations with black and white on the bodice and lower skirt! THANKS for sharing — you are a talented designer and sewist. Sarah in Minneapolis
Your neckline doesn’t look puckered, but here is what I like to do:
fold the bias tape in half and sew it to the neck while gently stretching. Then iron it and topstitch the binding with a twin needle, keeping one needle on the binding and die other on the garment. Pretty much just tracing the binding seam with the centre of the sewing foot.
Very pretty, and the lawn fabric is so interesting – I want to keep looking at it
the 90’s never looked so good !!