Friday 17 September 2010

Another Simplicity 'Amazing Fit' dress finished!

I’ve plunged into my fall/autumn sewing by making myself an essential wardrobe staple – a little black dress.

I used what is rapidly becoming one of my favourite patterns – the ‘Amazing Fit’ dress, Simplicity 2648. My first version, blogged about here, was in a vivid orange. This time, hurrah, I remembered to attach the belt so I could make use of a nice looking black buckle that I have had in my stash for a while. Here’s a close up of the belt and buckle.


The fabric is a double knit, purchased from Gorgeous Fabrics. This is my first time working with double knit fabric and I have to tell you that I LOVE it. I really like how you can use it for a pattern that is designed for a woven but it has a nice bit of stretch and doesn’t wrinkle or crease. You can put it in the washing machine and it’s so practical and comfortable, great for travelling. You can use it to make a casual looking dress or even something quite dressy and smart. Also it’s easy to sew with. I’ve been asking myself, why have I never used it before?

I made the orange version of this dress unlined, as per the pattern instructions, which worked out fine but I did have to give the neck and armhole facings a really fierce steam pressing to keep them lying flat. For this version, as the fabric wouldn’t have taken well to a hot steaming, I decided that I would do away with the facings and line the bodice with a thin tricot. That way I got a clean finish with the edges but also kept the stretch factor of the double knit. Here’s a picture of the inside of the dress.


So, autumn garment number one has been completed and I think it’s going to be a very useful wardrobe basic!

Next up is the Jalie scarf collar top. I have seen lots of gorgeous versions of this top, and I am fascinated by the construction technique for the collar, so I am really keen to give it a try. I have cut it out in a lovely deep pink rayon and silk jersey. More soon …….

44 comments:

  1. Congratulations on your first autumn garment. It is truly amazing and looks great on you! You've talked me into trying that pattern. I'm looking forward to your Jalie top.

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  2. It is a well fitting and flattering dress. I have this pattern in my stash. Seeing your versions makes me wonder why I don't get going and try to make my own!

    I always love double knit. It seems hard to find here in the UK. I have found the odd piece on Goldhawk Road, but it's always of dubious compotion and not necessarily a pretty colour. If you find a local source, I'd be keen to know about it.

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  3. You look great, simple and sophisticated. I have been yearning for some double knit lately - for all the reasons you state. Now I have to do some web shopping :)

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  4. Another great dress Eugenia . You will wear this dress to death I imagine . I must try this one at some point .

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  5. Beautiful!! The belt detail really defines your waist nicely.

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  6. Eugenia - this is a really lovely LBD! You look fantastic!

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  7. Your dress looks fabulous, and you will get so much mileage out of it! Besides being easy to sew, isn't double knit SOOOO comfortable!

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  8. Another beautiful creation by Eugenia. You are right. It is a great fit.

    Trudy
    www.sewingwithtrudy.blogspot.com

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  9. It really looks great! I have never used double knit fabric, so thanks for the review of that aspect of the project - I was thinking of using some for the Kay Unger dress.

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  10. I really need to make this dress. It looks so wonderful on you. I have some doubleknit I keep meaning to sew up. Another winner!

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  11. You look stunning in this dress. The fit is wonderful and you look very elegant. Beautiful!

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  12. This is a wonderful addition. This pattern is so working for you.

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  13. I love it - wow! You are a wonderful seamstress/designer! The dress is sharp, with perfect tailoring. I love the "intelligence" of it. Great job! Again. . . your comments about double knit make me want to go out and get some as soon as possible!

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  14. Lovely dress. I love double knit too -- it's dreamy to sew with and look fantastic as this dress!

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  15. Your dress is stunning and I love the buckle you added to the front! It really sets it off.

    BTW, dontcha just love doubleknit! I have a few more pieces of it that will be incorporated into my fall wardrobe.

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  16. Such a classic dress! I need to suck it up and buy some expensive double knit. I got a sample of the Ponte di Roma polyester stuff from fabric.com and it was ick.

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  17. Wonderful, classy black dress. I bet the fabric is perfect for it and I am putting double knit on my list of fabrics to purchase. I am wearing my Jalie scarf top right now. You will really like it.

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  18. The buckle and the whole dress is fabulous! It's a great classic style that fits you perfectly!

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  19. Your dress is beautiful and the fit is perfect.

    Ann has a few double knits on her site.
    The double knit fabric your used is it the rayon or lycra/poly? I would love to try working with this fabric.

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  20. Really pretty! I love doubleknits as well. Great buckle!

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  21. Hi to Ann - thanks so much for your kind comment! I used the rayon double knit.

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  22. A classy looking dress and the fit is very good. Great wardrobe stable.

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  23. That is a really lovely dress. I am very tempted to make one. I've been considering a ponte (which I think is a double knit) for my next make, so glad to hear it's gone well for you.

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  24. The perfect dress for any occasion. Looks gorgeous!

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  25. Thank you,I just ordered some :)
    I also have this pattern and hope you don't mind I may actually use this same pattern too ~ I just love how it looks on you, it really is chic!

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  26. That is a great idea to line with tricot. And thanks for the details on the rayon doubleknit. Your dress is a real winner!

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  27. THis dress is next on my list for the tnt project. I love your versions!!! Double knit is an excellent idea!!! Beautiful.

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  28. Your dress is so pretty, Eugenia! I think you achieved an "amazing fit" on this one!

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  29. It's gorgeous - congratulations! I have the pattern in my stash - purely because it allows for curvy D cups.

    BTW I think you have made the right decision on the Lady Grey - you've probably seen Ann's mention of the McCalls pattern (Gorgeous Fabrics) - would you consider that?

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  30. That is an absolutely perfect LBD. You can wear it alone, and it will go anywhere. Or, it could have a matching jacket, or contrasting. It's an all-year around beautiful garment. Very nice.

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  31. What a great looking dress! I haven't sewed with double knit yet and I am anxious to try it. Good to hear a positive report on it. I have one swatch that is bright orange, but will save it for spring. I will be on the look out for one for fall. Your dress will be so versatile.

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  32. I recently purchased this pattern and put it at the top of my list. Your LBD looks fabulous! I have made one dress using double knit, and I wear it often :-)

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  33. I think it's all been said above, but I too like this dress very, very much.It's so sophisticaded and ladylike. And you can make it in different fabric,it will look different every time. I admire your work. Your 'inside picture' of the dress looks like it's the outside. That shows a lot of skill!
    (If only I knew what double-knit means in Dutch, I would buy some myself and try it out).

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  34. oh wow, that fit is perfect and classy. I love the double knit...so nice.

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  35. Fantastic fit! I love the little belt on the front. What a perfect touch!

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  36. What a great dress! You will get tons of use out of this one. I will have to get this pattern now for certain.

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  37. What a beautiful dress! Can't wait to see what you make next!

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  38. Such a lovely dress! I've also been intruiged by double-knits... you have emboldened me to try!

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  39. Ohhh this fits you so perfectly! And it's just so classy. Lovely garment.

    I really, really need to make this dress up. I have it cut out already and everything. There's just not enough time... and too many patterns!

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  40. You look wonderful in this dress. I've been going back over a few posts and I think we might have many of the same fitting challenges.

    Thanks for commenting on my blog a week or so ago.

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  41. Love this dress. The pattern is perfect for creating the classic staple dress. Yes, you've achieved the amazing fit with this one.

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  42. I've been following your reviews on PR and have just checked out your blog too, nice! Can you tell me how you find ordering fabric from Georgeous Fabrics being a US company? Is it a gamble based on the web pic and do you pay taxes?

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  43. Hi SewingMrsC. Thank you for your very kind comment. I have placed quite a few orders with Gorgeous Fabrics - I make a choice based on both the picture and the fabric description and have never been disappointed! Usually you have to pay VAT - Parcelforce deal with paying this then they send you a letter to tell you how much you have to pay plus you have to pay them an £8 administration fee (which is a flat fee). Once you have paid them, they deliver the package. I love getting packages in the mail!

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  44. I want to come on that dress

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