I’m grinning like a fiend because I’ve finally sat down at a sewing machine and sewn a few seams! Woo hoo! This is the first of several stashbustin’-end-of-summer sewing projects before I wrap my head around several jackets that are needed this fall.
I waffled between another Tiramisu dress or my third Vogue 1027, but I really wanted a dress that would hide my waistline fluff instead of draw attention to it, and this light jersey with gold chevrons would be a little less than flattering, I thought, with a Tira midriff section. So the Donna Karan design won the argument.I made a slightly over-zealous FBA which gives the bodice a looser fit than the pattern design, but I’m OK with that. I don’t like a knit garment to fit like a second skin.
I used long narrow strips of fabric cut on the cross grain to finish the neckline and cap sleeves instead of hemming the neckline and using the shaped armhole facings. This is my preferred finish for knits, but I’m sure you’ve all heard that every time I write a blog post about a knit garment.
I shortened the back by 2 inches – my usual short waist adjustment. And I shortened the skirt by about 3 inches. I think this length is summery and flattering.I hadn’t hemmed the skirt prior to taking the pictures, but I have since folded up a narrow hem and double stitched it. My new dress form made obtaining an even hem very simple. One other change: I added a tricot lining to the skirt. This is the first yellow dress I’ve owned since I was a 6 year old, twirling in my MacLeod tartan sunburst pleated winter dress, and I’m liking!