While I've still been knitting away ( do have 2 finished sweaters that need buttons and photographing), when it's too hot to knit outside I often venture up to my sewing room studio...I showed you all that fabric I bought I figure I'd better get to some of it!!
Last week I made up 2 "muslin's" of 2 patterns I wanted to try out. For those who might not know a muslin it a test run of your pattern on cheaper fabric (Often muslin cause you can get it super cheap-but not a good choice if you are testing out at knit!)...I had bought both of these thinking eh if they don't turn out no biggie...I'll send them on to Goodwill or something....but low and behold they are both winners! (I may even venture into writing a review of them for pattern review)
First up is McCalls6264
I made view B. While this was supposed to be a "muslin"(poly/rayon knit 60% off at JoAnn's) I liked it so much I wore it to a friends wedding last weekend and got a ton of compliments on it! 
Don't mind the silly picture..DH is not the best photographer. Great dress for an outdoor summer wedding! I have plans for another out of a tropical blue/white print as well. Very fast and easy (only 4 pieces! and a little elastic). I"m contemplating making the shorter version of this as well.
The 2nd pattern was McCall's 6308. A cute little crossover front dress. I made view A
I'm always looking for summery cross over dresses that don't reveal "too much" and this one fits the bill. It was supposed to have some elastic in the waist..I left if out...don't really see a need for it! It is also from JoAnn's 50% off sale. It's a cotton knit. It's actually kind of a heavy fabric...but I still like the outcome, a lot! I had a bit of an issue with the facing around the neckline actually in the back at the V 
...may tinker around with just folding down sewing that for my 2nd go at the pattern. Why yes I plan on making this at least twice more...another short version in this fabulous bright yellow Michael Miller print 
that I cut out tonight 
(I'd of started sewing it-but I don't have the right color thread!) I am elminating a bit of the "gather" around the waist..there really was quite a lot, originally I was only going to do it on the back, but decided to do the front and back. I hope it works out..if not I have enough that I can cut out another piece for the front if I have to! I also have fabric for a maxi version in very summery shaded of teal/white/and blue. (it will match perfectly with the shawl I'm currently knitting!)
"Sew" there you have it....let me tell you if you have a fear of sewing with knit fabric and want to give knit garmets a go...I'd highly reccomend either of these patterns!
Very nice and clean lines on the dress. Appropriate for a summer wedding or event.
Posted by: michele | July 13, 2011 at 09:08 PM
Nice! I am terrified of sewing knits, but maybe someday I will give it another go...your dresses are beautiful!!!
Posted by: Pam | July 16, 2011 at 07:44 AM