Date: 8/20/09 9:18 AM

Hope this is the right place, and that someone will see this. I have V1027, the DKNY wrap dress and I looked at most of the reviews but no one seems to address the recommendation on the back for a knit with BOTH a lot of lenghtwise and crosswise stretch.

I'm only on my 3rd knit garment and I want to do this pattern but I'm stuck on this stretch issue. Is it moot or did most reviewers buy the correct fabric, just forgot to mention it?

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Fashion Maté, where I blog about what I (eventually) sew : http://fashionmate.blogspot.com

Reply to lakaribane
Date: 8/20/09 10:05 AM

I made this dress last year and used a knit that has no stretch in the length. It worked fine, and in fact because the neckline in cut on the straight grain, it really stayed close to my chest and worked very well for me. Just check your fabric, on the cross grain, against the scale on the pattern envelope. Using a folded edge see if it will easily stretch the amount necessary. If it does that than its good to go.

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www.nancyksews.blogspot.com

Date: 8/20/09 2:29 PM

Thanks, Nancy! I measured most of my knits the other day and was really sad to see I had very few that met the criteria stated on the envelop.

But now that you've reassured me...*big grin*

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Fashion Maté, where I blog about what I (eventually) sew : http://fashionmate.blogspot.com

Reply to lakaribane
Date: 8/22/09 2:00 AM

Lakaribane, I made this dress last year and liked it so much I made three versions. review 1027The stripey red one had no lengthwise stretch and kept it's shape very well through a summer of wear and washing. The blue one was in a much stretchier fabric and needed elastic at the waist to help it sit right and the hem stretched downward so much I will have to redo it. In fact I am going to take the bodice in and up a bit as it is a special dress and will be worth the time. Basically I could have gone down a size to start with. The third one (not pictured) also in a two way stretch needed to be rehemmed because I cut the skirt on the bias as per the Vogue layout - do not do this. Cutting it on the grain works better. I hope all this helps.

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Formerly Val from Oz
my blog www.valeriesownsewingblog.blogspot.com

Reply to valerie sews
Date: 8/23/09 10:00 AM

Val, thank you for those extra details. I was very perplexed by the need for bias on a knit. And I think I did read your review about the skirt dragging it down.

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Fashion Maté, where I blog about what I (eventually) sew : http://fashionmate.blogspot.com