Kwik Sew: 3703 (Dresses) - Type:Dresses  | | Viewed 244 times
| 1 more reviews | Review rated Helpful by 1 people Very Helpful by 4 people | | Reviewed by: | Terri Smith | 
 | About Terri Smith | | CA USA | | Member since: 9/16/04 | | Reviews written: 28 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | Favored by: 17 people | | patterns reviewed: 25 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 7/18/09 4:08 PM | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Photo: | 
Kwik Sew Pattern Info | | See other patterns in this category: Dresses | Available for sale on PR: $11.49 (See envelope)  | | | | Fabric: | Cotton-Lycra Knit [See other projects in this fabric] | | HASH(0x9682de0) | Pattern Description: From back of envelope Close fitting pullover dresses have a flared skirt, racer, back, neckband, and armhole bands. View B has contrast extension at bottom edge, and neckband and armhole bands from contrast fabric.
I made both views.
View A
back
View B
back
Pattern Sizing: XS-S-M-L-XL in one envelope. I made size S grading to M at hips.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?Exactly. My inspiration for this pattern came from this dress by James Perse at Nordstrom.
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes. The instructions are clear and easy enough to follow. They explain how to place the neck and arm bands by quartering the openings and the bands; however, because I shortened the front neck and armhole lengths by approximately 1/2", I had to recalulate the length of the band. I followed the directions in Connie Long's Sewing with Knits to make sure I got the correct lengths. When I first put either dress on, I need to *adjust* the shoulders because there is a little bit of extra fabric that bubbles, or puffs, (for a lack of more technical terms, lol) and after I kind of pull the dress over the bust and up under the arms it smoothes out. I suspect I could have shortened this area more to eliminate this, and may do so if I make it again. The instructions do not tell you to reinforce the shoulder seams, which I did because I think it is really important to do so, especially on stretchy knits.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Likes 1) This is an exact copy of the inspiration dress; 2) I love the racer back (I can wear a bra  ); 3) I love how this dress does not cling to the body, but hangs loosely from the shoulders.
Dislikes The shape of the armhole is not a perfect oval as seen in a back view, so I had a difficult time getting the band to follow the curves. I found that if I basted the band together close to the raw edge I had better control of it, and was able to stretch it and pin it to the opening better. This is the hardest part of the dress and where I think you spend most of your time.
Fabric Used: For View A I used an inexpensive cotton lycra found at the local Beverly's for $2.44 a yard. I originally wanted to make this dress in blue, like the inspiration dress, but I could not find any blue lycra knit anywhere, so when found the orange fabric I decided since it was the correct fabric content I would go ahead and make it. I did not realize at the time that I was making an exact copy of the drawing on the pattern envelope! Who knew Kwik Sew was so smart?
For View B I used a rayon lycra knit from Emmaonesock. The print is similar to the pattern photo, but I had this fabric in my stash from last summer. If a bold print works for KS, it works for me.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: The changes I made to both views were shortening the front neckline and armhole. I also added 3/8" seam allowance to KS's standard 1/4", which is just too difficult for me to work with on a knit that likes to roll. For View A, I shortened the length approximately 2". It is yet unhemmed because I cannot decide if I want to hem it or just let it go. I like that it does not have a 'line' across the bottom, rather it just ends at the tops of my feet. For View B, I changed the band on the bottom. In the directions it has you cut the band, sew it on and then hem the band. To me this was a very homemade look, so I made two bands, sewed them together at the sides and bottom, attached the front piece to the dress and turned under the back piece/facing and hand stitched it to the hem. This was time-consuming but I just didn't think two hems would look professional.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? If I ever find a blue lyrca, I will make my inspiration dress. Another short one is also a possibility because I think this is a nice alternative to a t-shirt and shorts. I highly recommend this dress to anyone who wants a simple, comfortable knit dress. Knowing how to sew in bands is a requirement though.
Conclusion: I really like both dresses. I wear the short one everywhere, but I think the long one is just for home.
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<< Previous Review Next Review >> | Reader Comments | | Erin D | 7/18/09 | Love the racerback and the bold print you chose! | | * * * | | Raye Ann | 7/18/09 | love your dresses! thanks for bringing attention to this pattern. i think i will have to purchase and give it a try. i always love this look, but haven't found success in RTW. | | * * * | | Hilary | 7/18/09 | Your dresses turned out great-I really love the short one! | | * * * | | Terri A | 7/18/09 | Very pretty! Great job! | | * * * | | pterion | 7/18/09 | Both dresses are so cute on you! Well done. | | * * * | | Opals Passions | 7/18/09 | Your dresses look fabulous... I love the racer back and the fabrics... | | * * * | | moonchild61 | 7/18/09 | Your fabrics are great! I love both your dresses! | | * * * | | Annette1 | 7/18/09 | GREAT review, with lots of helpful pictures. I LOVE these dresses. You have the perfect back/shoulders for them, too. That short one looks just like the pattern photo! :o) | | * * * | | clin | 7/19/09 | Beautiful dresses!! | | * * * | | DorothyK | 7/19/09 | I like your dresses very much. The racer back is very flattering and I know the style is wonderfully cool and comfortable for summer. Thanks for the helpful review. | | * * * | | JEF | 7/19/09 | Very pretty dresses. They look great on you. | | * * * |
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