Made by a Fabricista: Black, White, Gray and Boring?
My go to colors for winter--black, white, and gray...boring?
It doesn't have to be!
Even though they could be considered boring by some, consider the pattern on the fabric and the design silhouette before giving your opinion please!
With the right shape for the fabric and the right execution, black, white and gray can be somewhat exciting if not loads of fun! That 'spot' that appears to be on the fabric is really not there, that is from my camera. I do love how my top-stitching looks on the seams. I like to use a triple-stitch or a stretch-stitch for most of my top-stitching. I love how it emphasizes that part of the design.
I choose a sweater knit in black and white that is so soft, so luscious, and so wonderful to work with! I want a pair of pajamas made from this fabric, it is that wonderful on your skin!
The gray is a crepe with a wonderful texture that you expect from a crepe. I love how it looks in the jacket I made.
I used a StyleArc pattern for my jacket. It is the Allegra jacket and I just think the shape is so much fun and something totally out of the ordinary for me to sew together.
It has very deep raglan sleeves giving it a distinctive look. The crepe does a great job of showing the dramatic lines of the jacket and doesn't droop which would mask the look.
For the sweater knit, I used an old favorite of mine, Simplicty 2054. This a Cynthia Rowley pattern. It works so very well in a sweater knit.
I made view B with the elbow length sleeves. I love the fit of this. It has shape without being tight and is flattering as well as comfortable. I matched those strips like a boss if I do say so myself!
For the neckband, I cut it out on the cross-grain, just to get a different look. I did however check the degree of stretch. I wanted to make sure I could get it pulled on and off over my head!
With sweater knits, I like to take a couple of precautions.
I use stay-tape at the neckline to keep it from stretching. I stitch it to the neckline with just a bit of it extending into the seam allowance. After attaching the neckband, the stay-tape is completely covered.
I also use clear elastic at the shoulder seams to stabilize the area and keep it from stretching out.
I hemmed everything on my cover-stitch machine. If you don't have a cover-stitch, a single needle or double needle works well to hem. Just like a recent post from Julie, I used SewkeysE hem tape at the sleeve and lower hems. At the sleeves I used 1/2" tape and at the lower hem I used 1" tape. This gives such a beautiful finish to your knits.
I hope you'll try sweater knits and a crepe in a shape you don't normally sew. I had a great time sewing this ensemble!
Thanks for reading!
Sue from Ilove2sew!
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Posted on December 10 2016
I love your new dress & jacket! Simplicity 2054 is my go-to dress pattern. It is simple to make yet always looks good, like yours does!
Thanks for the valuable sewing tips.
Very nice combination, Sue! Your topstitching on the jacket really makes that design stand out. Not boring at all!
The topstitching looks great on the jacket, and the fit of the dress is excellent. What a great silhouette for you!