Neoprene Delight!

17 May Neoprene Delight!

How’s this for a One Yard Wonder?

IMG_0078It’s true – I made this dress with one yard of Mood Fabric’s Watercolor Clouds Digitally Printed Stretch Neoprene. There’s more where this came from too. Check it out here. I want the one with the lips if some cool blogger like Oonaballoona or Sallieoh doesn’t beat me to it 😉

Seriously, this is the best knit fabric ever……

IMG_0001It’s perfect for a fitted dress. I’m not even sure this is my shape, but it’s the shape of my pattern and the neoprene follows orders beautifully!

My pattern is Vogue 9047, another wonderful discovery with its flattering raised waistline. Other than adjusting the length in the bodice I made zero fitting alterations, and best of all, this pattern is a blank canvas just waiting to come to life! I look forward to creating variations on this well-drafted beauty.

Since my fabric spoke volumes, I omitted the optional tabs seen in the sketch and kept it simple. The pattern requires lots of narrow hems and topstitching which went smoothly after I switched to a STRETCH needle.

IMG_0036Steam-a-Seam stabilized the curved edges in the neck and arms but the topstitching the the hem and along the upper bodice sewed easily on its own.

Two tips to pass along when sewing with neoprene: Keep a silk organza press cloth handy and use a smooth (as opposed to perforated) tracing wheel.

IMG_0047I simply love a dress that can transport me from one occasion to another!

IMG_0088

Fortunately this one can be dressed up or down and travels beautifully – never a wrinkle anywhere or anytime 🙂
IMG_0006
Can you endure anymore of my gushing? Rest assured, it’s all sincere for I just adore this relatively new fabric dominating the RTW scene, and hope to sew with again many times.
IMG_0090

Until soon!

 

ADDENDUM!

For those interested in the difference between neoprene and scuba knit, read Neucarol’s blog post @ http://www.neucarol.com/blog/is-it-neoprene-or-scuba-knit-should-i-care/ for a thorough explanation. 😉

goodbyevalentino
goodbyevalentino@gmail.com
85 Comments
  • CarolinasCallin
    Posted at 01:25h, 17 May Reply

    So glad I’m up late, because this post is a treat!! LOVE this dress! You always find the neatest patterns (which of course I’ve passed by on more than one occasion) and this one is no exception! Looks terrific, and such an easy dress to wear in our Carolina heat! Love the fabric, too – I’ve been tempted by this fabric, but haven’t found one I liked enough to give it a shot. Will definitely check out the Mood offerings.

    Thanks for yet another inspiring post and another pattern to put on my ‘must have’ list!! This could become a ‘go to’ dress!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:14h, 17 May Reply

      Thank you, Cheryl! I accidentally hit the ‘publish’ button for 1:00 am, and am glad someone was up 🙂
      I think you’ll like this dress as it should adapt to many knit fabrics, but please give the neoprene a try. I was so pleasantly surprised 🙂 🙂 !

  • Clarinda
    Posted at 02:27h, 17 May Reply

    I have yet to sew with this fabric – in fact, I have yet to see it – but it does look great on you. Is it rather heavy for a summer frock? Does it let your skin breathe? Lovely photos too!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:19h, 17 May Reply

      Thank you, Clarinda! The dress is perfect for our weather in the 80s…… time will tell how it feels during the summer heat. There are so many neoprene garments in the stores that I tend to believe it will fair well through the summer 😉

  • Alethia
    Posted at 02:38h, 17 May Reply

    Exquisite! Great choice of fabrics, style, fit… just lovely!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:19h, 17 May Reply

      Thank you so much, Alethia!

  • Margaret
    Posted at 02:57h, 17 May Reply

    What a beautiful summer dress, Sarah!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:20h, 17 May Reply

      Thank you, Margaret!

  • Miss J
    Posted at 03:57h, 17 May Reply

    Oh yes, you really made a plain pattern come to life with a great material choice. Well done!

    I am eagerly looking forward to see what you create with the “lips” design of this fabric.!!!! It’s very Rocky Horror….come on now, you know you’re a cool blogger too…

    Right, before I pop out to enjoy the London sunshine, I’m going to drag that piece of forgotten neoprene out of the stash and plan my first neoprene creation.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:21h, 17 May Reply

      Many thanks Miss J! Enjoy that lovely London sunshine and good luck with the neoprene 🙂

  • pia
    Posted at 05:28h, 17 May Reply

    Absolutely beautiful! How is it to wear? I haven’t tried neoprene yet because of fear that it’d feel clammy & sweaty after a while. Is it really a miracle fabric?

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:23h, 17 May Reply

      Thank you, Pia! In our 85 degree weather it is perfect – not clammy at all. I’ll give you another report in July 😉

  • Dawn Puente
    Posted at 05:57h, 17 May Reply

    So awesome, Sarah! and a great inspiration!
    I will definitely want to give this a try!
    Happy sewing!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:24h, 17 May Reply

      Thank you so much, Dawn! I recommend it for sure 😉

  • Mary Funt
    Posted at 06:14h, 17 May Reply

    Looks fabulous. I also wonder how it feels to wear. I will definitely check out Mood’s selections.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:27h, 17 May Reply

      Many thanks, Mary. It feels nice and breathable. I know little about neoprene but I am assuming different weights are available 😉

  • Cindy Aymes
    Posted at 06:58h, 17 May Reply

    Wow! Love this dress! I love letting the fabric speak for the pattern! And now I know what pattern to get for my scuba fabric! Thanks! Just a question, do you know what the difference is between neoprene and scuba? I haven’t been able to figure it out! But they do look great!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:28h, 17 May Reply

      Thank you, Cindy! I published an Addendum to my post on the difference between neoprene and scuba. Check it out and good luck with your dress!

  • Becky Bagwell
    Posted at 08:17h, 17 May Reply

    Love the fabric!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:29h, 17 May Reply

      Thank you, Becky! You will enjoy sewing on it 🙂

  • Jeannie Crockett
    Posted at 08:20h, 17 May Reply

    I do adore the drape of this fabric, but is it going to be very hot to wear? Most of the time that doesn’t bother me, but in the summer—in Baltimore humidity? Has it been warm enough down south to test? Gorgeous dress!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:36h, 17 May Reply

      Many thanks, Jeannie! I am receiving lots of questions about the fabric’s breathability – for now with the temperatures in the 80s, the dress is perfect. Time will tell about the summer heat. I know very little about neoprene and assume there are many weights available. The stores are covered with neoprene RTW so it must be comfortable. I’ll let you know 😉

  • Sew, Jean Margaret
    Posted at 08:27h, 17 May Reply

    Beautiful dress. I can see why you are so happy. Your dress should feature on the pattern envelope.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:37h, 17 May Reply

      Thank you, Jean! I’d love that 🙂

  • Cissie Wellons
    Posted at 08:33h, 17 May Reply

    Love your dress, Sarah. I’ve been dying to try neoprene but had trouble finding prints that I liked. I’m off to Mood right now!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:38h, 17 May Reply

      Thank you, Cissie! Look forward to seeing what you find…. and sew 🙂

  • lori
    Posted at 08:37h, 17 May Reply

    This dress is gorgeous and looks beautiful on you. I have been so intrigued by this fabric and I think I will have to get some

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:39h, 17 May Reply

      Thank you, Lori! I really think you will like it 😉

  • Julie Starr
    Posted at 08:54h, 17 May Reply

    How nice to wake up and find this in my inbox! The pattern looks like a real find and made up in blue and white (my favorite color combo!) it’s fresh, pretty and perfect for summer. Add in the fact that neoprene is comfortable to wear and the ideal travel dress fabric and you’ve struck gold. Love the necklace with it, too!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:40h, 17 May Reply

      Many thanks, Julie for your nice comment 🙂 I accidentally scheduled the post for 1 AM! This fabric and pattern were very pleasant surprises for sure.

  • Eileen
    Posted at 08:59h, 17 May Reply

    It’s YOU! I love the style….simple, classic, beautiful. Do you own a overstitch machine? Your
    double stitched hem looks professional. I have a wonderful Janome sewing machine, a serger, and an embroidery machine. I have tried a twin needle for hems on knits, but have been disappointed. Pass on
    those “tricks of the trade”. Also wondering if you have taken a Craftsy class on knits??? Thanks for the inspiration!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:35h, 17 May Reply

      Thank you so much, Eileen! I own a Bernina serger and sewing machine.. I took part of a Craftsy class on knits and did learn about the importance of appropriate needles when sewing knits. For the double stitched hem I topstitched two separate rows for the double stitch 🙂

  • Jet Set Sewing
    Posted at 10:17h, 17 May Reply

    It looks great! I’ve avoided neoprene because it seems like it wouldn’t be breathable. It’s already hot enough in here (or is it me?). How is it to wear? I too am a Steam-a-Seam abuser. Boy, it helps with knits!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:39h, 17 May Reply

      Thank you! I’ve been asked about the breathability by several readers and so far so good. It must be fine with the number of neoprene RTW garments in the stores. I imagine there are different weights of neoprene too 😉

  • marnie rieber
    Posted at 10:45h, 17 May Reply

    Did u sew with a straight stitch or zigzag stitch used on knits when u don’t have a serger? LOVE your blog. I have been following u from the beginning. Marnie

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:40h, 17 May Reply

      Thank you so much, Marnie! I have a serger but often stitch the seam on my machine which is what I did this time using a very narrow zigzag with the stitch length on 3.

  • Brenda Hobart
    Posted at 11:06h, 17 May Reply

    Love-Love-Love everything about this dress. Nice job.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:43h, 17 May Reply

      Thank you, Brenda!! 🙂

  • Karen Ladelpha
    Posted at 11:31h, 17 May Reply

    The dress fits you like a glove!! Very flattering! 🙂

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:44h, 17 May Reply

      Many thanks, Karen! I’m loving the fit 😉

  • Mary Frances Giattina
    Posted at 12:12h, 17 May Reply

    Done and ordered! Love the dress and it looks perfect on you. It will be a great addition to my summer wardrobe of dresses. I could use two weeks of these type dresses. Thanks for your inspiration, Sarah!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:45h, 17 May Reply

      Oh wonderful, Mary Frances! I’d love to see a pic of your dress 😉 Good luck!

  • sharon jester
    Posted at 12:33h, 17 May Reply

    Beautiful, love this fabric and color on you is gorgeous.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:55h, 17 May Reply

      Thank you so much, Sharon 🙂 🙂

  • justine
    Posted at 13:07h, 17 May Reply

    Your dress is beautiful. I’ve been on the fence about neoprene, considering it the polyester double knit for today’s generation. But I really want to try it now and have seen some gorgeous prints like yours here. Is it too hot though? I’m imagining wearing a wetsuit.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:00h, 17 May Reply

      Many thanks, Justine! The dress has been very comfortable here where the temperature is in the 80s. Who knows about July!……. but I assume the fabric must breath as I see neoprene RTW garments everywhere. I also imagine there are different weights of neoprene 😉

  • Brandy Samuels
    Posted at 13:49h, 17 May Reply

    This an absolute beauty. It’s so simple yet elegant at the same time. Love it ! and you have every right to gush lol!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:01h, 17 May Reply

      LOL – many thanks, Brandy!

  • Linda
    Posted at 14:15h, 17 May Reply

    Awesome! I have seen such lovely prints lately. Now that summer is coming, it’s time for me to search some out!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:02h, 17 May Reply

      Thank you, Linda! I find the neoprene prints much different than other fabrics, but very interesting 😉

  • gail cunningham
    Posted at 14:35h, 17 May Reply

    I love this dress; it looks great on you! I always enjoy your posts and pics…inspiring!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:03h, 17 May Reply

      Many thanks for your comment, Gail 😉

  • Gayle
    Posted at 14:40h, 17 May Reply

    Another beautiful job – beautiful dress, beautiful fit!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:04h, 17 May Reply

      Thank you, Gayle!

  • Myra
    Posted at 15:31h, 17 May Reply

    I absolutely adore this dress on you Sarah! It’s the perfect summer dress and as you stated, can be dressed up or down! I’m so happy you reviewed this fabric!!! I purchased some neoprene (called “scuba” fabric) from Mood Fabrics a few months back and when I received it, I was in horror!!! It was truly the “scuba” fabric that’s used to make scuba diving suits!! I still have it in my stash and may blog about it one day. Anyway, I’m truly in love with your dress and the fabric, it’s beautiful. I purchased some already and can’t wait to try it!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:10h, 17 May Reply

      Uh-oh! I added an addendum to my post explaining the difference between the two fabrics, but I am a newbie to scuba and neoprene. My fabric reminded me of the Clover Canyon garments and I had a feeling it would be very adaptable for a dress.
      Thanks so much for the comment, Myra!

  • Teresa Davey
    Posted at 15:49h, 17 May Reply

    You’re doing a great selling job on this fabric 🙂 Lovely shape and dreamy colours. I’ll be having a look out for some of this type of fabric…

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:11h, 17 May Reply

      Many thanks, Teresa! It really is great fabric 🙂

  • Barbara Hewitt
    Posted at 18:16h, 17 May Reply

    I also love the fabric. Your workmanship is perfect. I love that you matched all seams, which RTW is often not doing now. I have also found stabilizing the seams helpful.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:13h, 17 May Reply

      Thank you, Barbara! Careful basting helped keep the patterns matched 😉

  • Amanda S.
    Posted at 19:17h, 17 May Reply

    Fabulous! Also a wonderful “sleeper” pattern that I’ve got to add to my list.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:15h, 17 May Reply

      Thank you, Amanda! It truly is a ‘sleeper which will look great on you 🙂

  • Lisa in dallas
    Posted at 19:50h, 17 May Reply

    As always, another great finish. You pick the colors that are just lovely on you.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:16h, 17 May Reply

      Thank you so much, Lisa! I do have my favorite colors for sure 😉

  • Barbara B
    Posted at 23:01h, 17 May Reply

    Lovely dress that just showcases your ability to see beyond the flat world of pattern books and small digital fabric swatches. I do have a question, though. Do the bust darts seem at all bulky in the neoprene fabric? They don’t look bulky- did you treat them any differently because of the thickness of the fabric?

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:40h, 18 May Reply

      Thank you, Barbara! I had the same concern, but the darts pressed nicely on the ham and received no special treatment 🙂

  • Jean C.
    Posted at 00:13h, 18 May Reply

    The dress is lovely, and the color is great. I did try to go to the site you posted about neoprene and it kept saying it couldn’t find it. Just thought you should know. Thanks for your blog, I enjoy visiting and seeing what you are up to.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:46h, 18 May Reply

      Thank you, Jean for the nice comment and for bringing this to my attention – try now 😉

  • Ann Richerson@
    Posted at 09:48h, 18 May Reply

    Very cute dress! Good Job!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:44h, 19 May Reply

      Thanks so much, Anne!

  • Denise Dooley
    Posted at 09:53h, 18 May Reply

    Love the dress, blue and white always looks so fresh. Thanks for the link explaining the terms, I had no idea. Glad to hear the dress is comfortable in the warm weather. I’m heading to Hilton Head for two weeks in late June and didn’t think I would take a skirt I made, which I thought was neoprene, but now know is scuba. Now I think it will go in the suitcase.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:46h, 19 May Reply

      Thank you Denise! Have a great trip to HH, and let me know if you think this fabric is comfortable during the heat 🙂

  • Joen
    Posted at 12:26h, 18 May Reply

    Wow looks great – neoprene has come a long way! Certainly will consider this a fabric choice.

  • audrielle
    Posted at 15:19h, 18 May Reply

    this is just so incredibly loveley

  • Ginger
    Posted at 15:50h, 18 May Reply

    This is so pretty! Plus, it looks so easy to wear!

  • Carolyn
    Posted at 22:27h, 18 May Reply

    Love this! The simple design of the dress allows the fabric to shine and that’s just what makes it so wonderful!

  • Elizabeth
    Posted at 19:25h, 19 May Reply

    Hi Sarah, Love your blog and your creations. Already bought some patterns based on your reviews.

    Lovely dress and will probably buy this pattern too 🙂

    Do you think the fabric is really neoprene? I have wore a neoprene wet suit and it can feel quite tight, restricting almost, I believe they also make hug jackets for disabled kids from neoprene because of the hugging tight qualities, it’s soothing for them, then it’s supposed to be water proof, so how does that work out if you are feeling the heat? Might be ok for me here in Sunny Scotland, but not sure about there! 🙂

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:12h, 20 May Reply

      Elizabeth,
      I know very little about neoprene but I would guess there are different grades, weights and qualities of the fabric. This fabric is breathable. I wore it today on a nice warm day and was comfortable!
      Many thanks for your nice comment 🙂 !

  • Sandra Marshall
    Posted at 08:42h, 22 May Reply

    Super cute dress! Love it!

  • Peacock Kaleidoscopic Neoprene! - Mood Sewing Network
    Posted at 01:01h, 26 October Reply

    […] Kaleidoscopic Digitally Printed Stretch Neoprene with Vogue 9047 in mind; a pattern I made in the sleeveless version last […]

  • First TNT pattern- Simplicity 1072 – Louisville Sewing Adventures
    Posted at 10:26h, 23 October Reply

    […] eventual goal is to find a dress pattern that I can develop into a TNT pattern. I saw Vogue 9047 on Goodbye Valentino and it looks like a contender for […]

  • Alania Sheeley
    Posted at 01:29h, 05 April Reply

    Did you line your dress? This is a fabric I know nothing about, but need to experiment with it. I am a big fan of lining most of my dresses and skirts; they hang better and it increases the life of the garment.

  • Victoria G.
    Posted at 22:31h, 07 June Reply

    Hi. I just found your blog. I have been eyeballing that fabric at Mood. I am unfamiliar with it. I have seen these ads that show some kind of slimming yoga pant or something… I was wondering if it was this neoprene. The read why I am thinking that is I am wondering about using it for a corset. Do you think it would lend support, being a knit? Thanks for any insight you might offer.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:01h, 08 June Reply

      Victoria,
      Having never made a corset, I think the best advice I can give you is to order a sample of the fabric first. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a knit corset, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist 🙂

  • Ines Hughley
    Posted at 22:45h, 22 July Reply

    You look wonderful in this dress. The design and color of this fabric is perfect for you. I love all of your post, They have inspired me to sew for myself after many years of sewing only for my daughters. Thank you for rekindling my creativity.

Post A Reply to Eileen Cancel Reply