Kwik Sew Pattern 4261

18 Sep Kwik Sew Pattern 4261

 

“Dressing well is a form of good manners.” TOM FORD 

I’ve been dressing down during these pandemic times, but I believe we can dress down and dress well. One thing is certain……it’s always a good time for a sheath!

The sheath’s classic’s appeal caters to women of varying shapes and sizes and it’s streamlined simplicity lends itself to several fabrics and accessories from which endless looks are achieved. No matter the setting, a sheath is always appropriate! 

To me, transitional clothing is more about color than heavy fabrics due to our warm fall weather.

Should the weather turn cold, I’m good to go with a sweater, wrap or jacket. Meanwhile I can look like fall even if it feels like summer 😉


Making a muslin (blogged here) for this Kwik Sew Pattern paid off, and I do love the result. . My fabric is a stretch cotton from Gorgeous Fabrics which I bought last summer in Boston at the ASG convention. It was such a pleasure to meet Ann and get an upclose look at her truly gorgeous fabrics! I do not see this fabric on her website but have linked to all of her stretch cottons, here. Check out her fabrics and her fun Instagram feed.



I chose this small print because I knew the fabric’s pattern design would not be interrupted by the seam lines, and would camouflage the seam lines too.

In my last post, several readers asked why I began the alterations starting from my waistline. I apologize if I mislead you. After examining all of the pattern pieces, I selected the size that corresponded to my waistline. The first step I took after sewing the muslin was to fit the shoulders. Next I shortened the back bodice pieces, followed by altering the bust. The waistline needed no alterations and I slimmed the skirt just a little.

Hurricane Sally remnants forced us to leave the great outdoors and resume picture taking inside. Most outdoor pictures look like this…


however, I love this photo that shows the close fit of the back which is needed to keep the shoulders in place.

I made three changes to the pattern.

  1. I used an invisible zipper. I always use invisible zipper unless there is a reason not to!

2. I squared the neckline as a matter of preference.


3. I lined the dress using a JoAnn’s posh lining which I really like. It’s lightweight but substantial and has a nice non clingy texture. I almost always line sheaths.

Just another sheath? No way. I’ve got big plans for this pattern now that version 1 is complete, and any dress that goes with ALL of my neutral shoes is worth its weight in gold 😉

Stay safe, Dear Readers and many thanks for your helpful muslin comments!

 

goodbyevalentino
goodbyevalentino@gmail.com
42 Comments
  • Rosalind Clayton
    Posted at 07:42h, 18 September Reply

    Beautifully done as usual! Fits PERFECTLY, you wouldn’t get a fit like that from RTW!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:51h, 18 September Reply

      Very true, Rosalind ~ especially when you’re 5’2″!! Many thanks for your comment 😊

  • Kate Smith
    Posted at 07:55h, 18 September Reply

    So cute ! I just love your projects!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 09:37h, 18 September Reply

      Thank you, Katie! This was a fun one!

  • Ann
    Posted at 08:38h, 18 September Reply

    Beautiful job! It was lovely meeting you at the ASG conference last year. Hopefully we’ll have a chance to meet again in person some day!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 09:38h, 18 September Reply

      Thank you, Ann, and thank you so much for offering such a lovely selection of fabrics!

  • Shelly
    Posted at 09:01h, 18 September Reply

    Beautiful as always! I love how you have done the neckline, square front and v back. It gives some visual interest.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 09:40h, 18 September Reply

      Many thanks, Shelly! There’s something about a square neckline that works with my face. The V-neck back is what initially attracted me to this pattern 😉

  • Kelly M.
    Posted at 09:05h, 18 September Reply

    Wow. It’s a fantastic fit and looks great on you! You inspire me so much. I am so eager to try projects like this, but I have to remind myself to take baby steps so I don’t get in over my head and then get frustrated. But, it’s good to have goals. 🙂

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 09:42h, 18 September Reply

      Thank you so much, Kelly! This dress pattern is attainable for anyone with basic sewing skills ~ I hope you’ll give it a try if you like it 😉

  • Kathie Bennett
    Posted at 09:07h, 18 September Reply

    Elegant simplicity at its best! Thank you for these wonderful posts reminding us …indeed…that dressing well is a form of good manners.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 09:44h, 18 September Reply

      Thank you, Kathie! It has been easy to slip during the last six months, but I really feel better when I dress thoughtfully 😊

  • Carmen
    Posted at 09:09h, 18 September Reply

    It’s beautifully done! 🙂✂️🧵

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 09:44h, 18 September Reply

      Thanks so much, Carmen 😊😊

  • Gail Cunningham
    Posted at 09:11h, 18 September Reply

    I love this sheath; the print elevates the pattern from classic to sexy! Great for date night with your husband! You wear it well. Enjoy!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 09:46h, 18 September Reply

      Thank you so much, Gail! A date night sounds like a fabulous idea!

  • Claire
    Posted at 09:51h, 18 September Reply

    Thanks for inspiring us to get out of our athleisure and put makeup on!! It’s hard to motivate with nowhere to go, but it does feel so much better to be put together. Looking forward to seeing what you do next with this perfect fit sheath.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 09:56h, 18 September Reply

      Isn’t it the truth, Claire?! While sewing for post pandemic days sees to be a fantasy, I’m trying to kick it up a notch with a few smart casual pieces! Many thanks for your comment 😀😀

  • Cheryll
    Posted at 10:17h, 18 September Reply

    The sheath is always a great look. The fabric you chose is just right too. Love Gorgeous fabrics. I have never used the Joanns lining fabric but you have convinced me to try! Thanks.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:50h, 18 September Reply

      Thank you, Cheryll! I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked this lining, and have used it several times 😉

  • Ann Boyd Briggs
    Posted at 10:49h, 18 September Reply

    Love it!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:50h, 18 September Reply

      Thanks so much, Ann!

  • Margene Yeaton
    Posted at 11:42h, 18 September Reply

    PERFECTION!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:37h, 18 September Reply

      Thank you, Margene!

  • Peter
    Posted at 12:28h, 18 September Reply

    You look marvelous — superb fit!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:37h, 18 September Reply

      Hi Peter! Thank you so much 😉

  • Alania Sheeley
    Posted at 12:29h, 18 September Reply

    Love your dress. You mentioned the fitted back to keep the shoulders in place. If you ever need a little extra security on a garment, you can sew strap keepers inside at the shoulder seams. They are available from Wawak in four different colors. I use them all the time. As for dressing down during this pandemic, I have threatened to wear an evening dress to the grocery store.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:39h, 18 September Reply

      Many thanks for your comment, Alania ~ I’ll look into the strap keepers 😉 I get it, Alania. It’s terrible being all dressed up with nowhere to go!!

  • Jane Mary Green
    Posted at 12:34h, 18 September Reply

    I just love receiving these emails….I look forward to seeing your projects and how outstanding everything looks on you. You continue to inspire me! I usually purchase the pattern that you feature, immediately after you post the final project. Thanks for sharing your creative ideas, and providing a great education to an advanced beginner like me! Kind regards!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:41h, 18 September Reply

      What a lovely comment, Jane Mary 😊 I love sharing my experiences with readers. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you progress once you sew on a regular basis! Many thanks.

  • Mimi Langford
    Posted at 13:33h, 18 September Reply

    Cute and sassy!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:41h, 18 September Reply

      Thank you, Mimi! Sassy? I guess I can be sassy 😂😂

  • Mary Funt
    Posted at 17:14h, 18 September Reply

    You look wonderful. I love sewing once the muslin has been tweaked and you can enjoy the sewing process without worrying about if it will fit or not. Why not get dressed up for the grocery store!!! I’m getting tired of leggings and gym wear.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:43h, 18 September Reply

      Thank you, Mary! I also loved Lisa Jones comment in the last post about creating variations from the muslin for simple patterns.
      Grocery store, here I come!

  • Anne Kendall
    Posted at 20:00h, 18 September Reply

    Cute sheath dress made from a great looking stretch-woven cotton. Have you ever considered lining your stretch-wovens with a stretch woven lining?

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:21h, 19 September Reply

      Thank you, Anne! I’ve use power mesh before to line, but I’m not sure I’ve seen a stretch woven lining. What do you recommend ?

  • Becky Thompson
    Posted at 10:48h, 19 September Reply

    Classic and classy! You did a fabulous job on the pattern alterations and the fit is pure perfection. Nicely done!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:36h, 19 September Reply

      Thank you, Becky! I’m very pleased with the fit 😊😊

  • Francoise W.
    Posted at 04:49h, 21 September Reply

    What a wonderfull dress, I can easily understand why the French paid such a nice compliment. The fit is just perfect ! And what is amazing when your muslin is finished, is that you can play with many variations in terms of fabrics and style, you know that it will fit. Do you plan other makes with that pattern ?

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:29h, 21 September Reply

      Thank you, Francoise! I do plan to make variations of this pattern 😊

  • Jennifer Shaw
    Posted at 15:32h, 21 September Reply

    It is a lovely and perfect fitting dress. This is an amazing wearable muslin! I really enjoy reading your blog posts. They are so encouraging and uplifting.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:24h, 21 September Reply

      Thank you so much, Jennifer! I never regret making a muslin 😉

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