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.
- 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!
Rosalind Clayton
Posted at 07:42h, 18 SeptemberBeautifully done as usual! Fits PERFECTLY, you wouldn’t get a fit like that from RTW!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:51h, 18 SeptemberVery true, Rosalind ~ especially when you’re 5’2″!! Many thanks for your comment 😊
Kate Smith
Posted at 07:55h, 18 SeptemberSo cute ! I just love your projects!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:37h, 18 SeptemberThank you, Katie! This was a fun one!
Ann
Posted at 08:38h, 18 SeptemberBeautiful 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 SeptemberThank you, Ann, and thank you so much for offering such a lovely selection of fabrics!
Shelly
Posted at 09:01h, 18 SeptemberBeautiful 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 SeptemberMany 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 SeptemberWow. 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 SeptemberThank 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 SeptemberElegant 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 SeptemberThank 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 SeptemberIt’s beautifully done! 🙂✂️🧵
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:44h, 18 SeptemberThanks so much, Carmen 😊😊
Gail Cunningham
Posted at 09:11h, 18 SeptemberI 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 SeptemberThank you so much, Gail! A date night sounds like a fabulous idea!
Claire
Posted at 09:51h, 18 SeptemberThanks 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 SeptemberIsn’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 SeptemberThe 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 SeptemberThank 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 SeptemberLove it!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:50h, 18 SeptemberThanks so much, Ann!
Margene Yeaton
Posted at 11:42h, 18 SeptemberPERFECTION!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:37h, 18 SeptemberThank you, Margene!
Peter
Posted at 12:28h, 18 SeptemberYou look marvelous — superb fit!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:37h, 18 SeptemberHi Peter! Thank you so much 😉
Alania Sheeley
Posted at 12:29h, 18 SeptemberLove 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 SeptemberMany 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 SeptemberI 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 SeptemberWhat 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 SeptemberCute and sassy!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:41h, 18 SeptemberThank you, Mimi! Sassy? I guess I can be sassy 😂😂
Mary Funt
Posted at 17:14h, 18 SeptemberYou 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 SeptemberThank 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 SeptemberCute 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 SeptemberThank 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 SeptemberClassic 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 SeptemberThank you, Becky! I’m very pleased with the fit 😊😊
Francoise W.
Posted at 04:49h, 21 SeptemberWhat 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 SeptemberThank you, Francoise! I do plan to make variations of this pattern 😊
Jennifer Shaw
Posted at 15:32h, 21 SeptemberIt 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 SeptemberThank you so much, Jennifer! I never regret making a muslin 😉