17 May Neoprene Delight!
How’s this for a One Yard Wonder?
It’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……
It’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.
Steam-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.
I simply love a dress that can transport me from one occasion to another!
Fortunately this one can be dressed up or down and travels beautifully – never a wrinkle anywhere or anytime 🙂
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.
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. 😉
CarolinasCallin
Posted at 01:25h, 17 MaySo 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 MayThank 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 MayI 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 MayThank 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 MayExquisite! Great choice of fabrics, style, fit… just lovely!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:19h, 17 MayThank you so much, Alethia!
Margaret
Posted at 02:57h, 17 MayWhat a beautiful summer dress, Sarah!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:20h, 17 MayThank you, Margaret!
Miss J
Posted at 03:57h, 17 MayOh 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 MayMany thanks Miss J! Enjoy that lovely London sunshine and good luck with the neoprene 🙂
pia
Posted at 05:28h, 17 MayAbsolutely 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 MayThank 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 MaySo awesome, Sarah! and a great inspiration!
I will definitely want to give this a try!
Happy sewing!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:24h, 17 MayThank you so much, Dawn! I recommend it for sure 😉
Mary Funt
Posted at 06:14h, 17 MayLooks fabulous. I also wonder how it feels to wear. I will definitely check out Mood’s selections.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:27h, 17 MayMany 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 MayWow! 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 MayThank 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 MayLove the fabric!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:29h, 17 MayThank you, Becky! You will enjoy sewing on it 🙂
Jeannie Crockett
Posted at 08:20h, 17 MayI 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 MayMany 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 MayBeautiful dress. I can see why you are so happy. Your dress should feature on the pattern envelope.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:37h, 17 MayThank you, Jean! I’d love that 🙂
Cissie Wellons
Posted at 08:33h, 17 MayLove 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 MayThank you, Cissie! Look forward to seeing what you find…. and sew 🙂
lori
Posted at 08:37h, 17 MayThis 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 MayThank you, Lori! I really think you will like it 😉
Julie Starr
Posted at 08:54h, 17 MayHow 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 MayMany 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 MayIt’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 MayThank 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 MayIt 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 MayThank 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 MayDid 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 MayThank 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 MayLove-Love-Love everything about this dress. Nice job.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:43h, 17 MayThank you, Brenda!! 🙂
Karen Ladelpha
Posted at 11:31h, 17 MayThe dress fits you like a glove!! Very flattering! 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:44h, 17 MayMany thanks, Karen! I’m loving the fit 😉
Mary Frances Giattina
Posted at 12:12h, 17 MayDone 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 MayOh wonderful, Mary Frances! I’d love to see a pic of your dress 😉 Good luck!
sharon jester
Posted at 12:33h, 17 MayBeautiful, love this fabric and color on you is gorgeous.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:55h, 17 MayThank you so much, Sharon 🙂 🙂
justine
Posted at 13:07h, 17 MayYour 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 MayMany 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 MayThis 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 MayLOL – many thanks, Brandy!
Linda
Posted at 14:15h, 17 MayAwesome! 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 MayThank you, Linda! I find the neoprene prints much different than other fabrics, but very interesting 😉
gail cunningham
Posted at 14:35h, 17 MayI love this dress; it looks great on you! I always enjoy your posts and pics…inspiring!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:03h, 17 MayMany thanks for your comment, Gail 😉
Gayle
Posted at 14:40h, 17 MayAnother beautiful job – beautiful dress, beautiful fit!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:04h, 17 MayThank you, Gayle!
Myra
Posted at 15:31h, 17 MayI 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 MayUh-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 MayYou’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 MayMany thanks, Teresa! It really is great fabric 🙂
Barbara Hewitt
Posted at 18:16h, 17 MayI 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 MayThank you, Barbara! Careful basting helped keep the patterns matched 😉
Amanda S.
Posted at 19:17h, 17 MayFabulous! Also a wonderful “sleeper” pattern that I’ve got to add to my list.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:15h, 17 MayThank you, Amanda! It truly is a ‘sleeper which will look great on you 🙂
Lisa in dallas
Posted at 19:50h, 17 MayAs always, another great finish. You pick the colors that are just lovely on you.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:16h, 17 MayThank you so much, Lisa! I do have my favorite colors for sure 😉
Barbara B
Posted at 23:01h, 17 MayLovely 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 MayThank 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 MayThe 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 MayThank you, Jean for the nice comment and for bringing this to my attention – try now 😉
Ann Richerson@
Posted at 09:48h, 18 MayVery cute dress! Good Job!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:44h, 19 MayThanks so much, Anne!
Denise Dooley
Posted at 09:53h, 18 MayLove 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 MayThank 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 MayWow looks great – neoprene has come a long way! Certainly will consider this a fabric choice.
audrielle
Posted at 15:19h, 18 Maythis is just so incredibly loveley
Ginger
Posted at 15:50h, 18 MayThis is so pretty! Plus, it looks so easy to wear!
Carolyn
Posted at 22:27h, 18 MayLove 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 MayHi 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 MayElizabeth,
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 MaySuper cute dress! Love it!
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Alania Sheeley
Posted at 01:29h, 05 AprilDid 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 JuneHi. 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 JuneVictoria,
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 JulyYou 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.