Hi there! HaPpY 2015! Welcome to a brand new year with the quirky peach! It's fun to look back to the beginning of last year and see how much has changed. For instance, my on-again-off-again relationship with bangs, the ever growing inspiration wall in my sewing room, or my love/hate relationship with the word "make" as a noun ;) This year, one of my main goals in sewing to make clothing that I love and will actually wear! I've found that for me, the most worn clothes in my closet are a perfect combination of cute & comfortable. If it's not comfortable, it won't get worn. If it's not cute, it won't get worn... out of the house. I think my first garment of 2015 is a winner - a black knit dress with subtle polka dots that makes my heart go pitter-pat! ♥ ♥ ♥




Pattern: Colette Moneta (made once before, here)

Fabric: Black ponte knit with flocked polka dots / Lining: solid black ponte - both from Joanns

Sizing: Small (bust) to Medium (waist) to Large (hip)

Design Changes:

 - Lined bodice
- Sleeves at "half" length
- Shortened skirt 3ish inches
- Omitted pockets

Outside // Inside
Construction Notes: 

 - Lined bodice and understitched neckline for cleaner finish at neckline, and warmth :)
- Added "One of a Kind" label: sewn to lining only, before attaching sleeves
- Zig zag stitch for sleeve hem / skirt hem
- To gather skirt:
(1) stitch two lines of basting stitches along top of skirt
(2) gather skirt to match lower edge of bodice
(3) baste bodice, lining, skirt with wide zig zag
(4) attach elastic and finish waistline with serger




The Verdict: Well it's black, it's a knit, and it has subtle polka dots. I LOVE IT! The skirt is the perfect gathered skirt shape, and will probably become my go-to anytime I want to add one to a knit dress. The only bad thing about this version is that it is tight around the bust and arms. This ponte doesn't stretch as much as other knit fabrics, and I accidentally cut the sleeves on the cross-grain, so no stretch at all there. Getting it on is a little tricky, but once it's on, it wears like a dream :)


So I'm curious - which factors play into what get's worn in your closet? Would you define your style as Cute / Comfortable or something else?? Please share in the comments - I love to hear from you :)