Knits are Great!

My sister-in-law was gracious enough to snag a few photos for me before she went to a photoshoot the other day.  She emailed me these photos today and I thought to myself "did I really make that?  Because I kind of really love it!"  :).

Feeling like a pretty legit pattern maker right now.  While I love the way this dress turned out, I'd say the real legit one is my sister-in-law, her photos are what I really needed to highlight the dress.  If you need photography services and you are in Utah check her out by clicking to link through to Becky Ann Photography!!!

Besides the real story behind the design of the skirt of this dress is I made a mistake in cutting out the skirt, and this was born after trying to save fabric.  ;)  Isn't it great that sometimes in life, our mistakes end up causing beautiful things as a result. 

 

 

 

I also have to tell you about my digtal pattern making class.  I am so excited to be making patterns on computer rather than by hand!  This was our first project we were required to actually print off and sew up after learning the basics of the program.   

 
The design isn't mine, (not that there are any real innovative variations left for basic t-shirts).  We had to copy a t-shirt that fit us well, measure it out, plot it in the computer program, print it out and sew it up.  Then take it to class to have the teacher check it for fit.

I was pretty happy with how it turned out!  I did feel as if I didn't take out enough ease for the neck band.  It was a tiny bit loose before washing it, but now after washing it, I think I'd take out even more ease to get rid of the gape, for a flat or flush finish at the neckline.  However, that is an easy fix for the next t-shirt.  

I used a stretch stitch I've never tried before and love the professional look it gave to this knit.  It was the perfect stitch for this weight of fabric.  I was just surprised how much I enjoyed this project especially for it being "just a t-shirt", and a "copy" of sorts at that.  It was so much fun though!  

 

Here is the stitch up close.  I do think it is my new favorite stretch stitch for knits!  I never knew playing around with the stretch stitches could be so great.  I would now definitely recommend testing out different stretch stitches on scraps to find the best stitch for the type of knit being used for a project.

Also I find it interesting that while talking with people at the shop I have been teaching sewing lessons at, most are more afraid of knits than wovens!  Did you know knits are actually much more forgiving than wovens and can help hide some mistakes better than a woven ever could?  It's true!  So if you are one of those people who haven't yet dared to dive into sewing with knits, let me talk to into trying them!  I'll bet you'll love them.  

Anyways, that's all for today folks.  :)  Thanks to all my readers who stop by and visit even when I am not able to post as often as I'd like!  Hope you all have a wonderful day!

-Em