Dress: DIY “Moneta” from Colette Patterns
Belt: Ruby’s Nest
Shoes: Seychelles
So it’s official. I love, love, LOVE sewing with knit fabrics. The stretch gives a little more forgiveness with sizing, and I don’t have to try and figure out tricky things like full bust adjustments to make it fit properly.
I’m an impatient and fairly amateur sewer, and I have a kind of short attention span; projects that can’t be finished in one go tend to just languish half-done in my to-do pile until I decide that I don’t like that style/pattern/fabric anymore.
After having made umpteen Colette Myrtle dresses I decided to see whether I could replicate my success with a second pattern from Colette’s knit collection. It was a pretty easy decision to pick the Moneta dress pattern after seeing so many great iterations of the dress on the Curvy Sewing Collective (incidentally, if you haven’t discovered this website yet, it’s a downright fabulous community of plus size fashion bloggers and seamstresses who test and review sewing patterns from all over the world, and host sewalongs for beginner sewers.)
The Moneta is a really classic and versatile dress with a fitted bodice, wide scooped neckline, gathered skirt (pockets!) and a variety of sleeve lengths. It reminds me a lot of the simple jersey dresses that Asos was doing a couple of seasons ago. The difference being you can make it in the fabric of your choice… even a super-cute whale print fabric, if you know where to find it (Spotlight).
I decided to use the whale fabric up to, and have just a plain navy skirt below, giving the dress a two-for-one kind of effect. I think in the future I’ll put the plain colour up top so as to not over emphasize my full bust (and yes – I already have another one planned!)
The pattern is just as straightforward as the Myrtle, but it’s perhaps a leeeeetle less forgiving in terms of fit. I’ll have to lengthen the waist next time (the instructions to do this are included in the pattern), and I’ll taper the waist a little, as this version’s just a bit saggy around my waist. To combat this I added my own little belt loops, as I’ll need to wear this belted to give it the best shape.
I had a teensy bit of the whale fabric left over after I cut my bodice and sleeve pieces, so I thought I’d use them in the pockets just for an added touch of whimsy.
All up, I think the Moneta pattern’s going to be a winner, and I’m looking forward to really tweaking it into a perfect fit that I make again and again!
What a fabulous Moneta! That whale print fabric is just too, too cute and those belt loops are a great addition. You look stunning, as always! Aren’t Colette’s knit patterns fantastic? I’ve had a peek at their newest offering, which comes out next week, and it’s also a winner!
Thanks for the CSC shout out, Lilli! We’re so glad you like the site!
Oh God yes – I’m definitely going to have to grab a Wren soon 🙂
Wow! This dress looks gorgeous, Lilli. Love the whales – very you! I’ve started knitting in recent years (helps me relax) and keep meaning to get back in to sewing after not making anything since I was a teenager. This pattern has me convinced to get my machine out!
Hi Jo, thank you! I just started getting back into sewing after a long hiatus a couple of years ago. I’m like you and sewing – I find it surprisingly relaxing!
I have a huge crush on this dress – you totally have to wear it the next time we hit the movies! I would like to worship it in person 😛
DEFINITELY!
Oh my gosh the whales!! Definitely going to have a hunt for them at my local Spotlight ^_^
This colour combo suits you so well, beautiful make!
Thanks Amy 🙂 Spotlight’s doing some really great printed knits lately!
I totally thought that was a top and skirt. Looks FAB! <3
It looks it, doesn’t it? I decided the whale fabric in a dress by itself would just be a bit OTT
I love your style!
Thank you!
I love your style and your Collette dresses are all just so fantastic, really inspiring me to sew! Unfortunately my hand me down machine has seen better days…fabrics with any stretch are unfortunately a complete no go. What machine do you have, and would you recommend it? Thanks so much! X
I have my Nana’s old Bernina. Maybe try giving your hand-me-down a service – especially if it’s one of those wonderful old metal workhorses!
Please, oh please, don’t move the solid color up to the top of the dress if you end up doing another duo-print Moneta. The fantastic thing about this one is that it really pulls the focus up to your beautiful face–and you don’t want to lose that benefit!