Hey readers! We're so happy to introduce you to our latest pattern - the Frankie Top/Dress. In addition to being a cruisy sew, she's also pretty versatile and we love her because she's suitable for ALL the seasons.
I made this striped version in our 100% cotton Japanese jersey Mimasu Red Line (also available in these navy and black/white options) and I love it in all its simplicity and comfort. Dress, sandals/sneakers and you're done.
The pattern features a flared hemline, set in sleeves and comes with numerous style options - a top, two dress lengths and four sleeve lengths (short, elbow, three quarter and full). Oh the possibilities!
The bateau neckline features a simple turned back front and, for extra strength, we've included a stitched-down back facing that creates a neat and secure neckline.
Frankie's also fantastic as a trans-seasonal layering piece too. The full length works perfectly in the cooler months and can be worn with shirts. She's a total match made in wardrobe heaven with our Sydney Jacket.
I made up this version in our Hashtag Black which is - hands down - my favourite jersey composition (viscose/spandex). It's weighty and drapey and holds both colour and memory in a way that so many knits just don't. It also washes like a dream and is all over perfect for Frankie. You can see our full range here.
Anita from our Surry Hills store made her glam version (below) in our Sparkling Romance, an Italian
74% acetate, 19% polyamide, 7% elastane metallic jersey. It also comes in Graphite and Skies colourways.
My top length version (below) is again a viscose/spandex - Black Truffle Splice - and is also available in this wider stripe, Wide Black Truffle.
The Frankie Top/Dress Pattern is now available in both hardcopy and PDF print-at-home/actual size copy shop versions with (Australian) sizes XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL all included. Suitable fabrics include light to mid weight jerseys and light weight ponti knits.
Love those fitted long sleeves! Great dress
ReplyDeleteThanks Rosie!
DeleteI am a competent sewer, but have never 'stretch sewed' before.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the difference - and would I be able to make this dress? Is it just a special needle?
Look forward to hearing from you, Amanda
Hi Amanda,
DeleteIt would be ideal if you owned a overlocker/serger. But if not you could still use your sewing machine to sew the Frankie Top/Dress, but you MUST select/use the stretch stitch setting (looks a little like a lightning bolt - not the zig zag stitch) on your machine. If you don't your stitching will snap and break on your garment if you use the straight stitch setting. You would also need to change your machine needle to the a stretch needle (for jerseys with elastane) or a ball point needle (for 100% cotton knits). When sewing the front neckline, sleeve and body hems a stretch twin needle needs to be on your sewing machine. It's not that difficult, the difference is the way you handle your fabric when sewing, if new to stretch sewing then starting off with a quality 100% cotton knit is easier to work with at first. The sewing instruction we provide with the pattern will talk you through the steps along with clear colour photos as an extra guide. Most of our customers who do eventually give stretch sewing a go, always comment that it was easier than they thought, provided you use good quality knits/jerseys, correct needles and take your time. Give it a go Amanda, just imagine the fabulous and comfortable wardrobe you could create!
Colette, that is a wonderful reply and I really appreciate the time you took to write it. I will buy the pattern and some fabric today and give it a good go! Thank you for all of the technical advice.......our little sewing shop in Orange will hopefully have all the bits & pieces. Have a great weekend, Amanda
ReplyDeleteThanks for a great pattern! I just made up the short dress with 3/4 length sleeves and it's a winner.
ReplyDeleteI just finished the top with 3/4 sleeves and I totally love it. It's such a great, easy pattern. My machine had a little trouble with the elastic in the back neckline though and made a bunch of thread spaghetti. I wonder if I could skip that step?
ReplyDeleteI REALLY need a little help. Have a long stretchy fabric in a long evening gown with a side slit. I have done everything I can think of to shorten the hem, even using a fusible stretch interfacing but the side slit always turns inward and disappears completely. Am I stretching it too much while sewing or too little?
ReplyDelete