Continuing the parade of wool clothing from my recent, multiple visits to the fabric store is my latest work/ holiday dress. I’m the biggest fan of dresses for any and all occasions, particular those that are stretchy and flattery, so when the Lady Skater Dress pattern by Kitschy Coo started making the rounds, I was really excited. However, the weight of the knit is really important for this style, and without a decent local source for heavy knits with lycra, I was a bit stuck. However, the moment I spotted this wool sweater knit at the fabric store, I knew it was the right fabric for the job.
The fabric stretch is significantly less than the 40% recommended by the pattern, so I inserted an invisible side zip. However, even with only a slight stretch, I can pull the dress on over my head, so the zipper wasn’t needed. While not specified in the pattern directions (I don’t think!), I applied some 3/8″ clear elastic at the waistband, which helps the dress maintain it’s shape and keeps everything in place.
The most significant change I made to the pattern was the neckline. Since the fabric had too little stretch, the neckline from the original pattern wouldn’t work so well (and didn’t seem to suit the fabric style). So originally, I attempted to make a wide cowl neckline. Uh, yeah, big fail there. So instead of removing the “cowl”, I sewed a casing and inserted elastic to gather the neckline. Then, folded it over and hand stitched it to the stitching of the neckline. What a happy accident!
Here’s the wearable “muslin” version of the dress, from a knit of some type and while it turned out fine, I feel pretty self-conscious in such a clingy fabric. I wore it to the grocery store, but it took some bravery! It’s amazing how different the same dress pattern can look with fabric selection and a few tweaks!
Bea & Lucille 
Really nice but I have to tell you that the blue one is super cool 😉
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Agreed, I like the blue one too! The wool jersey version is superb, the neckline is indeed a happy accident! That pattern is divine, wish I could find wool jersey like that.
The suggested 40% stretch and stability are most relevant to the neckband and for the very busty as far as pulling / distortion, but the pattern does work with less than 40%. And clear elastic to the waist *is* recommended in the instructions 🙂
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Both versions are stunning. You look great in both although the blue one wins.
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You made such nice dresses, I actually like both versions! The neckline is great; I wanted to look for the pattern only because of the neckline, when I read that this was your own idea! I have to remember this sort of neckline!
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wow, love these both! and that neckline is fantastic!
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I love them both! The collar on the spotty one is amazing!!
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So pretty..Looks great on you.. Happy sewing.
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I love the neckline too, it looks great on you
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Apparently, I only just skimmed the “Bad a**” instructions, completely missing your very clear instructions for clear elastic 🙂
What a fabulous pattern! It's such the perfect wardrobe staple for all seasons! Love it.
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It's a lovely dress, and I like the neckline.
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Wow. What a perfect dress. Love the blue colour one too but I can understand the 'cling' issue and that's been my reaction to most of the skater dresses I've seen. Your first one really sells the pattern! Well done. And you know you didn't have to admit how you came to that neckline, it's brilliant, even if accidental.
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Lovely dress. I'm a fan of this neckline.
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You look lovely in both! They both look great!
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It's a darling dress! i actually just like the colours.
I love tiny ruffles on some things, however most ruffles at a little an excessive amount of on behalf of me, and that i like single-edged ruffles over ambiguous, thus i might most likely leave these off too.
From viewing the pattern page, it is not simple to induce those ruffles aligned… the instance ruffles are not utterly straight or utterly placed either.
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I really like your new dress. I think this is my new suggested clothing too 🙂 I wish I could have abilities like yours and I really like how you launched this on my birthday!!!! I really wish I could get one of your clothing I just really like them 🙂
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Lady Skater Dress in wool sweater seems to me sound wonderful and in a word there are not any doubt about the bountifulness of this dress. Sound like really wonderful 🙂
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that is a GREAT fabric for this dress, and i love your happy accident with the collar!
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that is a GREAT fabric for this dress, and i love your happy accident with the collar!
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Wow, these are both lovely! I love the neckline on the wool version.
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