I recently made my first Colette Patterns Moneta dress and I can see why the blogisphere is abuzz about it. I made mine out of this fun “horse and jockey” vintage knit fabric that was in my stash (courtesy of Flower). It still had the dollar price tag on it from Goodwill.
I made version 1 with the roll collar from the Moneta extras pdf. I had used an extra pocket design for Matt’s Negroni shirt, so again, you gotta love Colette Patterns for all the extras you get.
Participating in the Wardrobe Architect exercises this year, has already helped me pinpoint that I need, and want, more knits in my wardrobe. Making this dress only reinforced that goal. I love knits for some many reasons. One being the fit and the other being the time it takes. I saved time by not having to make a muslin and by sewing it on a serger. This dress only took me 13 hours to make, from start to finish, including tracing the pattern and cutting out the fabric. That’s about half the time it takes me to sew a dress with woven fabric.
I did tissue fit it and decided to lengthen the bodice about 2 3/8″. I probably could have lengthened it a tad less, as the bodice feels the tiniest bit too long. You can see it in the back where it wrinkles up a little. It’s not a big deal, as a quick tug down fixes that, but I will probably adjust that for the next one.
Speaking of the next one, I already have plans for it. I have some pink and brown striped knit fabric that I think I’ll make a short sleeve version 2 out of. I can see why people make this dress over and again. It is quick and easy to make and comfortable and flattering to wear. I can already tell this is going to be a TNT pattern for me!
But Lilly the triple crown races are over so I guess you and Matt need t come to Vermont this summer and we can bust over to Saratoga for a race or two.
The dress is lovely and your workmanship grand. Congratulations on a job well done.
This is gorgeous! I’m only recently acquainted with Colette patterns (working on a couple Seamwork patterns at the moment) as well as “real” sewing in general and this is definitely a big inspiration to push through the learning curve! Love it.
Hi Candace! Isn’t Colette great? I totally cut my teeth on Colette patterns and continue to sew them. They have built a really impressive brand and business. If you like sewing with knits, you will love the Moneta. It’s a pretty straightforward pattern, especially if you have a serger. I look forward to seeing your progress and projects on your blog as well!