You might not realize it, because I’ve done a lot of projects by now, but sewing with super stretchy fabrics (a.k.a. knits), is still somewhat scary for me. Part of it is that I don’t use a serger, but the other part is that it feels like there’s more margin for error, and less chance of fixing it.

But it’s stretchy - doesn’t that mean there’s more wiggle room? In some aspects, sure - like binding an armhole. If I cut a piece slightly too short, I can stretch it and it’ll probably be fine. BUT if I pin poorly and stretch one piece more than another, there’s chance of strange bunching/gathering that is not flattering, plus pulling apart seams with zig-zag stitches or overcasting stitches is NOT easy.

But, of course, Deer & Doe like always has the most lovely patterns, and 2019 was my year to conquer this fear of knits. The year was full of sewing with stretchy fabrics, and I got to make several beautiful pieces that I love having in my wardrobe. I wrote about one of them several months ago - the Zéphyr from Deer & Doe, and even since I shared that, I’ve made a couple more pieces using this pattern (and have plans to continue using it forever because it’s practically perfect). But this pattern isn’t the only one that helped me work with knits in 2019. While the skater dress silhouette is one of my favorite styles, a girl needs to have options.

Next came the sleeveless version of the Givre Dress. This pattern comes with two variations which can be made in either a dress or a shirt, so it’s a super great investment. I decided to make the sleeveless dress first because (1) it had fewer pieces and (2) I have very few form-fitting pieces in my wardrobe. I went to a local fabric shop, Elfreide’s, with a gift card and opted for some beautiful green floral fabric. It’s super soft to the touch and the flowers are large and gentle - like watercolors. The flowers have nearly every color in them, so the fabric could be accessorized with very easily.

Guys, this dress did not disappoint - I’m so happy with how it turned out, that I brought it on our European adventure last summer and wore it a LOT (see above for just a couple days). Plus the ease of putting it together was wonderful. It has few pieces (front, back, neckband, and two armbands), so it was quick to sew up, and going slowly (both pinning and sewing) was not as torturous since there weren’t as many steps. Something I love about this dress is that, while it’s tight, it has a good amount of coverage. It’s not insanely low cut, and the armholes cover those annoying armpit flabs that everyone has no matter how much you work out. The most difficult thing was hemming, because, as is my life with every project I do, the pieces never perfectly match up, so I had to do my best to keep everything as even as possible. I let it hang overnight and tried it on several times, and any un-evenness there might be is minimal.

Quite pleased with how nicely the neckline turned out!

If you look closely at the top stitching, you might be able to tell it’s handmade since I don’t use a serger. Also, I chose a maroon thread, which matched some of the accents in the fabric, rather than buying another color. With all the variation the thread was never going to fit in perfectly.

I recently made this again from a blue sparkly velvet I picked up in London. This time I decided to use the front pattern piece for both the front and back - they are nearly identical, but the back piece is higher at the neckline, and I decided I wanted a lower cut on the back. I wore this to a New Years party and got SO MANY compliments.

I will definitely make this again, and I’ve even been thinking about more fun modifications - I could lengthen it to a maxi dress, with or without a slit. Plus there is a long sleeved variation, and shirt versions of both, so I have lots of options! So excited for all the projects 2020 will bring!