Hello everyone! We had so much fun last summer when we participated in Nancy's 30-minute Doll Clothes blog tour, that we were absolutely thrilled when she invited us to be a part of Sewing With Knits. To be perfectly honest with you, knits have always scared (some of) us just a tiny bit. It's funny that the thing we love wearing most is also the most intimidating to sew! But Nancy has officially changed that. Her book, Sew Knits With Confidence, is a must-have for every seamstress! (Stick with us, we'll be giving away a copy in a little bit...)
So without further ado, here is our own interpretation of the Santa Fe Dress!
We opted to make dress view 1, but added 16" to the length in order to get a good maxi.
We LOVE this pattern. The clever neckline facing makes wearing a camisole unnecessary, and the bodice goes together in a flash. Best of all, it really looks store-bought when finished! We chose a novelty red pique knit from JoAnn's to make our Santa Fe dress. And then we got the idea to draw up one side in a big rose-like knot to add a fun touch!
Now are you ready to hear about the giveaway? One winner will receive a copy of Nancy's book, Sew Knits with Confidence, along with the four beautiful patterns we showed you earlier this week!!! Just leave a comment on this post that includes your name and email address, and tell us how you feel about knit. We will choose our winner on Wednesday (April 24th) and ship out your box of goodies the next day!
Have fun!
P.S. Don't forget to take a look at the rest of the tour!
April 21, 2013 Stitchin' Jenny's
April 22, 2013 Amy Lou Who Sews
April 23, 2013 Sew News
April 24, 2013 Designs in Machine Embroidery
April 25, 2013 Riley Blake Designs
April 26, 2013 The Sewing Loft Blog
April 27, 2013 Nancy Zieman the Blog
The hardest thing about garment sewing is achieving a good fit. Knit fabrics are so forgiving that I don't have to stress as much on getting the right ease and that allows me to just have fun. I love your version of the Santa Fe dress.
Posted by: Sandra Chavez | April 21, 2013 at 11:47 PM
I really enjoy wearing knits - but I tend to shy away from sewing with them. The red dress gave me inspiration to trying sewing with knit again!
My mom gave me a couple of Nancy's books years ago - may 20+ years ago - they are excellent.
Posted by: Melissa H. | April 22, 2013 at 03:33 AM
Love the maxi length. I would love to try sewing with knit fabric, but have always been afraid. Maybe with this new book and patterns I would be okay!
Posted by: Michelle Norris | April 22, 2013 at 07:15 AM
Your dress looks great! I love it as a maxi. I've been getting into sewing knits lately. I love to sew dresses and tops!
Posted by: Margo | April 22, 2013 at 08:39 AM
I LOVE KNITs. They are so comfy, and soft. Especially now with a baby bump. :) Love that dress you all made, btw!
Posted by: Chantel | April 22, 2013 at 08:58 AM
This neckline looks great. I am AFRAID to sew knits, so this is definitely a must have for me. Thanks for the opportunity.
Posted by: Gayle C. | April 22, 2013 at 09:31 AM
I love to sew with knit and love wearing it too.
Posted by: hueisei | April 22, 2013 at 10:03 AM
Your dress turned out so beautifully! I am just getting back to sewing clothes after not doing it for years. I started with a knit top and it turned out pretty well. I am excited to make more things so I would love this book and patterns. Thank you for the chance to win.
Posted by: Susan | April 22, 2013 at 03:15 PM
Awesome giveaway! I haven't worked with knits much at all, but once I started not long ago, I'm not so scared any more! Haha! So, I guess you could say I'm beginning to like working with knits!
Posted by: Hannah Nawalaniec | April 22, 2013 at 06:36 PM
Great color, I love red too! Accessories really make a difference. Thanks!
Posted by: Sue S | April 22, 2013 at 06:57 PM
I've sewn knits but they still scare me a little.
Posted by: Ginger | April 22, 2013 at 07:09 PM
Knits can be so forgiving to sew on and they're definitely more comfortable to wear than wovens.
Posted by: Ellee | April 23, 2013 at 02:44 AM
Wow!! Lovin' that red dress, would love to win the book!!
Sewing with knits is always fun**
**on the rare occasion that i dont completely mess up and swear at my sewing machine.
Lol :D
Posted by: Alexandra Yount | April 23, 2013 at 06:27 AM
I think this turned out wonderfully. I like this dress as a maxi.
Posted by: Helen | April 23, 2013 at 07:17 AM
Whoops! Forgot the emaul address: helenkosings at comcast dot net
Posted by: Helen | April 23, 2013 at 07:18 AM
I love sewing with knit, especially since I got a serger, which makes it much easier for me. I want to sew that dress pattern. And I love the color of your dress!
Posted by: Becky | April 23, 2013 at 08:49 AM
What a beautiful dress! I've been intimidated by knits, but I know that Nancy's book and patterns will make it much less scary, and I'm anxious to try! Thanks for the giveaway!
Posted by: Malia Becker | April 23, 2013 at 09:53 AM
I LOVE knits and wear them all the time. I wish I sewed them more but I do find them a bit intimidating. :-(
Posted by: Cathi | April 23, 2013 at 11:21 AM
Go you and your hottie red dress! While I don't know if I'm brave enough for red--I do have a kind of brick colored knit that's dying to be made into something decent, I think this pattern might just be it.
Posted by: Shayla Sharp | April 23, 2013 at 01:30 PM
Really like what you did with the 'posy' gather. Hadn't thought of making it maxi;looks good!
Posted by: Natalie | April 23, 2013 at 02:51 PM
I also think the red knit is amazing for this dress. Thank you for your inspiration,
iknithappy@yahoo.com
Posted by: knithappy | April 23, 2013 at 06:44 PM
I'm really looking forward to this book and the patterns.
Posted by: Jaye Gause | April 23, 2013 at 08:31 PM
I love the red and the knot is perfect for that dress. Knits are on my bucket list to learn and this seems to be a good starting spot.
Posted by: Brenda Howard | April 23, 2013 at 11:47 PM
I love what you did with the dress. This would be my first choice to sew up also!
Posted by: Patty Sack | April 24, 2013 at 07:20 AM
I love sewing with knits! I make my grandson lots of tee shirts. I love using my serger and also some decorative zig zag stitches on my sewing machine.
Posted by: Le Ann Osborne | April 24, 2013 at 08:01 AM
I love what you did with the dress! I had looked at the pattern but thought it was not for me because it was not long. Love it. I am someone who is afraid of knits so I can't wait to read this book. It would be great to win it for free!
Posted by: Donna Fecteau | April 24, 2013 at 08:35 AM
What wonderful patterns. Can't wait to make some of them up. Love the dress.
Posted by: Christine Gibbons | April 24, 2013 at 10:24 AM
Wow!
What a gorgeous dress! I'd love to get the pattern; I've been planning to make a raspberry knit dress with some type of crossover bodice, and this takes the cake!
I just started sewing with knits last year... and didn't know enough to *be* afraid of them! =)
I love working with them, and seeing a comfy, perfectly fitting garments turn out.
...Only, borrowing my sisters' serger spoiled me a little. Now my sewing machine doesn't seem to quite make the mark.
=)
TheTayloress
Posted by: TheTayloress | April 24, 2013 at 01:16 PM
Wow, your new red dress is beautiful! Well done. Sewing with knits has always intimidated me. I must be missing some important steps because my machine always clogs up on the knit fabric. Nancy Zeiman's new book would be a wonderful help!
Posted by: Christy Jesson | April 24, 2013 at 03:42 PM
Wow! I've always found knits a little bit scary.
Posted by: Kari Hermanson | April 24, 2013 at 05:04 PM
Like you, I love wearing knits. Having a serger and experimenting on discarded shirts has given me a lot more boldness to truly sew with them. I've stayed with basic silhouettes -- three simple shirt styles and some modifications to ready-mades.
Posted by: Shannon | April 25, 2013 at 09:11 AM
The neckline is beautiful on you! Knits are great!
Posted by: Favy | April 27, 2013 at 06:53 PM