Having a serger makes sewing with knits a breeze. Wearing a knit dress in the summer is also a breeze.
Fabric, a simple cotton jersey from Michael Levine. The pattern is Moneta by Collette. In the last 5 years a whole crop of pattern designers have emerged. The sewing world tends to be all excited about these designers and many sewists will praise them to the moon. This is a very basic knit dress pattern, I like the collar treatment so I plunked down $18 for the printed version. That is a lot of money for a pattern, when one can find the Big Four (McCalls, Simplicity, Vogue and Butterick)for sale at about $5.
It states very clearly that this is a beginner pattern, which means tips of the trade about working with knits and very detailed instructions.
I liked the instructions about how to line the bodice with knit lining. I like the result of the clean armhole. There is a link to a how to video on how this is done. Another good tip is using clear elastic to gather knit fabric for the skirt. These tutorials are available for free, so why pay the $18? Because Collette is one of the better indie pattern designers out there, and I’m happy to support their effort. No, I won’t be buying another beginners pattern, but they do have some nice intermediate ones. My paying full price allows them to offer their videos and tips for free. 
Here it is, an adorable little summer dress.
I like the fit, it is snug, since I have the figure to show off, why not!
I’m a little disappointed in the collar. I didn’t pay attention very closely when looking at images online, I thought the points met in center back – didn’t overlap. I have to remind myself, this is a beginners pattern, and overlap is much easier. It is cute but I originally wanted more sophistication.
I do like the way the collar looks from the front. Also, this dress has pockets, something very nice to have in a little casual dress.
All in all, I’m very pleased with the result. Since I have the pattern, I will probably use it again for a version with sleeves. I highly recommend this for beginner sewists. If you are a moderate to experienced seamstress – it probably isn’t worth the money. Next post I’ll talk about another knit dress I made last year from a McCall’s pattern. I’ll compare the indie to the Big Four patterns.
Leah
It turned out really great! I like the collar especially.
I also like your outlook on buying a beginners pattern. Some people think I am crazy for buying a $18 pattern from an independent designer when I can get one on sale from one of the Big Four at Jo Anns for $1. I love supporting small businesses and I love knowing that my money goes to them and from that they are able to keep producing stellar products. Plus, the quality is really nice, the instructions are thorough, and I can always e-mail them or someone else that can help me if I get stuck 🙂
I usually wait until I hear reviews of indie pattern makers, they aren’t all the same. I have to get my post up about my knit dress made from the big four. There is definitely a place for both in the sewing world.