Today I sewed up a quick knit dress….
The Myrtle by Colette Patterns.
It was very quick to sew on my normal machine and my coverstitcher, a Janome CPX 1000.
I didn’t make a muslin but did try it on my dress form before I stitched anything together.
I cut a size small, but realized the bodice was going to be too loose for my taste, so I ended up removing four inches at the waist.
Then I cut the skirt in an extra small because I could just tell by looking that the pattern runs pretty big. I was right. If you are a really thin person I would advise cutting this pattern WAY down. I don’t consider myself a small person, but a medium person, yet the extra small seemed to fit really well. I’m a size 6, not a 2, so I guess it runs big..
I needed a quick sew and this was just the ticket after spending 40 plus hours on my couture cocktail dress last week.
I’ve made cowl neck dresses before and the Myrtle was very different from the others I’ve made in the past. The others have an extension , and thus, use a lot less fabric .
McCall’s 6489
Simplicity 1716
The Myrtle has two layers in the front and is self lined instead of having just a long extension at the neckline that’s turned under. But the back has only one layer with hems that you turn under and cover stitch. I would only recommend using very thin knits for this dress since it could get very bulky with the two layers on the front bodice. And definitely fit it before you sew it or you may end up with a dress that’s too blousy looking. I prefer my big 4 versions of the cowl neck dress to this poorly fitted one. This dress would have looked like a potato sack straight out of the envelope. 
I bought this fabric in downtown LA at Micheal Levine’s Loft. It was$ 2.50 a pound so it was probably about a dollar. I’m, guessing it’s some sort of Modal cotton blend. Have you ever bought fabric by the pound? I know, right?.
I know some of “the rules” say women in their forties shouldn’t wear shorter dresses. But obviously, rules are really only a suggestion! I think a little knee showing is OK.
you look fabulous in that dress! and rules are there to be broken or ignored, in my opinion.. also, it would be a shame not to show those legs 🙂
and i do often buy fabric by the pound (well, more by kg), found many gems that way
Thanks Mokosha!
That is so cute! You should make another one….
I just might! It only took two hours.
So pretty.. Looks great on you justine.. Proud you enjoyed your week of school.
Great dress! Frankly, you look nowhere near your forties. Who made these crappy rules anyways? You look fab, ignore all the rules. Rules are dull and made to be broken.
Very true Lorna! And thanks for the compliment.
Oh honey, SHOW THOSE LEGS. Re-consider in your 80’s but NOT your 40s!
Yes 80’s are the new sixties!
Aww to be young and sew like that. Those outfits look so cute on you. do you sit and sew all day?
Awww shucks no. I go to the gym, clean my house, drive kids all around all day and do lots of other time wasters. I sew about 1 to 2 hours most days.
It looks great! That’s crazy that it runs that big but this size looks like its a perfect fit. And I say show off those legs!! I just went to the loft today and stocked up. So much fun.
Cool April!
What a pretty, flattering dress! You look fantastic.
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That’s a cute dress. It’s a bummer about the sizing being so off though. I love black and white too.
Very pretty dress. Thanks for the review – really useful.