I like to take the path less travelled or the path that already has a 4 lane highway and a Stuckeys on it. Today that would be Mccalls 5974
and Burda 6919.
I have loved all the knit wear I’ve seen on other sewists, but I totally shy away from it. I just haven’t found the hem technique that makes it work for me. A few months ago, I bought out the fabricmart knit sale and now I have lots of knit staring at me in a judging manner. Damn, first the chiffon, now you, why are you all so hateful, textiles? So I finally got around to some dresses for fall. In the south, fall is the 3 days in October that you can open the car windows without puddling up. I celebrate it.
These dresses don’t really feel like the same sewist choices do they? Well, I was feeling like Patty Duke when I cut them out. You get me? I have the lyrics ready for you to sing along with me.
Meet Cathy, who’s lived most everywhere,
From Zanzibar to Barclay Square.
But Patty’s only seen the sights
A girl can see from Brooklyn Heights –
What a crazy pair!
But they’re cousins,
Identical cousins all the way.
One pair of matching bookends,
Different as night and day.
Where Cathy adores a minuet,
The Ballet Russes, and crepe suzette,
Our Patty loves to rock and roll,
A hot dog makes her lose control –
What a wild duet!
Still, they’re cousins,
Identical cousins and you’ll find,
They laugh alike, they walk alike,
At times they even talk alike –
You can lose your mind,
When cousins are two of a kind.
Earworm torture time:
Ok, now me. Just keep that theme on a loop and sing along, m’kay?
Now, Mccalls 5974 is becoming a very work friendly dress. I made 3 little changes.
1 – I liked the front to just meet and not wrap, I planned a pop of color with a camisole under to break up the cloying paisley overload.
2- I lengthened the sleeves to take it farther into the season, but didn’t have enough fabric to go full length.
3- I also narrowed my sashes a bit- again, not enough fabric- this pattern in the fuller skirt is a fabric hog. Soo-wee!
Scope my dandy hoof covers. MY brother gave me an Amazon gift card and now he can technically be blamed for these clompy treats that the husband hates. Oh, piss off- Patty would love them!
Burda Time: I love me some Burda. It makes me feel continental and worldy. Like reading Proust or saying ‘pension’. I looved the top of this, but hated the bottom. When I got the top set and started playing with those pleats at the waist, it got bulky and frumpy on Ms Holloway, so I knew that it was time to drop back and punt. I used the skirt back to make the front into a slimmer line and I think it’s better on me. 
I am not sold on this. It fits closer to my gentle curves than I would care for and I am only Joan Holloway in my dreams. This is perfect not ready for a work appearance. When they talk about me in the cafeteria, let it be for my bad taste in prints, not sizing!
Ok,back into B&W mode- not a one of you deserved this, but here- it’s Patty gettin’ down!
photo credits: pattern review, youtube, meadhawg. All images remain the property of their original owners.
Pretty Grievances 
Well, I say WOW. That Burda dress looks great on you. I say make another.
I also like the McCalls. The color is lovely on you and I like the overal softness.
A hit on both fronts.
LikeLike
Thank you! I need to work on the skirt pattern a bit before I feel better! I was sucking in so hard I snapped a rib!
LikeLike
I love the drape on the first one. For a much fabric it doesn’t look ball gowny. Maybe the second one will grow on you, I think it looks great!
LikeLike
Thank you! I wasnt feeling the waves of husbandly love for these 2 makes- I wonder what his deal was!!!!
LikeLike
Men are weird.
LikeLike
You have passed the knit test in flying colours (so to speak). That pink paisley and pink shoes and cute little ankle socks – it is just so darn cute and lovely on you. That pop of green really sets it off.
Now let us talk about the second dress. You really should re-think your thoughts on this one cause it really makes you look va va voom – gorgeous – sexy – not too tight at all. I say wear it every day and make the mister beg for attention. If I looked that good in a dress I would make it in every colour in every fabric and never wear another style.
LikeLike
Really? I felt all kinds of sausagy wrong in it! Do they make zebra sausage?
LikeLike
Please please please – read all the comments. Although I really like the first dress the second really slims you down and gives you a great figure. Wear a slip under it – that is what I do if I think a dress shows “rolls” and if you feel a bit “out there” with it – pop a cardi or a jacket over it which will take a bit of the silhouette off it but still show of that fabulous figure that you have been hiding. Take a look at the 2 pictures side by side on PR gallery. You can really see how many pounds that 2nd dress takes off you. You look like a 50s film star.
LikeLike
Wow- that is really helpful. I never thought of it that way. Thanks Babe!
LikeLike
MeeeYOW!!! I’m LOVING the Burda on you! It’s hot hot hot! But I can see how it’s a bit va-va-voom for work, but it’s perfect for a night out at Stuckey’s! Could you swap the skirt for a circle skirt or a pleated skirt for work?
LikeLike
Oh now that is a good idea!!!
LikeLike
Let your inner zebra OUT, Ms. Holloway! That number is muy caliente on you.
LikeLike
You are too kind!!!
LikeLike
Welcome to the world of knits – never again will they glare at you accusingly (chiffon, well, mine still mutter that scarves are not proper sewing garments, to them I say – hmmuph) 😉
I love the pink zebra fabric, it’s SO you – with my vavavoom knit dresses that are only for hubby’s eyes, I wear them as a slip under a skirt – perfect for a pop of colour on a wrap skirt where, on their own, either would be too revealing…
LikeLike
Oh thats a great idea!
LikeLike
Work. It.
They are both fabulous! Really, truly, curve flattering fabulous!
LikeLike
That dress is so close to going to work monday! You are really helping my resolve!
LikeLike
I have the McCalls pattern. I haven’t sewed it up yet though! It looks good.
LikeLike
Both of these dresses are great on you. #1 is a cool look and you’ve made it work for your shape and colour. #2 is amazing. That’s a great dress to go partying in. I wear slips under fitted knit dress or line them with tricot so they don’t ‘stick’ to me.
I hope you have lots more knit success.
LikeLike
Wow, both dresses are fantastic but the Burda dress is amazing. You look stunning, so confident and on top of the world, ruler of all! Okay maybe it’s not a work dress but certainly a going out dress. Don’t banish it to the back of the closet, you look fantastic in it!
LikeLike
Oooh, the Burda dress looks freaking fantastic on you! Make more, make more! McCall’s 5974 is one of my TNT patterns (views A & B for me) — I use it all the time to make up all those Fabric Mart knits that I can’t stop snapping up :D!
LikeLike
I think you did a wonderful job With these knits. Knitofobia, away With you. 🙂 Congratulations 🙂 Knits are wonderful to wear 🙂
LikeLike
Any hemming suggestions?
LikeLike
I’m having a hard time believing your case of knitphobia. Your dresses look wonderful. I’ve been afraid to try that McCall’s pattern. But I really want to. Yours looks great. As does the Burda.
LikeLike
Those wrapping ties give it a really nice fitted waist- try it!
LikeLike
Awesome. I totally need a waist 🙂
LikeLike
Personally, I love the Burda dress. It really suits you.
(First timer here…… Waves……. )
LikeLike
Welcome to my foolishness!!
LikeLike
Laughed like a loon, great way to start another manic monday. As for the perfect pink trotter coverings ……. What the …… Do men know about shoes anyway 🙂
LikeLike
He has a well established wedge hate. Its sad- he refuses therapy!
LikeLike
The Burda really works on you with the changed skirt, surely you will come to love it. McC – good changes, wrap meeting to allow contrast plunge fill and less drama with the ties, a hit.
LikeLike
Thank you kindly! All I see is my Winnie the Pooh belly in that Burda!
LikeLike
When I read your title I thought you meant the other kind of knit…you know, the one that involves the GIANT needles. I have that kind of knitphobia.
You, however, are rocking the fabric sort of knits – good job! All you really need to focus on with knits is making sure the grain is straight when you cut. After that, it’s a piece of cake! imho, of course, so take it for what it’s worth….
LikeLike
Hemming thoughts? My mccalls got curly!
LikeLike
Looks like you’ve entered stretch-fabric-world with a bang! Good for you. Both dresses are a hit – TWO dresses!
LikeLike
I will be running back to chiffon now!
LikeLike
Damn, lady. That Burda frock looks fine! Love it hard!
Knit fabrics scare and confuse me- drape, weight, cling. You are taking the bull by the horns like a boss!
LikeLike
Its those hems- so rolypoly!
LikeLike
I always think you massively underestimate yourself. You have vavavoom & that straight dress looks good on you. Just slap on some attitude. I’ve got that Burda pattern, it’s on top of my pile of ‘things I really want to make soon’.
LikeLike
Oh you would kill in that Burda!!!! Do it!
LikeLike
Just gotta sew a jumpsuit first 😉
LikeLike
Ok, i cant follow you there!
LikeLike
It could be all in how they “feel” that bothers you. Sometimes we look killer in a dress but it hugs us just a little tighter than normal and we are out of our “comfort zone”. I think that is the issue for you with the Burda…I think it is also hard to make a bat-wing sleeve dress look right without sewing higher up and closer to the armpit to bring the eye up instead of down. The pink dress gives you comfort and coverage but the pink shoes…I’d try green wedges or flats…the pink shoes seem too chunky and would look better with pants.
LikeLike
Did Mr B get to you? Heehee- I have pink flats I usually wear- this mutton may be to old for ankle frills!
LikeLike
Kittenish to Sex Kitten in a single leap…should we send help, or just chocolate? Both look good…maybe adding just a bit more skirt ease (but don’t go overboard, because that silhouette works for you) as well as the adjustment mrs mole suggested to your next iteration of the Burda will make you feel more comfortable, and I bet the pink dress would be fab with nude heels, or a black cami and matching shoes.
LikeLike
Hmm- black or nude….so subtle. Blows my mind!
LikeLike
They are both lovely, but I especially love the Burda…it looks amazing on you! I don’t care what you say – MEOW!
LikeLike
But I say for the record- a hotdog does not make me lose control!
LikeLike
I have to agree- you are rocking the Burda dress! I would definitely wear that to work if I were you. It’s fantastic! The pink paisley is really cute too. Congratulations on entering the knit world! You will never turn back now.
LikeLike
I hope so! Ive got more knit victims waiting!
LikeLike
yeah for conquering knits. and I noticed those shoes immediately. I love them! both dresses look great, and I think one is perfect for work and the other for after 5 wearing. as for hemming knits, for a straight skirt or a top, I make about a 1.25″ hem, then put a piece of fusible interfacing on the inside seam allowance. then just sew at about 1″ from the edge with a longish stitch. If I want it to look more RTW I put two rows. the fusible helps the stitching to not wobble or pucker. for wider skirts I just press a small hem and stitch.
LikeLike
Ok- this is doable- Im going to try it!
LikeLike
OMG, I have that wrap dress pattern and I have never used it. What was I thinking?? I love your version!
LikeLike
Pattern envelopes just never inspire, do they? Mccalls needs a bus stop!
LikeLike
I am quite of the mind that you could give Joanie a run for her money in your Burda number! Seriously hot stuff. Never even seen this pattern and now it’s on The List. Love it.
LikeLike
I vould use more accesories, dont you think?
LikeLike
That Burda dress is a fantastic jaw-dropper! Where have you been hiding?! Love these dresses. I eschewed knits for years, and now must confess that I will readily reach for a me-made knit dress before a woven…. Love these!
LikeLike
Im going to try Sunnys hem technique and go knit wild now!
LikeLike
Wow- I can’t believe no one commented on Patty’s singing- she put out several records, you know!!
Oh,and the dresses are FAB- and listen to everyone about the Burda- yowza!!!!
LikeLike
I did enjoy the music- I should have honored her with better than her Peter Noone impression!
LikeLike
In one of her books she says she wishes they had never happened 🙂 – it was all part of her exploitation. Patty Duke is a remarkable woman.
Have you gotten the message about the second dress yet?? It rocks.
LikeLike
I really enjoyed (maybe thats the wrong word) her bio. Call me Anna showed her strength and talent.
LikeLike
Yes- I heard her speak a few years ago and she signed my book. She’s fantastic.
LikeLike
That would have been very cool to hear.
LikeLike
Dang, girl, I think you look FAB in that “Joan Holloway” dress! “Fit issues,” nonsense! Work it!
LikeLike
I need to find just the right meeting to arrive late at!
LikeLike
Look great dresses. And I love the matching shoes!
LikeLike
Another vote for the shoe! Take that, husband!
LikeLike
Absolutely! 👠👠👠👠
LikeLike
Wait, doesn’t Peter have an identical cousin named Cathy?
You are rockin’ the Burda girl! It’s very flattering and would work perfectly for an evening out.
LikeLike
Hmm- have you seen her with a crepe suzette? Heehee
LikeLike
Both dresses are wonderful, and I’m loving those shoes!!! The animal print is very much your color.
LikeLike
Rowr! That slinky burda number is HAWT. I think you look absolutely Joan Holloway, where have toy been hiding that glorious shape! Wear it with pride, you look gorgeous. (I like the other dress too, but can’t get past the divinity of the zebra). If you want more bang for buck with the dress, wear under a fuller skirt to use the bodice as a top. Personal style and comfort are important so if it doesn’t work for you then it doesn’t, but you can definitely rock a fitted silhouette. Show me more!
LikeLike
Ooh, that skirt ideas has legs, as they say!
LikeLike
Glad to be of service! 🙂
LikeLike
Seriously — when I saw you in that Burda dress, I immediately thought Joan Holloway — before I even read the text. It looks fabulous!!!!
LikeLike
Wow! Thank you so much!
LikeLike