Button Front Lady Skater - Shades Of Me

I am super excited to be a part of the Shades Of Me series being hosted by two gorgeous bloggers, Hayley from Welcome to the Mouse House, and Celina from Petit a Petit and Family. Differing time zones meant I was late to the sign up sheet, so black was my colour of choice. And seeing as I could sew any shade of black... :)

Lady Skater

I recently picked up the Lady Skater by Kitschy Coo and decided a knit project would be easier to alter for my pair shaped body than something with darts and so forth. I am really inexperienced at fitting... and it honestly scares me. I ended up making a size 5 graded up to 6 at the waist. Amanda's instructions are really good for that.

I lengthened the skirt about 5 inches. I am 5'11" and the dress is drafted for someone 5'5", so I knew that more length would be necessary if I wanted it to finish at the knee. As you can see from the pictures, I altered the front bodice to include a button placket. I am happy to say that there was no real alterations to do this, I cut the front bodice pattern piece exactly as is except I did not cut on the fold.

Lady Skater

Then I cut 2 placket pieces 3" x length of the centre front. I made the following illustration to show you the next steps. If you own the lady skater pattern or something similar, you will be able to work out what I am doing.  Although it doesn't show, both the placket and neckband are folded in half to be sewn on.

lady skater
Once the ends were finished off, I sewed the neckband on the final 2 inches or so, ironed the neckline and top stitched, finally trimming the seam allowances. Is this method perfect? Uh no. But I am conquering perfectionism remember!

Lady Skater

I totally chickened out of knit buttonholes. Although I went to the trouble of making a real placket, I sewed the buttons on through both layers. Haha.

Lady Skater

Anyway, thank you Hayley and Celina for having me! I have definitely enjoyed sewing up something for myself.

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43 comments:

  1. I love this! So stylish and comfortable at the same time.

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  2. Hayley@Come to the Mouse HouseFebruary 08, 2014 1:30 am

    I love how you changed it up with the placket. I was wondering if that was part of the pattern or not! Very cool. You look beautiful as always… thanks for joining us Toni!

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  3. I love this! The Lady Skater dress is one of my favorite patterns (I've made 3) and I think it's so cool how you changed it up with the button placket. It looks great on you!

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  4. So incredibly clever, I love it! Thanks so much for explaining the process, I'll be sharing for sure :)

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  5. I really need to get that skater dress pattern, I think yours is my favorite version so far! I love this so much and you look incredible in it! Gorgeous. Thanks so much for being part of the tour!

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  6. I love this dress. Its my favorite silhouette for my pair shape body.

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  7. Thank you Heidi! It is so comfortable and I will be sewing up a few more I think.

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  8. Naww thank you Hayley :) :) Thank you for having me!

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  9. Yeah I can see how this will become a favourite of mine. The finished product is lovely!

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  10. Thanks so much Amanda! I am going to sew up a few more without the placket, it was such an easy sew with great results. Thank you for designing it!! ;)

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  11. Awe thanks for having me Celina. You would ROCK the lady skater! :)

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  12. Yeah its more flattering than I thought it would be! I need to go shopping for some more great knits to sew up.

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  13. Love the change up on the Lady Skater. I'm trying to get up the nerve to make one for me.

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  14. Very lovely! I love that you we able to get the buttoned look without having to deal with buttoning. I am going to have to remember that trick! ;)

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  15. This is wonderful! I've been wanting that pattern, but my goal is to buy ZERO patterns until I sew through all the patterns I already have. So... I definitely won't be buying any anytime soon! I love the placket and the color and that you're so tall (5'10" here). Can't believe I don't visit your blog more often. Great job!

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  16. You look fabulous!!! Love the buttons on the front! Great touch!

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  17. Dont be nervous! You know I dont really like knits but what made the difference in this project was buying good quality stretch needles! I had a cheaper brand which kept skipping stitches on other projects. Anyhow this dress was simple and easy to sew up. :)

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  18. Haha yes, I totally wasnt ready to deal with knit buttonholes !

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  19. Oh thank you so much Tasha. I have plenty of patterns I need to sew through myself so I can see where you are coming from! :) Thanks for your lovely comments, I really appreciate it .

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  20. Naw you are so sweet Ros. Thank you! I think it will get plenty of wear too, I can see it paired with a jacket and scarf for winter :)

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  21. Toni, the dress looks fabulous on you. Sounds like the best way to get something that fits you right is to make it yourself! Well done :)

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  22. Thats fantastic! Love it

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  23. Fantastic Toni-Maree! I love the changes! :)

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  24. Thanks for the encouragement. It's next on my list.

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  25. Natalie @sewoutnumberedFebruary 09, 2014 11:56 am

    Gorgeous dress Toni! And your top stitching is so neat ;)

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  26. Thanks Jenya! I struggle to find knee length dresses so it is nice to make one

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  27. Hahaha! Its wonky in spots ;) lol thank you Natalie x

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  28. I love this dress on you! And your placket is perfection!

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  29. Jill @ Made with MoxieFebruary 11, 2014 9:16 am

    Seriously love this. Just love.

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  30. Toni, what a classic look sewing a knit grey dress. You did an excellent job as evidenced in your detailed text, drawings & close-up photos. I agree it looks stylish & comfy as you model it perfectly. Your woven black leather belt is a FAB addition! LOOKS SO VERSATILE TO WEAR EVERYWHERE. Sarah Helene, Minneapolis

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  31. Wow what lovely things to say, thank you so much Sarah! x

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  32. I love this version of the Lady Skater dress, well done!

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  33. Oh this is gorgeous! I absolutely love this! the colour and the shape and the placket and the girl in it! ;)

    just lovely Toni-Maree!!

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  34. This is so damn cool
    Featured on SSB https://facebook.com/sassysewingbees ❀

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  35. I seriously think this is so brilliant! Love the fact that the placket is real but just aesthetic. I would have chosen not to do the knit buttonhole as well, but that would have been purely due to busty girl problems.

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