Finally, Some Cake!

I finally sucked it up and made some cake. And you know what? It was still pretty fun! I think the key to enjoying cake-making (cake-baking?) is to pick frosting-like colors/prints. For me, a cake-y basic is a loose and comfy knit dress that looks put together with the addition of a belt. Even though I would love to say I lounge around in fitted woven dresses like Betty Draper, it's just not the case; knit dresses are so much more comfortable, but I need to be able to look respectable* when I run out to do errands and such. I think this dress fits the bill, don't you think? And the coral stripes keep it from being utterly boring.

Pretty pleased with my stripe-matching on the seams!

Back view.

Besides the stripes to keep it fun, I also tried a new technique in order to keep my brain engaged. I've had this knit neckline tutorial bookmarked since I first started sewing, but I never used it because sewing t-shirts is cake, and I don't do cake. This is the first time I've tried it, and I must say, I'm quite pleased with how real (i.e. RTW) it looks! I think I just need a little more practice with keeping it even (or just not use striped fabric). For the pattern, I just sketched a loose kimono sleeve tee and extended the sides to make it dress-length. 

Close-up of the neckline. I also need to invest in a nuder slip.

You can really see the kimono sleeve-ness of it here. I'm also loving the range of motion. I can fetch my own pitchers now, Farm Boy.

Summary:
Fabric: 1.25 yards of jersey knit, most likely with some polyester since the selvages are pilling up already...I can't complain, though since it was from the bargain bin at SAS Fabrics (excellent source of fun knits if you're in the LA area). It's also ultra thin, the kind of material that my mom scorns when she sees RTW clothes made from it.
Notions: None. Love working with stretchy fabric.
Techniques: Neckband installation, twin needle use
Hours: 1.5...would have been less if I didn't have to fiddle with getting the fit right. Seriously, once I have the block made, it takes about 20 minutes to sew.
Will you make this again? Yes. I could have a whole closet in all sorts of fun knits! 
Total cost: $2...much better than the $20 it would have cost at Forever 21 or H&M. I do feel slightly bad, though, for kinda buying into the disposable fashion look even in my me-made sewing...
Final thoughts: I mean, what else is there to say? This is probably the most trendy, RTW-looking thing I've made. It's not vintage-y at all in silhouette, fabric, or color -- I'm finally getting in on the neon-plus-neutral look that's so big right now. And it's nice to work with knits every once in a while and take a break from darts and seam finishing.

Look Ma, no darts!

And finally, giveaway winners!
Set #1: Megan (the one who wished I were her chemistry teacher, and I swear random.org wasn't biased)
Set #2: Disparate Disciplines
Set #3: Mommy to Maddex
Set #4: Pippi of Paper Yak

Congratulations! Please email me as soon as possible with your mailing address at cationdesignsblog at gmail dot com (if I don't hear from you by Tuesday night I will go ahead and pick new winners; I need to mail these out before we move!). And a big thank you to everyone for entering, reading my blog, and especially for the very kind comments...I had so many warm fuzzies reading them all! I was really touched to see how many people love geekery, bedsheet dresses, and Walnut.


*My first year teaching was right out of college, and I was only three years older than some of my students. I went to the local Target to pick up sunscreen and ran into some students while wearing a tank top and shorts leftover from San Diego summers...it was super uncomfortable trying to make small talk. If there's any chance of running into former students, I suit up accordingly.