It’s been a long time since I sewed a new pattern with quite so many pieces. I’d forgotten how long it takes: first cutting out the paper pattern, and then the actual material. But I think Colette’s Moneta was worth it! It’s not quite such a flattering fit on me as Tilly’s Megan dress, see here and here, but it was nice to try out a different silhouette for a change.
And talking about change, did you notice the colour of this? Hard not to really 😉 I’ve been sewing a lot of neutrals of late, so I’ve forced myself to be brave here. I think also in the depths of Winter, you just yearn for a bit of colour. You can see from the photos though (layered up with a white, long sleeved t-shirt, husband remarked I looked like Mrs Christmas, thanks…), that I’m not totally convinced by the colour. In my defence it was also pretty cold, so I didn’t really feel like braving my arms, but I do think the white breaks all that redness up a bit. I did toy with adding a collar in a more neutral colour (maybe some striped, grey left over from my Mabel and Oslo), but I thought I’d keep it simple for my first attempt at this.
I overlocked the majority of the bodice. I was a bit nervous of using black thread, but you don’t really see it. Again, two of my threads snapped midway through, but this time I managed to get it sorted in under ten minutes. Practice makes perfect I guess! I paused overnight between switching machines as usual. Whilst frustrating, again it forced me to slow down, and as a result I’m feeling much more patient when I do sew now 🙂
On my regular machine I hemmed the sleeves and the neckline. The neckline did feel odd, as the pattern warns, as I’m so used to using facings. I took it really slowly as I thought I’d better stick to black thread, so knew it would show if I messed it up. Luckily, it worked well 🙂
This was the first time I’d added pockets to a make too. After I’d worked out which was the right side, and vice versa, this was surprisingly straightforward. I switched back to my overlocker for sewing the two skirt pieces together. On the straight bits this was fine. But turning round corners for the pockets was pretty tricky, and to be honest, this was the least neat part of this make. But they’re passable, not sure I’d do it this way again though…
And then came the ‘shiring the skirt’ part… Hmmmm, quite frankly this read like double Dutch to me. After a lot of ummming and ahhhing I just went for it. Only half way across baste stitching the elastic through both pieces did I realise that this would actually be impossible to get into! So I patiently unpicked and started again. Thank goodness knits are pretty forgiving as after I finished I just sewing it to the bodice and hoped for the best. Anyone out there who’s already attempted this pattern: are you supposed to take out the elastic afterwards? I couldn’t find the instruction for this at all. To me, it would make sense to, but I’ve left it in for now…
Lastly, I chopped a good two inches off the length of this before hemming. I’m pretty pleased with this make, as it’s such a change of colour for me. I’d like to try it again, but probably in a solid navy. I know, but I could always attach a contrasting collar, which I think would give this dress a much more casual feel. I kept this on all day after these photos as it was so comfy, pausing to remove my Mrs Christmas, white top, and replacing it with a black jacket, before heading out to dinner with friends. I love it when a me-made item fits into your wardrobe immediately like that. Probably why I’m so hooked on knits at the moment 🙂
I cut a size S, which fitted well, and the fabric was a very reasonable £4.95 from Leon’s in Chorlton.
I love the colour, red is so nice for winter! It looks great. Don’t cut the elastic out, it’ll help to reinforce the waistband and stop it stretching and sagging with wear 🙂
Great, thanks for the elastic advice, I really wasn’t sure 🙂
You’ve probably seen this, but just incase you haven’t…it really helped me figure out the mysteries of shirring with elastic!
http://www.sewalongs.com/moneta/sew-the-moneta-skirt
Do you know what? I didn’t even think to look, doh! Will definitely take a look for next time 🙂 Thank you!
You’ll have to change your blog to Bright Red Threads! Please, please do bright again – it really suits you. I wear so much red as it makes me feel summery all year round and, whenever I spot anyone in red I invariably wish I’d worn it that day too!
Thank you! It really is a colour I shy away from usually, other than for accessories. I never think I have the right character for ‘red’ either, although I have to admit I’m not fully sure what I mean by that 🙂
I really like the red on you, even though you seem to be doubtful about it. And the dress is great, certainly worth repeating (in navy or any other colour 😉 )
Thanks Chris. I can definitely see a navy one in my future 😉
I love that colour on you and the dress is a beautiful fit. I didn’t think of chistmas at all. Bet it looks great with a black jacket too.
Thank you! It felt very ‘evening’ paired with black. I think my husband’s probably never seen me in so much red, hence the Mrs Christmas reference 😉
As other have said above, red looks great on you! The style of the dress looks good too – sorry I cant help with the elastic, I’ve never tried this pattern so am not really sure what the construction of this dress is like!
Thanks Jennifer. It was really nice to wear a totally different colour for a change 🙂
Your Moneta looks fantastic and im sure youll wear it lots; such a classic style. I think a solid colour, whatever the shade, is so right for this pattern. Sounds as though you and your overlocker are becoming inseparable! 😘
We seriously fell out this weekend actually. When it works it’s brilliant, but crikey does it test your patience when it refuses to thread up properly… 😉
Your Moneta looks great and I’m sure that you will get plenty of wear out of this one! Red is such a wonderful colour that can be worn at any time of year and this classic style is really lovely on you. 🙂
Thank you! It’s lovely to have something a bit more cheerful in my wardrobe. Hopefully it will work well in the Spring too 🙂
It’s a good fit and you do suit read. I know exactly what you mean about the clear elastic. I got into a right mess with mine and looked it up on youtube (to no avail). You’re really getting the hang of your overlocker – I’m still frightened of mine!
Thank you! I actually had to go for black shirring elastic, as it was the only one I could find, but you can’t see it 🙂
Don’t shy away from the red, the colour really suits you and the fit and style of the dress is perfect! Even better, it will coordinate beautifully with navy blue… 🙂
You read my mind 🙂 And thank you!
It looks FABULOUS!!!! Great fit on you and really suits your shape. Leave the elastic tape in; it will help the dress keep it’s shape at the waistline and will stop it drooping. I hope it’s your first of many Monetas!
Thank you, and double thanks for the inspiration in the first place. This could be the first of many 🙂
That looks great on you! Wonderful job. I did not like the Moneta on me, but it is so cute on other people.
Thank you 🙂 The full shape of this does feel a little ‘novel’ for me, but makes for a pleasant change.
I LOVE this colour on you! And I think the fit and style is super on you. Great job!
Thanks Beth, it’s super comfy too 🙂
I think it looks great on you! I was going to say the same as everyone else re the elastic, so do leave it in. I’m currently making a pair of green trousers and my boyfriend has already passed comment about elves… We just need a Father Christmas and we’d have a grotto!
🙂 Men, hey! What did they ever know about fashion?!? Elastic will be staying put!
Love the colour and it looks great on you.
Thank you! The brightness makes a nice change 🙂
I think the red looks gorgeous! I also think the style looks really nice on you– dressy but also really comfortable.
Thanks! It’s been a while since I made something more dressy. But it’s so comfy, I think it will get lots of wear 🙂
Oh I love it love it love it! The style and the colour really suits you x
Thanks Amanda! It’s always a good sign when you don’t want to take something off… 🙂
How many people have said “I love the red!”? Cause I love the red! You’ve done a nice job on this dress and it looks great on you!
Thank you! May have to break out of my navy rut, at least once in a while 😉
This is really super the colour really suits you! It’s always nice to wear something bright to cheer up a grey day 🙂
Absolutely! It did me cheer me up wearing it. Feel like I’ve been wearing black or great for months now…
Pingback: The continuing saga of my coat; Class 3 of 4 | clarinda kaleidoscope
This looks so great on you! Great fit and it’s a very nice red!
Thank you! Super comfy to boot, I’m really pleased with it 🙂
Pingback: Sunday Sew Love: 15 February | Life by Ky
Pingback: The Seamworks Astoria | navybluethreads