KS3703: Preppy, Stripey, Summery

A few months ago when I was trolling Gorgeous Fabrics, I stumbled across this navy and pink rugby stripe cotton knit. I had no idea what I would do with it, but I needed it! Not only am I recently obsessing over all things striped, but the color scheme was made for me. After it arrived, I still hadn't figured out what in the world to do with it, so it's been sitting in the stash ever since.

Last month, it finally dawned on me - I could make a t-shirt dress! I think t-shirt dresses are so cute, particularly the striped ones that Lacoste releases each year, but I've never found one that fits me well. This was my chance to make a version that fit ME. I trolled the pattern sites and found Kwik Sew 3703.

The reviews from Pattern Review were good and specifically mentioned that it was more of an a-line style, which I thought would be more flattering for me than a form-fitting style. Based on the size chart, I needed an XS in the bust, but more like a M in the skirt. The online reviews mentioned this dress had a lot of extra ease through the waist/hips, so I opted for the S in the skirt. I know KS says not to blend sizes, but oh well. I used my grading rulers to make a smooth transition from the XS to S around the waist area and prayed for the best.

Guys, I LOVE this dress! It sews up in no time and the changes I made gave it a perfect fit! Nice and slim through the bust and waist with some extra room around the hips so that the skirt skims the curvy parts. This dress is so full of preppy goodness, I could just squeal.

Oh, and can we talk about how awesome my stripe matching is on the side and back seams? It was my first time working with a striped fabric and it went much better than I was expecting. I cut the bindings on the cross grain to add some visual interest, but I wish it had either been more random or matched up better with the stripes around the neckline. Live and learn, I guess.

This is such a great "throw it on and go" kind of dress that I knew I needed at least one more for Hawaii. I picked up some gorgeous rayon jersey at Mood that reminds me of the brillant sunsets we're treated to each night in Hawaii. This one went together even faster than the first dress as the pattern was ready to go and there was no stripes to be matched. This is going to a perfect casual dinner dress.

I know the pattern photo looks a bit meh, but this is the perfect t-shirt style dress for all of you hippy gals out there. Seriously, go grab this pattern and make yourself a fun and effortless little dress before the last bit of summer disappears. I just can't promise that you'll be able to stop at just one. ;)