Another simple dress

The same way that I keep cooking variations on the same chicken dish, (the same technique just flavored differently). I will often use the same basic dress shape over and over.

This simple shape for an a-line cap sleeved dressis a staple in my wardrobe. 

A couple of months a go I did a version that reminded me of a Boston Bruins uniform.

 Last week I pulled out a length of dense patterned sweater knit from my stash and there wasn't quite enough for a dress for me. I pieced a strip of a black and white patterned sweater knit to the top edge of the fabric. I then cut the pieced fabric into a dress shape.

This is the result.A simple dress that has garnered tons of compliments.

It's dead simple but  graphically packs a punch. One of my neighbors complimented me on the dress and suggested that I make several more of them in different fabrics. I think I may have five other dresses cut in exactly the same shape.

A length of black flocked lace from my stash was calling out to be sewn up into a dress. my biggest decision was figuring out what to use to line the lace. I finally chose a wine colored mesh knit.

And now a few notes for all of you who care deeply about construction. I constructed the two layers separately and then sewed them together at the neckline and at the edge of the cap sleeves. The fit at the neckline was a little weird so I cut two darts at the front neckline so it actually sits nicely. I got a little fancy with the edging of the neck and covered the raw edge with a grosgrain ribbon which was then caught to the dress with a hand stitch. The hem is finished with a strip of silk gazar.

One basic shape can more or less create a wardrobe.