I can hardly think of a more practical addition to a young working woman’s wardrobe than a pretty and comfortable knit dress. You probably have a favorite knit dress pattern; mine is Simplicity 3775 (OOP). I know it is kind of lame that I am recommending a pattern that is not readily available, but it does show up on eBay and Etsy fairly regularly.
My favorite version includes the “ruched” panel in the front midsection, which definitely hides a multitude of sins. I have one crossover style (View D, E, F) and two scoop neck views (Views A, B, C) hanging in my closet right now, and they are without a doubt my go-to-super-easy dresses.
My youngest son’s girlfriend is graduating from Gonzaga Law School next Saturday, and starting work as an attorney later this summer in Spokane. Clothes! After years of schooling a professional woman needs a wardrobe update! I offered to make her a dress for a graduation present. What she doesn’t know is that she is getting two. And at least one scarf.
She picked out this red “spatter” print from an online retailer a while back, and it is turning out to be a really cute dress. Obviously it is still in process, but the basic dress is assembled with only the finishing details remaining. I am planning on binding the neckline and armholes with black velvet fold-over elastic trim, one of my favorite finishes for knit dresses and T’s. Throw on a black jacket + a necklace = instant workplace polish. BAM!
She also LOVES polka dots, so even though the two prints are similar the dresses will not look identical when finished. I am currently thinking I will bind the neckline and armholes for this version with the same polka dot print, but something else may occur to me tomorrow.
Look what I found in my stash this afternoon! It wanted to become a scarf, so I comlied, as every girl can use another scarf. Maybe not with these 2 dresses, but there has to be something in her closet that grey and black goes with, right? What do you bet I find another stash-lurker and make her at least one more scarf before I wrap up her present for the mail? Evidently I must sew multiples right now!
Happy sewing!
Maris
Very generous of you, Maris. That lucky young woman will feel an extra boost of confidence knowing she’s wearing something made specifically for her. Not to mention, all the love that is imbued in it.
My daughter is changing jobs soon. She’s been in a coffee shop where everything she wears gets stained or smelly. I think I will follow your lead and make her something new and classy.
Thanks Barbara. I remember those days of starting a professional job and not having the wardrobe to go with it. I would make her some jackets if she lived close enough so I could fit her. Have fun sewing for YOUR daughter – send me a pix of your creations!
Beautiful dresses, and I love the pattern with the midriff ruching. Very nice gifts!
Thank you so much Andrea! I hope she enjoys them – I had a great time making them for her and thinking of her wearing them to work.
How gorgeous! What wonderful gifts! And congrats to her on her graduation- what an accomplishment!