It’s no secret; I love Itch to Stitch patterns!
I was lucky enough to help test her latest design, the Davina dress. Pretty, feminine, classic, great fit—she pretty much hit all my buttons.
I sewed up my version in an ITY knit from my stash. This pattern requires a knit with a high stretch factor (at least 75%), and great recovery. This pattern is extremely fitted thru the bodice, so if you decide to use a fabric with a lower stretch factor you really should go up a size.
Wow. Someone didn’t even hem her Davina dress. I do normally hem my knit dresses, even though it is not required since there is no raveling. But this dress was barely long enough for my taste, despite adding 3 inches to the skirt length, so I opted to be daring. My mother is seriously rolling over in her grave. 😉
Such a great, twirly, half-circle skirt. Love, love, love!
There are loads of sleeve length options, and when I originally sewed this I tried out the medium short sleeve. Notice my version as pictured has no sleeves—for 2 reasons.
One, sleeveless knit dresses are more practical for me, since I find them more comfortable with a cardi over a bare arm rather than wrestling the sweater on top of sleeves.
Two, the one thing I wasn’t crazy about on this pattern was the armhole fit when the sleeve was inserted. Maybe you can see that the armhole does not sit directly over the shoulder line. Super pretty design line for a sleeveless dress, but not so great IMHO with a sleeve. I do have fairly broad shoulders, so maybe it is my personal fitting issue, but if you make the Davina Dress (and I hope you do!), this is an area to pay attention to.
I love this dress so much I plan on making another one very soon, in a solid jersey knit. The pretty gathers on the front bodice don’t show up well in my print version, and that + the circle skirt are my two favorite features of this pattern.
Right now you can buy the Davina Dress for 20% off, + also enter the raffle on Kennis’ web site to win a free copy of this pattern. If you are in the market for a fresh, feminine new dress pattern (duh, who isn’t??), then I hope you give the Davina a try. I’m pretty sure you’ll love it, too!
Happy sewing!
Maris
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. Perfect meeting of fabric and pattern.
Thank you so much Susan! I think I will enjoy wearing it very much.
Gorgeous dress, the skirt is perfect. Thanks for the heads up on the shoulders, as I too have broad shoulders.
Thanks Lori! Part of the shoulder issues I think is the negative ease of the pattern, plus ITY knit too. But it is definitely something to watch for!
You look great !! Just purchased this & am wondering how tall you are? Am concerned with the length since I’m about 5 ft 8 inches. thanks for the review!
Nancy in NJ
Thank you Nancy! I am 5′ 7″ – BUT – very looooong legs and shorter torso. I always shorten the bodice of everything, and add length to skirts and pants. Of course – it also depends on where you want the skirt to hit your leg. I was under a time crunch and didn’t have time to make a muslin – but of course that would resolve any fitting issues/length issues. Or so the experts tell me. 😉
Good luck – I think you will love it!
Stunning!! I have to say when l saw Kennis’ version of the dress, l wasn’t taken in by it, but now l’ve seen your version and the patterned knit fabric you’ve used, which gives me food for thought. l have a stashed knit l bought in the Netherlands on holiday, that would be perfect for iut!! Thanks for sharing this lovely make!!!
Wow! Thank you so much for your kind words!
I think you will really enjoy wearing this dress.As with all Kennis’ designs, it is comfortable and fits the body well, and the pattern pieces fit together well also. A MUST HAVE for me! Can’t wait to see your version!
Great choice of fabric! Looks wonderful, and versatile with many colors and styles of cardigan. This is sn all season wearable!
Thanks Carole – I think it will be a “frequently-worn”wardrobe choice!
That’s stunning. Love the colours on you and the shape truly shows great figure ..personally the length looks just right x
Thanks so much Amanda!!
So pretty! That fabric is lovely too! Thanks for the honest review!
Love you, Heather!!
Awesome dress Maris! Looks fabulous on you. Thank you again for all your help this weekend!
Thanks, Betsy! Always a pleasure to spend time with you!! Can’t wait to see that Chanel jacket!