So I finished the Colette Moneta! I’ve had a few issues with the elastic gathering on the waistband. It’s a bit fiddly to say the least. I can honestly say after sewing the Mabel skirt, and now this dress, I might actually like working with knits. They’re much more forgiving than woven fabrics, and hemming with a twin needle is a breeze! I had to take the waist up about two inches, not for any fitting issues, but because my knit fabric (sew classics jet set knit from Joann’s) ending up getting a huge run in the bodice at the waist.An issue that arose from me having to install the elastic more than once. I prefer the lower waistband as drafted, but didn’t feel like scrapping the whole project. So the look ended up a bit more “baby doll” than I had originally intended.
As soon as I can get to the fabric store though, I intend on making another one! It’s seriously the perfect dress. Easy to dress up or down, flattering, and mega comfortable!
Not too shabby right? Despite this fabric getting runs like crazy, I like the drape and hand feel a lot. The back has a slightly deeper neckline, which I like, but am thinking about making it an even deeper U shape. I think this is really flattering for for my apple shape, unlike the other knit pattern released by Colette, Mabel. Gathered skirts, and elastic waist… yes please!
Size Sewn – XL
Fabric Used – Sew Classics Jet Set Knit from Joann’s
Notions Used – Clear Elastic, Twin Needle
Alterations– Shortening the bodice, but not on purpose. After a few failed attempts with the clear elastic, I kind of had to cut the bodice to get a fresh, non-shredded edge to attempt with again. But besides that it fit right out of the envelope.
Would I make it again?– Yes! They’re so easy to wear. I have already bought fabric for a mint and gray version! They’re really comfortable, and I wore mine a lot when we were travelling in Paris last month!
I really like the higher waist on your version. Moneta is now on my “to do” list! Thank you, wonderful review!
Dang you have killer legs. 😛 The dress is nice too though!
Do you think this would be easy to make adjustments for a maternity dress? Like slightly higher waist line and possibly fuller skirt?
It’s simple but gorgeous ! I’ll bookmark your dress, as I know I can make it for myself now. Thanks !
Your dress (and you 😉 !) looks really good! I love red lipstick 😉
A german blog told me some month ago: For an apple- or o-shape figure the dress should accent the thinnest part of the body, just under the b… In Germany it’s called an Empiredress – do you know this? Did you think about take up the waist more than this time? Just a little bit?
I’ve got a similar pattern and I’m thinking about a black glimmering piping or something like that…
I have heard of the empire waist before! I do feel that at least in the states empirewaisted stuff goes hand in hand with maternity wear though 🙁
I love empire waist even when I’m not pregnant 😉 I feel it is very flattering!
I substituted regular elastic for the clear stuff on the waist gathers. Something about the clear elastic just felt icky against my skin at the waist.
I haven’t had any issues with the clear elastic and skin irration. I think I’d prefer the clear over regular though. Not encased regular elastic makes me itchy.
I have to touch my fabric too. I’m lucky (apparently) to live in the Portland area.
I have access to Mill End, fabric depot and RCT fabrics for knits.
Marcy Tilton (southern oregon) picks up knits yearly on her treks to Paris. Her website lists them and her quality is pretty good. I can touch her fabrics at west coast shows (sewexpo.com in puyallup, Washington)
yeah I’m just way to tactile a person to be able to buy stuff online. I usually try and hit up a fabric store whenever I go out of town though! I’ve gotten to both Moods and the garment district in Paris while I was there.
GORGEOUS! 😀
you look beautiful! That jet set from joanns comes in the most gorgeous colors, but does run like crazy. I try to use it as a lining for that reason.
Black looks great! I especially like how you styled the dress with the red scarf and brown bag, and the gorgeous shoes for the interior shots. Thanks to Jenny for the tips regarding the waist of the Moneta.
Your Moneta is lovely on you! Beautiful job.
My first Moneta is sitting unfixed because of that darn elastic! I love this little black version!
I just kind of had to keep the same amount of tension and use less than the suggested amount of elastic. I could never quite get the exact amount Colette recommended.
So I never got the elastic gathering technique to work on my 5 (!) Monetas either. What I did instead was: use a bit of knit interfacing on the waistline to strengthen it. THen, do traditional gathering (using a long stitch length, and pulling the bobbin threads). Then, I serge the waistband to the bodice while feeding in the elastic (but not stretching it).
That sounds much better than my “just winging it” method!
1. You are gorgeous!
2. Your boyfriend is gorgeous!
3. Your dress is gorgeous!
Ha! You’re making me blush. 🙂
Your dress is lovely! It looks so sophisticated–it definitely has a “Paris vibe”. I just made (but haven’t yet photographed) another Moneta in the midweight cotton-spandex blend from Girl Charlee. The hand/drape of my dress look similar to your dress, but I didn’t run into any problems with the fabric running. Just wanted to throw that out there if you’re looking for another fabric source.
I think having to remove the elastic is what caused the run! Thanks I’ve heard good things about Girl Charlee. I always have trouble buying fabric online, I’ve gotta have my hands on it, ha.
Just watch out with quality on Girl Charlee – i’ve had some major pilling on my latest purchase, and another one fell apart in the wash…. I know some other folks who’ve had the same problem. Bit hit or miss.
Love it, it really suits you