Can I just say how much I love this shade of green! It's amazing and I need more of it. The fabric is a poly crepe from Joann that I've had for so many months, that I can't remember when I bought it. I think it was back during the summer. Whenever I see poly crepes like this, I grab them up. They're good stand-ins for heavy weight crepe de chines.

This pattern is McCall's 8141, view C. 

I cut the size 16 in the bodice and graded to the 18 in the skirt, because this fabric has zero give and this pattern is drafted true to size with very little ease. I did stabilize the arm opening to prevent it from stretching out and gaping.

I made my normal sway back adjustment of one inch. But it's still a little bit of extra fabric and not laying as flat as I would like. But again, being that this fabric has no give, that may be some necessary ease. I haven't worn this for an extended period of time yet. And doing things like sitting for long periods of time and entering and exiting a car is always the real test.

I typically have zero desire to sew something more than once, but I really want to make this one again. Next time, I'll probably use something like a lightweight scuba knit with some stretch. 

In my past life, I never made anything for Valentine's Day. I was simply never moved to do so. But this year, so much in my life has changed -- for the better, that I decided, what the hell! Treat Yo Self, girl!

My love of white dresses is endless. And don't you love a good dress that you can't stand still in and you have to swoosh about? That's exactly how this one makes me feel. 

I'd saved this Mara Hoffman dress in my inspiration file last year. I knew I was going to eventually make it. I'd thought about hacking the True Bias Nikko Dress. It would've taken some work, but I could see the possibility. But I was in Joann flipping through the Simplicity catalog and discovered Simplicity 9176. It was as close to perfect as I was going to get.

The style lines were already there... the sleeveless turtleneck, waist seam, and a-line midi length. My fabric is Stretch Crepe Knit I found at Joann.

I just needed to make a few easy modifications to achieve my dress.

I made my usually bodice adjustment. I lengthened the front by one inch, and I made a one inch full bust adjust which created waist seam. I always need shaping right there.

I made a one inch sway back adjustment to the bodice. I made a 2 inch full seat adjustment to the skirt and added 3 inches to the length.

I added a center front seam to the skirt in order to create the front slit opening.

I added pockets and made a belt. You can find my How to Sew a DIY Belt Tutorial here.

I bought McCall's 7866 when it first came out. Even though the main photo on the envelope screamed prom, I liked the more casual looks with the sleeves. I ran across the pattern in my collection and studied it for a while and realized that it would really work for me in a jersey knit fabric.

In order to make this a more day-appropriate look or a casual date night look, I had to close up the front and back keyhole cutouts. The side cutouts and front slit are more than enough detail. I also made a full bust adjustment by one inch and added a waist dart for shaping.

For the back, I made my usual one inch sway back adjustment and a 2 inch full seat adjustment to prevent the back hem from hiking up.

I originally made the full-length with no adjustment. It hit at a weird length above the ankle as I figured it would. I knew I was going to cut it down to a midi length. That seems to be my go-to hemline. But I love the way it turned out and it's perfect for cocktails.

Every now and then, my sewing mojo goes missing. So, I need a project that's quick and easy but packs a major style punch. And that's what the True Bias Nikko Dress does, packs a major punch. This is such a versatile dress that can be worn year round. I'm wearing it now with over-the-knee boots and by March, it could be sneakers or sandals.

I cut the size 14 and graded to the 16. At first, I wanted the maxi length. But after trying it on, it didn't feel like me. So I cut it down to a midi length. That's pretty much my go to hemline.

I adjusted the pattern by moving the side slits up higher.

I added a center back seam in order to make a sway back adjustment and a full seat adjustment. When dealing with a curvy body, I find the more seams the better for refining the fit.

Here is a closeup of the collar and the armhole finishing.

I love this dress and I can't believe I took this long to make it. The simplicity of the design make it such a versatile wardrobe addition. I'm sure I'll be making another version of this one soon.

When I sew myself things, the final touches are always accessories. And my favorite way to accessorize is with a great pair of earrings that I can get an amazing amount of mileage out of. 

I made Simplicity 8992. I was thinking of how much wear I would be getting out of this. Because it's not only a great button-front sweater dress that would work well with these amazing boots, but also dressier heels.

It also works as a duster over a cami and diy jeans.

This dress was super easy to make. I cut the medium and lengthened it by 3 inches. I made my usual swayback and full seat adjustments. My fabric is a cranberry 3 x 4 rib knit that I bought from Mood Fabrics ages ago. I also decided to add D-rings for my belt.

In case you've missed them before in the past, here are my favorite tips for working with knits:

What's your favorite piece of jewelry you use to accessorize?