Well, actually I’m not. Skateboarding is the one sport-on-wheels I’ve never really been able to figure out, but when I saw Amanda’s Grown-up version of The Skater Dress, I knew I had to have it. Every tester photo I saw was super-flattering, so I held high hopes for my first foray into sewing someone else’s knit pattern for myself. I was not disappointed; in fact, this is my new Favorite Dress.
I was so optimistic, that I chose a super-bold and crazy fabric I have been saving for the *perfect* project for nearly seven years:
Aside: You may have noticed that I haven’t been sewing for myself lately. It’s been a result of too-busy-mama and massive avoidance. I have mysteriously gained 50 lbs since December, and I haven’t wanted to shop or even measure myself for anything new. In light of that, it was a bit of a risk for me to offer to post pictures of myself in a whole garment, and not just a close-up of my latest hair color. I didn’t want this post to slide the slippery slope of body image, but since the Lady Skater is something I feel great wearing – how about an endorsement for positive body image and a little boldness?
On with the review!
Amanda includes a full-on pictorial tutorial in the pattern and thorough measuring instructions. I always read an entire pattern first, and I wanted to give you a balanced review so I read in detail instead of skimming (for once). WOW. The Lady Skater is a veritable primer on sewing with knits, or sewing for yourself, or both. The instructions are thorough, full of details and fully illustrated in step-by-step annotated photos, which makes it an excellent beginner pattern. That doesn’t mean it’s just for beginners, though. The Lady Skater has some nice construction details and a beautiful fit. Also, it came together like a dream.
Based on my high bust measurement, I decided to cut a straight #5 with 3/4 sleeves. The pattern is easy to put together and easy to follow along your size if you print in color (I did). I even took a chance and used the sleeve cuff and neckband pattern pieces. Usually I cut those after – just to make sure – but it felt good to follow the pattern and have everything work out without any tweaks. I did make a single change, and that was to lengthen the skirt by 4 inches, in order to still reach my knees after skimming around my ample (let’s go with that benign term, ‘mkay?) hips. Again, I simply followed the instructions included in the pattern. Do I know how to do this already? Yes! But what kind of review would I post if I simply used my own tricks and didn’t actually follow the pattern instructions?
One more little detail I added was a scalloped edge on the hem and neck and cuffs. (You can find out how by visiting RaeAnna’s tutorial and scrolling down for the specific settings to achieve this effect.)
I can’t recommend the Lady Skater highly enough. Not only does it come together perfectly, and I mean Perfectly, but Amanda also has some awesome Bonus Content on her blog.
I’m going to make another one today, because as much as I love this print, I think folks might notice if I were to wear it multiple days in a row, don’t you think?
