Sewing Zadie

This past weekend was filled with so much overdue sewing! I was on a sewing marathon sewing up 5 tops, a pair of leggings and this dress – so there will be lots to share around here this week. The first thing I sewed up this weekend was part of my Me Made Monday – the Sew Over It Silk Cami. Next up, I’m sharing my Zadie Dress by Tilly and the Buttons.

Most of this weekend’s sewing was from a mental list I put together during the busy months of January and February. High on my list for the weekend was the Zadie Dress by Tilly and the Buttons. I’ve been admiring it since it’s release and even bought a kit from Tilly and the Buttons when it came out – just needed to find some time to sit down at the sewing machine.

The kit I bought was actually for the color blocked version (Navy with Navy and White Striped Bodice). I chickened out at the last minute on the color blocked version, and decided to just do solid Navy. The kit came with a really beautiful ponte knit that was – of course – the perfect fit for this dress.

 

This won’t be my last Zadie – and because of that, I think this will be a wearable muslin. Unlike a lot of the other knit garments I’ve made, this had a lot of finicky seams and while totally wearable, I think my next one can be 100% better!

I decided to heed Tilly’s advice to use a sewing machine instead of a serger for the construction of the Zadie dress. The curves and easing that has to be done would be impossible for me to do on the serger, but on the machine it was a little bit easier.

My favorite feature of the dress is the pockets. They actually fit things! So many women’s pockets are more decorative than useful. These ones though, totally useful!

I also love the capped sleeve. It is substantial enough of a capped sleeve to feel comfortable in the office without a sweater or is easily layerable (is that a word?) with a sweater on top without the sleeves making it too bulky.

The skirt and bodice is so comfortable. I think on my next one, I might shorten it a little bit so I can wear it without heels. I left mine unhemmed because I think on knits sometimes the hem looks a little stiff.

Despite it’s mistakes – this is definitely going to get worn and I can’t wait to make another one!