Colette Moneta

I am relatively new to garment sewing, but oh, how I love Colette Patterns.  Not just the finished product, but the physical pattern packaging itself.

How cute is this?!

In the weeks leading up to Easter, Jon and I once again agreed that we didn't want candy-filled Easter baskets, and so one of my not-so-subtle hints was "oh, some fabric or yarn from Finch." Incidentally, that was his plan anyway, given that my one-track-mind is all about crafting these days.

He sought out Nicole's help to fill my basket with some sweet goodies, including the brand new Colette Moneta pattern and a beautiful chevron print cotton knit fabric.  Swoon!

So on Monday I got started.  Mind you, this was, I think, my first real garment pattern experience (not including the free sundress pattern I printed from the internet a few summers ago).  I got to work reading, cutting, tracing, cutting again, and then it was time to sew.
Just a few hours later I had completed the bodice and the skirt, minus the hemming and the elastic waistband; I'd have to wait until Tuesday to complete the dress after buying the rest of my supplies (a twin needle and clear elastic).

The rest of the dress didn't take long at all!  Colette's clear elastic tutorial helped me understand how in the world to shirr the waistline without using elastic thread, and then I quickly hemmed all of my edges with the twin needle.  Done!  Sure enough, despite having a little doubt that the dress would be long enough for my long torso, it fit like a glooooove.  I'm in love with this dress.

The super awesome part about the Moneta pattern is how versatile it is.  I made the short sleeve version, but there is also a 3/4 sleeve (which I plan to make very soon in stripes) and a sleeveless version with a myriad of collar options (free!).  The printed pattern is sold out right now on the Colette website, but you can always download the PDF version, or purchase a printed copy from a retailer like Finch.  It's a great beginner pattern, a perfect introduction to working with knits, and results in a seriously comfortable dress.  I plan on making a ton more, just because I can see myself whipping them up quickly and wearing them often.

A few more photos:

Testing... too bright!