When it says "stretch knit only, they MEAN IT!!!! If you try to make it out of a woven fabric, it won't fit.

An experienced seamstress might be able to add the required ease here and there, but beginners shoul stick to the fabric types mentioned.

As a second clohing project, a wrap dress is still not in your sewing realm yet. I would go for a simple top for that skirt to get through any bodice fitting issues you may have, then a simple dress or A-line thing, then go for the detail like collars and pockets as you build your skill including buttonholes.

The design you've chosen does have a number of details that would not be considered beginner level. However, really wanting to do something and having someone to give you lessons could mean eventual success. It's a shame to dampen your enthusiasm!

Can you sign up for sewing classes near you? That would be ideal. Many sewing teachers run classes where they will help you with a specific project (ie your dress) rather than everyone make the same thing. I started with a straight skirt, because you learn darts, zippers, hems and waistbands. I've since learned things like setting in sleeves and collars. By all means give it a go, but you could be in for a frustrating time.

Lots of very cheap fabric (you want to work with cotton so old sheets would be ideal) to practise on will help you through many of the problems. And you can make a mess without ruining your good fabric.

Good luck and let us know how it is going.

Cheers,
AJ

Hi guys, thanks for all the information.

Yes, the first thing I "knew" to do was start with inexpensive fabric. I didn't mention this in my first post, but actually I attempted a McCall's pattern #M4829 View D a few days ago. It turned out really nice. I did have to adjust the measurement but that was before I learned the truth about measurements. However, it turned out great (my teen daughter asked to try it on and also asked me if I could make one for her).

I must confess, it was terribly more involved than what I wanted to do. The main reason I like wrap dresses is because they seem so simple and not very involved. The McCall's dress involved darts which I found to be very easy to do when I made the wrap skirt. And the zipper was easy also. The most frustrating thing to me is deciphering the instructions! For me personally they are terribly confusing.

As for the current project with the Shirtdress Kwik Sew #3408; I'm obsessed right now. I love sewing and I can't wait to see the finished project. The most time consuming part for me is trying to understand the instructions. I'm currently edge stitching the front facing and then I'll be moving on to the arms. I think my collars turned out beautifully. I do need to work on getting the tips to be pointier. I clipped the corners but they were still a little bulky.

Don't worry; I'm not discouraged about sewing. It's a Passion of mine! When I get into my "Sewing Craze" I'll sew nonstop for days/weeks on end. But like I said earlier, my projects have all been home decor related.

I'll let you know when I complete the Shirtdress. I tried it on last night and I was smiling from ear-to-ear because it has the EXACT fit that I wanted and was looking for. My search is over. Once I perfect the instructions to this project; I plan to make at least five of these dresses. I saw such pretty whimsical cotton fabrics at Walmart :)

I meant to say my current project is the Simplicity Pattern #4171 View C.

Sounds like you are a natural!

Don't forget to pre-launder your cottons before cutting out - they can shrink or do strange things and better to know BEFORE you spend the time and effort!

Whimsical? One of my favourite concepts for clothes - I'm dying to see photos of what you make!

Cheers,
AJ

Alas, I don't have a digital camera. I'm still using my old traditional Freedom 200 35mm and we are terrible about actually developing the film once we take it. As I'm typing now, I have six (I just counted) undeveloped rolls of film sitting on my desk--with another dozen or so in the closet, and a roll in the camera. It's awful...I know. I really believe digital cameras were created for people like me and DH. : ) LOL

Thanks AJ for the tip about laundering the cottons.

I did it! I finished the Shirtdress. I am soooo very proud of myself! I asked my husband how it looked and he was smiling and he told me that he was impressed and that it looked very professional. This made me smile on the inside because he is very reserved with his compliments.

I was determined to have it finished for Mother's Day because I wanted to wear it today; and I stayed up until 5:00 am to complete it.

I found some really pretty fabric, so now I'm off to make another one. : )