Back to School in Style: The Agnes Tunic

 The Agnes Tunic is from Girl's World by Jennifer Paganelli.  Let me say that this pattern alone is enough reason to buy the book.

 For one thing, the easy styling is so carefree and fun. For another, I started by cutting out the pattern this morning, took LOTS of big breaks, and the dress was finished by mid-afternoon.

 Let's talk cons: the pattern seemed to call for excessive fabric. However, I think knits are wider than quilting cottons, so that may be the difference. I *think* I have enough left to make Emilie the same dress -- which is a good thing! Also, I always measure according to the patterns and Anna measured as a size medium for length and a small for width. That's ok, as I'm used to sizing in patterns for her and it is easily done. However, I feel the entire dress was really big. Again, that's okay with me. Anna tends to grow really fast, especially up!

Isn't it fun? I made this from Patty Young's knit fabric.

So . . . let's talk knit for a minute. My feeling is that it's easier to sew with knits than with quilting cottons for children's clothing. Plus your kids will appreciate the comfort. There's just a FEW LITTLE THINGS you need to know before you sew with knits.

1. Prewash, prewash, prewash. Knits shrink A LOT the first time you wash them. (I've heard up to 15 percent.) I washed mine in hot water and then dried them in the dryer.

2. Use polyester thread. It has a little stretch. Which is a good thing with a stretchy fabric.
3. While you're at it, use a slight zigzag to sew. Those zigzag stitches have a little stretch too. I set my zigzag on 1.0 width and 2.0 length.

4. If you use a ballpoint needle it won't snag your fabric. You can find these at any sewing store with the other machine needles.
5. Knits don't fray, so no need to finish the seams!!! However, I love to use my double needle (twin needle) to make a professional looking seam finish. (Can you see it below?)

So try a knit today. While you're at it, try Girl's World too! You won't regret it. Then add it to the Back to School in Style Challenge flickr group. You could win some great prizes!
Love,

xoxo