post completion ~ 2/28/2010
I know, I know, you are thinking Halter Dress, where is the halter?
This was a labor of love. I had to be quite innovative to get this to work. First off, I fell in love with the pattern. Gauge-no problem. It is knitted from side to side on a round needle so right up front, you need to be very aware of your length preference. As I configured this, I also wanted to assure myself that the inset pleats began at the waist like pictured. All fairly easy.
Then, the top configuration and straps. I loved the halter as viewed in the pattern. At the same time, I noticed how heavy the body of the project was due to the yarn used (which is the exact yarn as used in the pattern) as well as the amount of fabric due to pleated insets. One notices the heft IMMEDIATELY the first time holding up the project. And thus, began the challenge.
First problem - Bodice pulling. Pulling, pulling, pulling. Really, there was a LOT of pulling. So, I tediously sewed seam binding on the inside over each natural section down the bodice. You can see this pictured, here. That immediately took care of the bodice issue.
Second problem - After knitting the halter strap and sewing it on, the back would NOT stay up. I cannot tell you how many ideas I came up with to make that fashion statement work even pulling 4” elastic through the top band thinking the secureness there would allow for the halter strap to work. But, NNNOOOO! Finally, I turned the halter strap into the shoulder straps you see, here.
Third problem - the pulling of the straps and the pulling of the bodice band. I thought that if I sewed twill tape along the bodice seam horizontally, that would prevent the stretching there. Worked like a charm. Also, pictured. And, I actually LIKE the pulling of the straps as it gives an authentic knitted look which is what this is. You can see how I have left strap room (on the inside) to allow for easy alterations in this garment’s future.
To me, knitting is not the challenge. I love fashion but also need the fashion to be fuss-free. I now have a stunning jumper that can be worn dressed up as pictured here (my Valentine anniversary look) or dressed down with black top and black (cowboy boots). (I’ll have pics taken.) The challenge in knitting after learning the foundations really becomes “making it work” (Tim Gunn from Project Runway).
I hope my notes help.