Missoni Knit Dress
I cannot begin to explain how much I have always wanted to own a Missoni dress. Those chevron stripes in wacky colors simply speak to me.
Unfortunately, Missoni is w a y out of my price range. I was willing to settle for the one-time Missoni for Target line, but guess what? The event was held during my ready-to-wear fast….. sad, indeed.
Just suppose I could buy the +$1,000 dresses as I pleased…… Something tells me the size 4 on the 6 foot model would look like a different dress on 5’2″ me…… to be young, tall, thin and rich 
Since my return to sewing clothes 17 months ago, I realize I can have my cake and eat it too, and I just completed my first Missoni dress.
What’s even more exciting to me is the dress suits my lifestyle and my body.
Using this simple McCalls pattern, I took several precautions to avoid the potential disasters associated with sewing loosely knit striped fabric. Having made the pattern before, I was familiar with the fit and cut a size smaller.
I selected my fabric from dozens of Missoni knits at Mood Fabrics. The crochet knit was sheer so the bodice of the dress was underlined with this cream silk knit from Mood Fabrics. [Editor's note: Sarah bought her fabric at Mood NYC, where we have a huge selection of Missoni fabrics. If you're interested in purchasing a Missoni fabric like Sarah's or have a certain color in mind, send an email to info2@moodfabrics.com.]
The fashion fabric and underlining were cut as one piece and immediately basted together while on the cutting table.
Rather than cutting the pieces on the fold I opened the fabric to a single layer, cutting one side of the pattern, flipping the pattern piece over and cutting the other side. By doing this I was able to make sure the stripes were perfectly straight – my biggest fear.
It took twice as long to cut out the pattern as it did to sew it, but once the pieces were cut and basted to the underlining the dress came together very quickly.
You can imagine my relief to see the matching stripes.
I consider this dress to be a milestone in my sewing as I’ve always wanted to sew Missoni knits but never felt ready until recently.
Well, now I’m ready to make another one–my style, my price and my way!
Until soon!
Lori
February 7, 2013
Gorgeous dress, Sarah.
Sarah Gunn
February 10, 2013
Thank you, Lori! It was a fun sewing project!
Cissie
February 8, 2013
Congratulations on you Missoni dress, Sarah! My one and only attempt at this several years ago ended up in the trash. If only I had thought to underline it! Now that I know the right way, maybe I should try again! Thanks for your tips!
Sarah Gunn
February 10, 2013
You making a wadder? I don’t believe it! I must say underlining was the way to go with this fabric for this style!
Ginger
February 8, 2013
This is so cute! It looks great on you!
Sarah Gunn
February 10, 2013
Thanks, Ginger!
Cidell
February 8, 2013
So fun!
Sarah Gunn
February 10, 2013
Fun indeed, Cidell!
Teddi Robin
February 9, 2013
This is a cute dress. I love it!
Sarah Gunn
February 10, 2013
Many thanks, Teddi!
Kris C.
February 9, 2013
That looks great! Way to go on doing something out of your comfort zone AND checking off a major “want” on your list!
Sarah Gunn
February 10, 2013
Thank you, Kris! I’ve worn the dress twice now and it “works”. So glad I finally took the big step!
Amy
February 9, 2013
Wow. I love it! Great job with the underlining and stripe matching. I can’t wait to see more Missoni on you!
Sarah Gunn
February 10, 2013
Many thanks, Amy! I’d love to do another one of these days
Jessie
February 9, 2013
You are inspiring me to try to make a Missoni top. Very beautiful on you. Well done!
Sarah Gunn
February 10, 2013
Thank you, Jessie! You must make a Missoni top! For me the success came with just being very careful and taking my time
Rose Britton
February 12, 2013
Great dress — and many thanks for showing how to be sure pattern matched by cutting unfolded fabric.
Sarah Gunn
February 12, 2013
Thank you so much Rose! I’ve never considered myself to be a teacher but this technique worked very well for me!
Jan
February 13, 2013
Ahhh! It’s the underlining. Beautiful dress. Beautiful sewing.
i’ve had a missoni skirt cut out for months, trying to decide what would be the best way to line it, because it won’t stand still! . I look at it and move on to the next project. Now I know! Thanks !
Jan
Jan
February 13, 2013
The neckline and the stripes matching perfectly is beautiful.
Amanda S.
February 13, 2013
Great looking dress, Sarah!
Tammy C
February 23, 2013
I love the dress. I also love the fabric but was afraid to tackle it. Now I’m inspired. What McCalls pattern did you use?
Great job!
anne jewell
February 28, 2013
the dress looks wonderful on you