Knowing I can sew a garment for a tiny fraction of the retail price simply thrills me, and is one of the reasons I continue to sew.
I knew I could make the $200 Saint James Toledo striped dress I saw in a boutique in Charlotte,
but I didn’t know that Mood Fabrics stocked Saint James knits ~ the very same fabrics!
Upon finding Burda 6722, I knew it was meant to be.
Mood offers the Saint James ponte knits in several colors, and I chose the white background with black stripes.
I rarely sew Burda patterns (no reason in particular) but that needs to change for their fit is always spot on! I made no pattern alterations other than shortening the bodice along the adjustment lines.
Loaded with body and a terrific drape, the fabric works well for a shapely garment and has great recovery.
Stripes are so much fun to work with! I couldn’t end this project without having a little fun, and echoed the vertical stripes in the shoulder with a small vertical striped border on the hem. 
(more on border construction tomorrow on the blog)
Since I was unable to make a muslin for this dress, all seams were first basted before stitching and finished in the serger.
So if you’re in need of an instant gratification project with a RTW result, look no further than this wonderful ponte knit!
