Nettie Bodysuit by Closet Case Patterns

I'm not going to lie, I almost called this post Nettie Spaghetti. This top has nothing to do with pasta but I'm partial to a rhyming post title.

Though one thing spaghetti and the Nettie both have in common is that they are both simple and delicious. How's that for a segue? You're welcome.

The Pattern

A zillion years ago the incredibly talented and total MINX Heather Lou from Closet Case Files emailed me to see if I would be interested in testing her new pattern the Nettie bodysuit.

Recently I had found myself wishing for the perfect bodysuit that didn't make me look like I was sporting four bum cheeks. I had literally purchased two bodysuits the day before her email where I was forced once again to cut ugly slits in the bottoms. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the new sewing pattern. Clearly Heather Lou is a wizard (and possibly a mind reader).

Fabric

The garment requires a four way stretch/knit fabric for movement and a nice close fit. I made my Nettie with Ponte which is only a two way stretch and quite thick. It's not the ideal fabric for this top and you don't get that really fitted second-skin look, but I still love how it turned out.

What I love
Firstly, there are two different neck versions depending on how much boobage you want to show. Then there are three different variations at the back from high to low. On top of that you also have the option to make this bad boy into a dress. So many possibilities. I made mine with the scoop neck and the medium scoop back.

The real genius of this design comes in the low cut bottom for extra comfort and the elimination of the dreaded pantyline. I can't tell you what a difference this makes! How has no one thought of this before?

The bodysuit also comes with a bust-shelf option for those wanting to go bra-less.

Oh and it takes only a few hours to put together! Emotional!

Styled with

Skirt and belt from Alannah Hill

Personalised necklace from Strangely Yours

Lipstick - NARS Matte Multiple in 'Siam'

Shoes 'Piccola Italy' from Joanne Mercer 

I am loving this fabulous pattern and the fact that it's quick and easy means I can boost my wardrobe with many and without too much effort. LOVE!

Winter Street Dress

When the days get shorter and the mornings get colder you know that moody little winter is about to come and rain on your parade. (get it?!) What better way to pull yourself out of winter depression than to make yourself a nice dress. Take that winter!

Introducing the Winter Street Dress by Deepika, the seamstress behind PatternReview.com.

When Deepika asked if I'd like to be a pattern tester for this new bad boy I was both thrilled and a little scared. I'd had such success with my recent first ever knit project where I made two awesome tops. But how would I go making a whole dress in stretch?

I need not have worried because this pattern was easy, fast and looks good too. Hooray!

Pattern Details

It's the Winter Street Dress Pattern.

I cut bodice in a size 6, the waist a size 4 and the skirt a size 8.

The dress is sewn with knit/stretch fabrics, unlined and notion free (celebrate!!) The bodice is made for a C cup.

I used a heavy weight ponte knit in a perfect navy blue.

Changes

I cut the sleeves at the required length for the frill variation but just didn't add the frill. I really like the sleeves this length.

I accidentally attached the neck binding as a facing rather than  a border along the neck, but it still looks good and I might even prefer it this way!

If I make this again I will lengthen the bodice as it sits above my natural waist. I'm pretty short in the torso too, so if you have a long bodice definitely add length.

My mistake
Have you spotted it yet? I accidentally sewed the hem on the freaking outside.  I would have made a few sailors blush by my outbursts when I realised my mistake. This has since been fixed, but not in time for the photos. Lesson: Drink more coffee.

Love

I am so loving this breezy world of stretch sewing!
I love how there is no gather at the sleeve heads, and I love the simple but flattering shape of this dress. It is such a comfortable dress to throw on and would be perfect for work or on the weekend. Thanks Deepika for a fabulous pattern!