Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Nancy Zieman's Santa Fe Dress Pattern (with Giveaway!)

Well, I am just tickled pink (ha!) to have been asked to participate in the blog tour of one of my sewing heroines, Nancy Zieman herself. She's launching a new book, Sew Knits with Confidence, as well as four new patterns specifically designed for knits. Read on for my version of her knit dress design, plus a lovely giveaway of the book and all four patterns!

Nancy's publisher sent me a copy of the book plus the patterns, so that I could choose one to make. I was super excited to read Nancy's tips on sewing with knits--they've become more and more part of my wardrobe, fabric stash, and plans for my own next book, which has a casual twist. But I was also very impressed by the four patterns. I think there's something for every type of seamstress in this selection. I chose the Santa Fe dress, mostly because it reminded me of a simple knit dress I owned from Anthropologie and wore til its tragic death.


But I was also incredibly tempted by the skirt and top in the Monterey collection. So cute!



The dress won out, probably because I'm in a summer wardrobe state of mind. But both these patterns provide particular opportunities for the retro-loving seamstress, in my opinion. I chose view A of the Santa Fe, which is dress-length and sleeveless. For my fabric, I used a black organic cotton jersey (purchased here and highly recommended).

First let me say this is a FAST project. I started cutting it at 2:30 in the afternoon, and was setting up my camera to take pictures at 4:30--and that includes time for fitting and style changes!

I chose to make the size small, knowing from experience that I like my knits to have little to no ease. However, I used the length and flare of the XL size, since I like my skirts swingy and on the longer side.

The bodice came together super quickly.


When trying it on, I found an easy way to "retro-fy" this design: pinching the neckline pleats to each side and stitching them in place to make a sweetheart neckline.

While I do like the original design very much, I think this small change makes it way more me. 


Seriously, all I did was pull the neckline pleats to the side in a pinch. Then I used some black embroidery floss to stitch it in place by wrapping it around the pinch. You could also add buttons or small brooches here!
The other change I made was to nip the dress in at the waist. It had a very flowy empire silhouette and I knew a more dramatic waistline would work well for me. I started by chalking in just an inch on each side, machine basting it, and then trying on. I eventually took two inches out of each waistline side, tapering down in a straight line to the hem (I got rid of that hip curve you see below since it has a distinctly fin-like appearance on the body).

Here's the overall result. Hopefully Nancy won't shun me for bastardizing her pattern! The changes were fairly small but resulted in a garment I'm in love with.

Easy to dress up or down, and all sorts of other fashion clichés that I won't subject you to.

The back has a basic high scoop neckline.

The pattern instructions were great, explaining all the ins and outs of sewing with knits. I learned that jersey curls to the right side of the fabric--good to know!



I love the little notes from Nancy throughout! She tells you how to sew with either a sewing machine or serger, and even specifies when to use one over the other (for instance, she suggests sewing the bodice pleats on the machine for more control, then switching to the serger for easier bits like  the side seams). I did use my serger, but it's definitely not necessary.

I'll definitely be sewing this dress again since it's perfect for summer (and for standing awkwardly with armchair).


Okay, now for the giveaway! Nancy's publisher provided me with a copy of the new book Sew Knits with Confidence as well as ALL four new patterns to give to one lucky reader. Please leave a comment here by the end of the day on Wednesday, April 24th. All countries eligible. Make sure that you link to your blog or include a way for me to get in touch with you in your comment!

I'm going to be eagerly following the blog tour to see what everyone else comes up with. Good luck in the giveaway!

Update: the giveaway is now closed for entries. See the winner here!

637 comments:

  1. I'd really like to learn to sew with Knits so this would be brilliant

    gracemargaretcunningham@gmail.com

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  2. Great give away again! I sure want to learn to sew (better) with knits, so hopefully I'm lucky!

    Liz
    www.howling-liz.blogspot.com

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  3. I love the knit dresses I've made in the past (all from the same pattern-- so I need a change ;-)); so comfy, yet they look great. This dress looks awesome, and I think the changes you made are perfect for your style. I learned a lot by seeing what you did :)
    ~Natalie
    QSOgirl at yahoo dot com

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  4. Love how you retrofied the dress, just gorgeous. Looks like these patterns will be great fun to make. Thanks for the great giveaway.

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  5. Nancy is my hero! I would love one of her books!

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  6. I would love to have this book! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy, and your dress is gorgeous.

    Sarah
    fiddle rome(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  7. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Fxysoul at gmail

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  8. Having some knit dresses and outfits would be cool. Thanks for the opportunity!

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  9. Great give away! I have just recently decided gotten a serger and have been experimenting with using it for garments. I love that there are serger tips in the book! I would love to be more confident in my skills. I have a pile of knits that I bought last summer but have been too chicken to use. maybe this book would be what I need to break out the scissors?

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  10. I would love to win the book and patterns! And I have to say, I LOVE your dress. That little trick to change the neckline, so smart and easy! Changes the entire dress in seconds.

    scuffsan(at)gmail(dot)com

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  11. Gertie, no shunning needed! I love what you've done with my pattern. Thanks for being part of the blog tour!

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  12. I haven't done much with knits. I would love to make a dress like yours.

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  13. What an awesome giveaway!

    nessiesews(at)gmail(dot)com

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  14. I can't believe it.....2:30 to 4:30? That's awesome and definitely something a rookie like me strives to attain.

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  15. What fun! Knit dresses are my guilty treat.

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  16. i´d love to learn more about knits.

    micammann@swissonline.ch

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  17. Gorgeous dress! And what a fab giveaway.

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  18. I love the change to the neckline that you made. I prefer it over the 'as drafted' dress!
    I'd love a chance to win the book and patterns, thank you to you and the publishers for the opportunity!

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  19. Looks like a great release. Thanks for the giveaway

    eewingo (at) gmail (dot) com

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  20. Love the dress ... and love sewing with knits lately.

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  21. Knits and Nancy sounds like a wonderful match! Thanks so much for a giveaway!

    http://getmystitchon.blogspot.com/

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  22. Ooooh! Yes please! the one thing I can't draft patterns for are knits. I have such a knit phobia!

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  23. i've never sewed with knits but that day will come soon!

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  24. I've been experimenting with knits alot lately and this would be a PERFECT addition to my library and pattern collection. fingers and toes crossed.

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  25. I love your dress! Thank you for the chance to win your giveaway!

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  26. Ooh I'd really love to get started with knits soon!! Especially as the summers turn pretty hot here. To me, wearing a knit dress is a way to dress nice while still feeling like you're in your pj's, hehehe. ;)

    Thanks so much for the opportunity! That dress looks amazing on you. :)

    xo ~ Amanda

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  27. I'm getting a serger for my birthday and I can't wait to start sewing with knits.

    Those patterns look awesome!

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  28. I love the changes you made to this pattern. The dress looks great on you.

    Knits don't tend to be my friend, and I've been thinking that maybe they would be if I learned how to sew them the right way, instead of just making it up as I go! I'd love to win this prize to help me make this a reality.

    enquiries@andreafirth.com.au

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  29. I LOVE your dress, and it would be great to win the pattern book!

    raqs_sharqi(at)web(dot)de

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  30. I love that her size XL goes a bit higher than traditional patterns; I'm not sized out for once! Fantastic giveaway; thank you!

    If you're ever in WI, you should go visit Nancy's shop. :)

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  31. This is really cute! I love your change to the neckline to make it "you." Perfect! Please count me in for the giveaway!

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  32. Those are very cute patterns!
    Thanks for the chance to win!

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  33. You did a great job with this dress, the modifications are perfect to make it look very retro! Just started my own vintage blog, and I think you're very inspiring! Kind regards from Switzerland, Mrs. Button

    P.S.: I love your hair colour and your tattoos...

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  34. Thank you for the chance at the giveaway! I would love this book as I'm starting to sew with knits this year! :D Nice dress - the sweetheart neckline is adorable!

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  35. The dress looks fabulous on you. Thanks for the chance at a great prize!

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  36. Love it! Looks like a great design to ease back into sewing for myself!
    Would love to be the lucky winner!
    Cindy
    http://cinlynsworld.blogspot.com
    cinlynhess@yahoo.com

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  37. Just finished my own first knit dress, and while I'm really proud of the beautiful finish, I'm a bit underwhelmed by the "shapeless" look on me... Now your dress and Nancy's patterns, on the other hand, look spot on and I sure would like to try my hand at those! (Fingers crossed you'll need this: depnerds at gmail.com).

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  38. Thanks for the chance to receive such a great book. Great job with your review!
    contentncm at yahoo dot com

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  39. I am on an "only skirts and dresses for summer" kick (and also SO ready for Summer....) so I may just have to go track down my own copy of this pattern. Looks good. ;) k. boxpleat(at)earthlink(dot)net

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  40. I'd love to learn more about knits!

    annekecaramin(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  41. That is a gorgeous looking set of patterns! I really like what you did with the dress.

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  42. Lovely dress! I really like the neckline change you made. It might be simple but it has a great impact.
    Than you for this giveaway! It comes at a perfect time, since I'm now 5 months pregnant and looking for comfy yet nice looking clothes. Plus it was one of my goals for this year to learn to sew with knits. Fingers crossed! Here is my email: lholy_chan [at] yahoo [dot] fr

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  43. I'd love to win the book! I'm about to have a baby so I see myself in knits for the foreseeable future. :)

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  44. That would be a great prize to win! Since I started sewing lingerie I'm over my fear of stretchy things, and now I just want to sew with knits all the time.

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  45. I was just trying to convince myself today that it's time to learn how to sew knits. This book would be a great place to start, and what great patterns!
    Eleanor
    eleanorkrause87 at gmail dot com

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  46. Hope I win the book as I want to start sewing more knits and could use the advice. Great job on the knit dress. My email is jonijeanyoung@yahoo.com Thanks.

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  47. What a perfect summer dress! I love knits in the summer, just cause they are so easy to throw on and go

    aheussler [at] gmail .com

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  48. This book and patterns sound awesome. There's nothing like the instant gratification of a great knit pattern!

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  49. If this dress fits me half as well as your Portrait blouse (of which I have now made 8!!!), I would be thrilled. Looks like it would be very adaptable for a variety of looks. Hope I win!

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  50. Love your alterations to the dress! And I'd love a chance to win this book, fat-belly summer coming up, so knits should be perfect for that. <3

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  51. Adorable! Love how it looks on you. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  52. I used to sew with knits pretty frequently until I busted up my serger. until then I'm not as confident anymore as my regular machine just eats it. a book would be most appreciated, god knows I need all the help I can get!

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  53. Love how you retro-ed the basic dress, though both are lovely. I lost my sewing mojo several months ago, but looking at your dress makes me want to start sewing again!
    nomadicnester.blogspot.com

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  54. I've only sewn with knits for a year, so would love to read the tips of a pro! The patterns seems really cute as well =)
    Thank you for hosting the giveaway, I'll be keeping my fingers crossed!
    (mail: b_akire (at) yahoo (dot) se)

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  55. Oh, that is a great dress. Now I want to make it! Pick me please!!

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  56. Lovely!

    -Mary
    swedishfish2211@yahoo.com

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  57. I would like to win the book. I'm new to sewing and can use anything I can get. My email is msyp1@aol.com.

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  58. I've been wanting to learn more about sewing with knits and I'd love this book! Your dress looks fantastic, it's always fascinating how such small changes can make such a big difference in the final style!

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  59. Fabulous dress! Your mods are definitely you. Book looks great. Thanks! Heather

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  60. I have some knits that I want to sew with, but I am too nervous to do so just yet....Maybe this is the ticket!

    sockmonkery at yahoo dot ca

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  61. Please let me win this! The knits are king :) your adjustment at the neck looks awesome too!

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  62. I'd love more help sewing with knits!
    Address should be in my profile.
    Thanks for the giveaway!

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  63. Wow, I love that dress. I want to make it too! Pick me please!

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  64. I love how a subtle change makes the dress look like a completely different design! It looks fabulous on you :) I would love to be entered in the giveaway. I dream of sewing with knits but have been too nervous to try yet. This would be a lovely way to dive in!

    madelyn.hawk@gmail.com

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  65. Excellent mods, and very pretty dress. Let's hear it for fast sewing projects!

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  66. I love the mods - very inspirational!

    Me, me, me!

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  67. Yes please!! Your dress looks great

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  68. Hi! I was looking online for some knit patterns that didn't terrify me, as I've just bought some stripey jersey that I want to make a dress from, when this post popped up on Bloglovin and saved the day, thanks!
    millymoo515@hotmail.com

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  69. I love what you did with the pattern. I like the original design, but yours really suits you!
    Good job!
    I'd love to win the book!

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  70. Oh wow, this would be perfect since I'm struggling through my first knit dress at the moment with somewhat limited success!

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  71. This would be absolutely perfect! I'm just started to get into knits sewing and I'm sure there's lots of stuff I need to know to go forward! Great giveaway :D And I'll have to remember this knitwear pattern designer for the future as well.

    I really love what you did with that dress patter also - I'll have to remember how easy it is to alter things simply to make them more individual!

    katherine.jones13 [at] gmail.com

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  72. oooh i am completely in love with what you did with the pattern! great dress, and sounds like a great book!

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  73. I love knits as they come together so quickly, but would definitely like to learn more! Please count me in :)

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  74. I love that you made the pattern your own! I was inspired enough to take a trip to the thrift store and bought waaay too many patterns hoping to make small changes with big impact like you did.
    ewronkowski@gmail.com

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  75. I think I like your version better... ;)

    MC_velvetkitten AT yahoo.dom

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  76. I just started getting back into knits (one of Steph C’s patterns), and so far, I love it! The Santa Fe looks right up my alley, but I would really love the tips and tricks in the book. Thanks for the opportunity and showing us how easy tweaks to a pattern can make something cool bump over to totally awesome!

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  77. Wow! I used to watch "Sewing with Nancy" all the time and still turn to videos of the show when tackling certain projects. I have recently been getting more into knits, and as an expectant mom I think they will play a bigger role in my future wardrobe. The book and patterns would be great resources.

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  78. Your dress is beautiful and I love the changes you made!

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  79. It’s exactly what I was looking nice job for posting this.Thanks lot for this useful article, nice post

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  80. I can't believe what a dramatic difference it made to just pinch the straps in. Well done; it definitely has a more "retro" flavor! (btw, totally going to be copying that mod on some rtw knit tops I have that I don't love, yet!)

    And the easy pattern bastardization is what makes knits so awesome! Just SO easy to adjust, and I think you exemplified that, here. =D

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  81. I have a whole pile of knits waiting to be made into something - I'd love this book!

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  82. I'm so excited to hear about Nancy's new book and patterns. I would love to learn more about sewing with knits and I'm glad Nancy is including instructions for both sewing machines and sergers. Thank you Nancy! And thank you Gertie for the give-a-way.

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  83. Have just started sewing knits and can definitely learn more! Love your dress.

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  84. Thank you Gertie & Nancy for the giveaway! I am only just now getting into sewing clothing and am obsessed with expanding my collection and reference books. Good luck to me ;)

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  85. I'd love to win Nancy's book and patterns. Your post certainly highlighted the versatility of her Santa Fe dress; your sewing ingenuity changed this dress with very little work. If you made this up as designed in a print fabric, I doubt anyone would even realize it was the same pattern. Please count me (nwoods70 at gmail) in on the giveaway.

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  86. That dress is gorgeous and I think you did a great job by improving the style of it. What a clever idea to change the neckline a bit! I have started to sew more jersey knit fabric. Since I'm a bit overweight I think these clothes are more comfortable.

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  87. That dress, with your changes, is so very you!!! I really like the original pattern, but also love sweetheart necklines. I look forward to seeing what else you make this pattern up in. Thanks for the ideas! (fmgill at ogmasala dot com)

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  88. I would really, really love this pattern. I've been searching for a dress to make to go to a wedding in August, this is just what I've been looking for!

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  89. I would love to win this prize. I find knits to be very intimidating. ;)

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  90. Love your version of the dress, though I just don't have the shape to pull that off. Can't wait to see who the winner is!

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  91. Ooooh, yes yes pretty please? Learning to sew with knits is on my 2013 sewign goal list so this would be fabulous kick in the behind to actually do it.

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  92. Gosh what a great looking book and I love that dress pattern. I definitely need more help sewing knits, it's something I've done little of, so thanks for the giveaway!

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  93. Love the dress! I've been practicing sewing knits on some new baby gifts, and struggling!

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  94. I spent last week in an epic battle with my first knit shirt. The fabric curled at the edges the instant I cut it; my neckband seams went all wonky...several times; and when I tried to unpick them I tore the fabric and had to start over.

    I wear knits all the time, and I would love to learn how to work with them.

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  95. What a great giveaway :) Thanks for the chance :)

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  96. Would love this book. I have Fitting with Confidence, and the contents are great as well.

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  97. Lovely! I have been looking into sewing more knits lately!

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  98. I knit, but haven't sewn in years. Maybe this would be a good transition! :)

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  99. Love the the dress! I am a beginner and this book and patterns would definitely inspire me! :) I just ordered some beautiful fabric from Mood to make my first "real" garment! Thanks for the great giveaway!

    Theresapaxton (at) gmail.com

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  100. I would love to learn knits - I generally like the way they fit, they can be so forgiving, but I've been hesitant to try sewing something up myself. ebthorn(at)gmail(dot)com. Thanks! I love how you made the dress all you!

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  101. I would totally love this. I'm just getting into knits!

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  102. Ooooh! LOVE this style of clothes; easy, swingy and Summer! Can you tell I'm getting a little stir-crazy with all the crummy weather? ;^) Well, it's good for being inside and sewing, at least! Thanks for the giveaway and great mods on your dress!

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  103. my word! this is a popular giveaway and rightly so :)
    fingers crossed.

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  104. Oh, I've loved Nancy for so so many years! This would be a fantastic addition to my sewing library!

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  105. I LOVE that she tells you when to use your machine/serger and why! That was the one thing that I really struggled with when I first got my serger, I had no idea when it was appropriate to use it!!

    I absolutely adore the changes you made to the dress, it's lovely!

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  106. A book of knits! Perfect. Love the dress, Gretchen. I'm dying to make a bunch of knit swingy dresses for summer.

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  107. Beautiful dress! This release is so timely. I need to replace some knit tops for Autumn/Winter layering & an unsure where to start.

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  108. The way you opened up the neckline of the dress is gorgeous! And Knits are so easy to wear!

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  109. Your dress looks great, and I'd love to make something similar. For the contest, my email is carly 927 at gmail.

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  110. Your dress came out super cute! I love the original dress pattern and your retro variation. This would be such a fun prize to win, thanks! margoburton AT gmail DOT com

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  111. Beautiful summer dress. I really like the idea of pinching the neckline to change it from a V neck to a sweetheart.

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  112. You DO know how to "own" a pattern! I like what you did, it looks easy and the finished dress is great. I can see this in fun colors for summer too! Thanks.

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  113. I always learn somethings from Nancy! I love your interpretation and personalization of the pattern. This is why I sew.

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  114. Knits terrify me but not enough to quell the desire to use my serger on them! I love what you did with this perfect-for-everything dress.

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  116. I'd really love to win this contest! After sheers, knits are my least favorite to sew with...I'd love some expert advice.

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  117. I love sewing with knits and have been itching to do so while working on my wedding dress for 4 months! Thanks Gertie and Nancy!

    This interface isn't letting me use my wordpress id: sewtigersew.wordpress.com. So there it is!

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  118. Wonderful! I'm just learning about sewing with knits, and I LOVE Nancy! I live not far from her HQ in Beaver Dam, WI. Would love to win this!

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  119. Knits never come out right for me. I'd love to learn more. Thanks!
    pendy97@aol.com

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  120. I would love to win this! After many years of not sewing, I am trying to get back to making clothes and I am taking an online knits sewing class to get me started. This would be a fabulous addition! You dress looks so cute!!

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  121. Oh my gosh! What a great giveaway! Although I love sewing with woven fabrics, I really wear my knit garments so much more, so I'm super excited about new patterns geared for knits, especially from Nancy Zieman herself!

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  122. What a fantastic book idea! I know people say knits are easy but I find them slightly intimidating. And I've been looking for a pattern like the Santa Fe Dress for a while but haven't been happy with what I found- this shows much more promise

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  123. Fantastic dress! I've made so many knit dresses for my daughter but none for me. That needs to change! Thanks for the opportunity to win Nancy's book and patterns!

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  124. This is the year I conquer my fear of knits! I would be thrilled to have the book and patterns to help me do it!

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  125. I've just inherited a stash of knit, was unsure about what to make as I'm still new to sewing. This book looks ideal, will be adding it to my wishlist :o)

    http://slinkay.blogspot.co.uk/

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  126. Pick me! Pick me!
    http://roomforsewing.blogspot.com/

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  127. Glad for the change to the pattern. We would not be true sewists if we followed them verbatim.

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  128. Great dress, and I love your sweetheart neckline (LOL, I wrote 'sweatheart' neckline first.... !), that's an idea to remember!
    Looks like some awesome patterns too.
    SabineC
    sushi(at)telenet (dot) be

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  129. Great dress! I'd love to learn to sew with knits. Nancy Zieman is awesome!

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  130. I've just bought my first serger, so this would be perfect. Fingers crossed.

    craftedbyme@rocketmail.com

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  131. Nothing like a cute dress that is quick to sew in case a special occasion comes up & you find you have nothing to wear. Your adaptation & the photos are great & an inspiration for others to make the pattern their own.

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  132. The dress looks fantastic!!! I love knits.

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  133. My next project is to make something easy to throw on after Mommy & me swim lessons. A cute little knit dress would be perfect!

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  134. Love the original pattern but the changes do make it more you!!
    ladreed@yahoo.com

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  135. Cute dress...definitely you! That is the best part of sewing: making things just the way you like them! aquarijenn @ gmail . com

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  136. What an amazing dress! I would like to be in on the action so please count me in.

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  137. I've been wanting to make a knit dress for forever and this looks like the perfect pattern! And I love me some quick and easy!
    shanniloves@yahoo.com
    shanniloves.blogspot.com

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  138. I LOVE it! I would love to have a copy of the book -- Nancy Z is tops!

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  139. Gretchen, thanks for having this giveaway! I have just started sewing with knits a bit more, so winning this prize would be fabulous.

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  140. I love knits because I'm lazy about zippers.

    Lizzy
    lizzyisi @ yahoo.com

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  141. you made that dress sooo you.
    I have been a little afraid of knits and would love her tips and patterns to practice with.
    can't wait to check out the blog tour.
    http://wwwthedistracteddomestic.blogspot.com

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  142. Terrified of sewing with knits! Thought I had to have a serger but I'd love to give this a go. Fun dress!

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  143. I love it when simple alterations make a project more personal! You look fabulous! It's been a while since I've sewn with knits! And with summetr coming up...
    kashurst@gmail.com

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  144. That dress looks a lot like cheap dress I have from Target. It's totally comfortable and I'd love to be able to replicate it in other colors (and better fabric). Clearly I need to learn to sew with knits so I can wean my closet of the cheap X from Target.

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  145. I would love to win a copy! I'm a total novice when it comes to knits, and need to learn all I can.

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  146. Lovely giveaway and lovely dress! I've tried sewing with knits a few times but have never been that happy with the results but hope the book and patterns might help me make some things I can actually be proud of. :)
    sissiri at hotmail dot com

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  147. Your changes have MADE that dress pattern for me. Thank you so much for showing your alterations, that is inspirational. Please feel free to do more posts like that!

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  149. Heck yeah I'd love to win this! Nancy is an icon and her tips are always invaluable! Your dress looks amazing by the way :)

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  150. I LOVE wearing knits to work, but have struggled to find cute patterns...Until now!!!!
    lyssadee(at)gmail(dot)com

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  151. So pretty! I love the things you can do with knits. Would love to learn how to work with them better myself.

    -Elspeth, elspeths -at- gmail -dot- com.

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  152. I would love to have a reference on working with knits. mjduneman (at) gmail dot com

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  153. Hello, Oh So Inspiring One! (smiles)

    I would LOVE this opportunity. I've been recovering from neural damage and am using sewing as a way to assist me. I'm feeling really good about the progress to date, but knits - YIKES! I would love to learn from the awesome Nancy, and those are some CUTE patterns, too!

    Thanks ever so much for the opportunity, Gertie. (smiles again)

    Cheers!
    Alexandra
    http://blog.grant-paul.com/

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  154. if I don't win it here I am definetly buying that dress pattern! I am so in love with it. find me on Etsy in my pattern shop. www.Etsy.com/shop/vinthill

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  155. I would love to win a copy! I'm pretty novice when it comes to knits. Love your dress btw :)
    thank you for the giveaway!

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  156. I have yards of lovely cotton jersey that I'm frankly afraid to use since my past attempts to sew knits have failed miserably, so this prize would be ever so lovely! rmoskow @ hotmail

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  157. Would love to have this book and patterns!
    bustermommy301@msn.com

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  158. I like what you did with the neckline--very cute! Would love to win this awesome book.

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  159. I love how you changed the neckline! It's so darling and fits you perfectly!

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  160. Awesome!

    Caffy Bundana @

    http://www.bundana.blogspot.co.uk

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  161. Looks so "must have" book in my shelf!
    agnese.more@gmail.com

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  162. I've made a renfrew top, but I am still intimidated by knits. Would love to learn more!

    burkabean(at)gmail(dot)com

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  163. I'd love to have this book. Your dress is awesome! Thanks.

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  164. Love your dress! You have much talent to be able to adjust the neckline.

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  165. Your dress turned out lovely! I have been meaning to try sewing more knits!!

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  166. I love the alterations you made and would love to give the pattern a try!

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  167. Love your dress! The Maria Denmark kimono tee was my intro to knits and I'm hooked.

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  168. I almost totally live in t-shirts and their variations and I would love to get some great tips on how to sew them myself.

    (vixen1 at shaw.ca)

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  169. I love knits! I would love to have a copy of this book and patterns. That dress looks stunning on you!

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  170. Oh that dress pattern looks fantastic and could easily be worn with a jacket for work!

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  171. Oooh, what a flirty little number! Now I am inspired again. I am mainly inspired by everything this week and I love it when that happens. Thank you for adding to it.

    http://tallulahtwirl.blogspot.co.uk/

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  172. I love knits and love the adjustments you made to the dress! I'd love to win a copy of this book, but if not will definitely add it to my wish list .

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  173. This dress is perfect! I would love to throw my hat into the ring for a copy of Nancy's new book and patterns. She's one of my sewing heroes, as well, and her home base is only about 50 miles from where I live!

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  174. I've been obsessed with knits lately, and would love to get my hands on some Nancy tips! Also, your version of that dress really is SO you!

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  175. Love how you altered the dress and love those patterns! Zarastrong(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  176. I'm trying hard to learn more about knits!

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  177. I have been trying to sew more knits. I just got a big stash of knits at an estate sale. I would love to have Nancy's book and patterns. rothwell(dot)victoria(at)gmail

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  178. The dress you made is enough to make me want this book, love it. Maybe I'll get lucky and win it :)

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  179. What! I love your mods and I'm sure Nancy will too! Thanks for the chance to win the book and patterns. They looks great!

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  180. What a lovely dress! I need a great knit dress for the upcoming months, and this looks like a great one for me! I'm particularly interested in the book, as I am a novice seamstress and need all of the helpful tips I can get. Thanks for the giveaway!!

    janayamckeon@gmail.com

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  181. Hi,
    Just putting in for the giveaway. Thank you so much.
    antony.treasa@gmail.com

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  182. Ooh, fabulous dress, both the original and your version; yours would be a great way to show off a pair of vintage dress clips!
    I have some very nice ponti just waiting for the right pattern, so I'd love to be included in the giveaway; sushidog@livejournal.com will reach me!

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  183. would love to make a dress like that ,love what yoy did with the neckline.

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  184. Love your dress, it looks amazing!

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  185. I have my DVR set to record her show, since it's at 5am on Saturday in my area...

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  186. I learned to sew with Nancy back when I was in college! Now that I'm getting back into it, I've been ordering supplies from her site. I'm a huge fan of knits, so I like the idea of this new series. I'm at shmcpa (at) yahoo (dot) com.

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  187. Oooh, I love sewing with knits, and those patterns look really versatile! Please enter me in the giveaway! aliciamarie14 [at] gmail [dot] com

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  188. Cute cute dress, and yes perfect for summer! All the patterns in the line look really great. ~Teri

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  189. I really want to make myself some new summer clothes, and your dress looks lovely -- I'd love to win this great prize!

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  190. Looks very interesting! I would love to try out this pattern:)
    Mye blogadress istrollemors-hverdag.blogspot.no. (stitches and pearls)

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  191. I would love this pattern and book----I just love your dress...thanks for the chance to win.

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  192. Love the way you "retro-fied" your dress Gertie! I always hesitate to sew with knits, I could use some great tips to help me. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  193. I watch Sewing With Nancy on Saturday mornings! She makes sewing with knits so easy!

    ~Sierra (span2@pdx.edu)

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  194. I want to sew with knits, but admit that I'm still intimidated by them. This dress pattern may be just what I need to take the plunge!

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  195. I would love the book and patterns!

    e(dot)emory(dot)davis[at]gmail(dot)com

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  196. Wow that's a lot of comments. Ill throw my hat into the ring. I have made one singlet top that I wear around the house. Its still not hemmed because hemming knits looks rage inducing.

    katherine.mckay24(at)gmail.com

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  197. Wow!! The dress looks amazing on you and the changes are so simple and yet really stunning.
    Would love to have the book and patterns myself to really get to grips with sewing knits.
    louisebibbings@gmail.com

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  198. So cute! I used to watch Nancy as a kid and would love the book.
    tiffanysnotionsandknits.blogspot.ca

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Thanks for your comments; I read each and every one! xo Gertie

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