What? Have I given too much away in the title?

Should have built it up a bit more gently, perhaps?

I’m afraid I just can’t focus on what would make the best narrative because I’m so darned irritated at this project right now!

The pattern itself needs no introduction – it’s the Kielo Wrap Dress by Named Clothing. I was working from a very old version, from before they re-released it (this was actually one of the very first sewing patterns I bought after I learned to sew), so I’m not sure if anything I have to say might have changed in more recent versions.

In any event, I won’t be saying too much about the pattern itself, as my mine issues were this striped stretch bamboo knit. It’s pretty. It’s slinky. It’s lovely too touch.

It’s totally impossible to get on grain and get it to cooperate and be straight and not slip and slide like snakes in a barrel. (You know what, they probably wouldn’t be anywhere near slippery enough but my seething rage is stifling my ability to create similes. At least my alliterations are still on game!)

My Kielo Wrap Dress

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I used the pattern pieces I already had cut out from this version of the Kielo Wrap Dress, so it is a size 38.

I still wear that previous version, so from trying it on, I knew I needed a little but more room at the arm scye to prevent pulling, so I added about a centimetre all along the armhole. I also did a full bicep adjustment to ensure the sleeves were a tad comfier than my previous version.

I also added a neckband, but I think the updated version of the pattern comes with a neckband already included.

Stretch bamboo knit

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This stretch bamboo knit stripe fabric came from The Fabric Store.

Unfortunately, I discovered that the advice on Named Clothing’s website not to use a jersey which is too stretchy or heavy is right on point! You should absolutely listen to that advice!

This fabric is indeed both too stretchy and too heavy and it doesn’t look anywhere near as good in making that unique Kielo shape as my merino jersey version.

Indeed, when I finished this and put it on, the length was several inches of fabric pooling onto the floor, as the fabric’s weight was pulling down on the large pattern pieces so much.

But the main challenge was that I found this fabric just way to slippery. It felt impossible to get it on grain, especially with such large pieces. I ended up cutting my fabric into smaller pieces to try to make it more managable. Which made it slightly better but still awful.

It just felt as thought it was stretching all over the place and there seemed to be no correlation between the white stripes an what was actually a straight line.

I also realised too late that the front darts look rather visually jarring in a stripe like this as it is impossible to get them to match or line up. If I had my time over (yeah, right!!!!), I would have considered removing the front dart if I really wanted to use a stripe and my fabric was stretchy enough that it would still fit me at the bust.

So, yeah, sorry not sewing happy ending here. I hated every minute of making this dress because I couldn’t stand trying to handle this stretchy slippery beast!! For now, the entire dress is still in the “sin bin” until I can calm down and look at it again without flying into a rage!

Any do you know what is even more frustrating?

This was supposed to be a quick knit palette cleanser between projects. Seriously, there is nothing more likely to curse one of my sewing projects than me thinking it’s going to be a simple quickie!

All, what’s a sewist supposed to do with these bad projects except move on and appreciate the garment for what it is, even if the process didn’t work out this time around.

One thing’s for sure, my intention to make a tee-shirt with the leftover fabric won’t be happening anytime soon.

If you want to see more of my sewing adventures, you can find me on Instagram here.