About a month ago, Amanda contacted me and asked if I’d like to participate in her Lady Skater Pattern Tour, to promote this awesome new pattern that she had just released. At first, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to participate – my fabric funds are currently pretty tight right now, and YES IT SUCKS – but after chatting for a hot minute (with me flapping my arms and squawking about how much I was dying to sew the pattern up), Amanda offered to send me some yardage from her shop, Kitschy Coo.
Specificially, this ice blue tiger knit. HOLY SHIT, right?!
I’m really not trying to be cocky here, but I’m fairly confident that I have the best dress in the world now. For real.
I’m supposed to talk about the pattern, so let’s discuss that first! This is the Lady Skater Dress pattern – a basic knit dress pattern that opens itself up to a world of customizations, and it’s EASY. It’s so easy, y’all. If you’ve never sewn a knit before, this is a great pattern to use for toe-dipping.
Let me put it this way – whenever I sew up a new pattern (especially if I’m testing), I keep a notebook on hand to write myself little notes. Stuff like adjustments on size or construction, whatever I can think of that will help other people who are sewing the same pattern. When I sewed this dress, I literally did not make ANY notes. The instructions cover every single thing that I would have already said – even down to creative cutting layouts to make the most of your fabric yardage. If that’s not a sign of a well-written pattern, I don’t know what is 🙂
My dress is a size 2, which corresponds perfectly with my measurements. I made absolutely no changes to the sizing – this is how it fit straight out of the envelopeerrr, printer ;). I did shorten the length a little, but that’s just a personal preference. The skirt should hit about at your knees, if you keep it at the length as printed.
Like I said, the instructions on this dress are pretty fabulous. Amanda has you stabilize both the shoulder seams and the waistline seam with clear elastic – something I’ve never done before. I’ve used twill tape (topstitched down with a twin needle), and fusible interfacing (which, obviously, doesn’t require sewing on, so it’s invisible), so I was interested to see how this worked out. First of all, I should mention that I didn’t have any clear elastic on hand, nor could I be arsed to buy any. SOWWY. I used regular ol’ polyester elastic, 1/4″ wide, and followed the same instructions for the clear. You basically sew the elastic on right along the seam allowance, so when it comes time to sew your pieces together, they are permanently attached along the seam.
Here is my waist seam. You can’t see it from the inside, but guys – it works. My fabric is a bit heavy, but the waist seam stays exactly where it should (instead of sagging and being sad and droopy). I should also point out that I took these pictures after wearing the dress all day. Nice, yeah? 😉
I love the skirt on this dress! It has a nice flare, but it’s not so huge that it eats up too much fabric, or creates difficulties when navigating the world on a windy day.
The only thing I’m not crazy about are the wrinkles on the back. There are instructions on the pattern to eliminate this, but I’d already sewn my top and bottom together and I couldn’t be arsed to unpick the serging (yep, sorry, lazy LT). I may try to fix it on the next go-round, but honestly? It’s the back of the dress. I’m not looking at it, therefore, I’m not sure if I really care 😛
I decided early on that I wanted something contrasty for my neck and arm bands. Initially, I wanted black, but I didn’t have anything suitable in my stash. This polka dot knit is from Mood, and it’s a pretty perfect match, yeah? I tend to shy away from mixing prints, but I don’t think this is too busy at all!
I think it’s funny that I somehow managed to match the tigers at the back waist seam (trust me… that was unintentional, haha!). Wish it would have worked out for the front, too. Oh well!
Srsly, tho: TIGERS.
Sorry for the picture overload, I am really enjoying the macro setting on my new camera, haha!! My topstitching was done with a double needle, and white wooly nylon thread in the bobbin.
So, like, you know what’s better than white tiger knit fabric?
MATCHING WHITE TIGER SHOESSSSSSSSSSS!!!
IS THIS A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN OR WHAT?!
The Lady Skater is TOTALLY my new TNT knit pattern. I can’t wait to make multiples upon multiples upon multiples of this lil guy 😀
Thanks again, Amanda, for letting me join this pattern tour and also for the ACE fabric!!
LLADYBIRD 
Wow! Just wow!! Especially the matching shoes 🙂
I’ve been following this pattern around with envy, but your fabric just scooped it. MY GOD IT’S AMAZING.
Omg I love tigers I’m so jealous I want your shoes NOW!!!
I’ve been shying away from this pattern because I am a “sewing with knits” virgin. But after your post (with TIGERS!), I may have to give it a try. Although I would love to use tigers as well, I don’t want to be a copycat (or would that be copy-tiger?) so I’ll find something else. I may just have to stick with the dangerous mammal theme (or reptile…alligators anyone?)
Haha, I don’t care if you copycat me 🙂 Make a tiger dress, we’ll start a club!! Although, ngl, if I found alligator fabric… I would be all over that!
Love it! I had thought the girls skater dress was to die for, so glad there’s a womens version now 🙂
Gotta agree, that is awesome! I have to check out that pattern now 🙂
I love the pattern & the fabric choice. I like EASY and knits. Have to add this pattern to my list!
I’ve been looking for this ever since I peeped the tigers on your instagram! Love the binding choice, it makes the whole thing even better! I have to say, I’ve been reading your blog for a few years now, I love your sewing, but when I saw the collage/roundup of your sewing all together like that on kitschycoo I was all, damn she IS awesomesauce!
Lauren, did you have any trouble putting the pattern together? I have lots of white gaps at the edges and I feel I might have done something wrong. I did ask this elsewhere but I can’t find the blog I’ve asked it on :0/
Hm, no, my pattern went together pretty flawlessly (because, trust me, if I’d have ANY trouble, y’all would be hearing about it, hahaha!!). Did you check to make sure you scaled the document to the correct size before printing?
I thought I had but maybe not. I’ll try again tomorrow and thanks – really looking forward to trying to make this, although in a plain fabric, nothing as adventurous as tigers ;0) xox
Sorry to hear you’re having problems printing, Nykie! Make sure that it’s “no scaling” and that auto-rotate and centre are ticked. If you’re still having problems send me an email at amanda(at)kitschycoo(dot)co(dot)uk and we can figure it out 🙂
Thanks Amanda. I ended up having to tick the ‘print as poster’ box. Something to do with me being in the UK and using A4 paper when the pattern is for letter. All done and cut out and started :0) xox
Love love LOVE that dress! The fabric is awesome and the shape of the dress looks great too…that one is going to the to-do list! Also, you have tiger shoes?! I thought I was doing well having turquoise shoes to match turquoise outfits, but tigers?! Just wow.
I’m having serious fabric lust over your tigers. WANT!! This dress turned out really cute, and I can’t believe you had matching shoes, how crazy is that?!
Fantastic dress, Lauren.
Ok…I bloody love that fabric! Like, I want it in my life now and forever! I’ve also loved all versions of this dress I’ve seen (yours included of course) and I’m seriously tempted…even though I should not buy ANY new patterns EVER! Hehe!
Love the matching shoes! Nearly bought that fabric… To make a babygro for my baby boy – what a waste it would have been! Love your version!
I love this dress so very much! Very jealous!
Lauren, this is awesome!! What a dress, “zooeymamma” as my kids would say!! Tiger print is sensational, not seen anything like this before. I’ve never sewn a knit before and if you say it’s a great starter pattern….hmm, maybe this should be the one. The dress wouldn’t suit me but my daughter would love it! Kate x
Omg Lauren, I wanted to make this dress before I saw your version, but now I COVET IT SO HARD!! And your shoes are too much, love the whole outfit!!
What a great casual summer dress. I love that the tiger print looks like paisley from far away. The color is to die for. I love the contrasting print piping. Very cute
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So cute! I can’t believe your shoes match too, that is amazing! I have recently discovered the magic that is knit dresses, having made tiramisu (still have to put up pics though!). This pattern could be a good addition to the list. I absolutely love patterns with thorough instructions. 🙂 as usual, you’ve made a very adorable garment. And omg, tigers!
Love it…and the nail varnish matches too, not just the shoes 🙂
Oh man, love! I made a similar-ish dress by using a Tiramisu skirt and the waist-up bit of Renfrew, but this is way cuter. When my fabric/sewing budget resets next month, this might be the first thing I snatch up!
Love everything about this!
I’ll definitely grab a copy of this pattern when fall comes (my to-sew list is just too long, rn!) Thanks for the review!
I love that the tigers appear to be feathers on the long shots. It’s the difference between whimsy and juvenile…
Such fun! LOVE that tiger knit – and it looks like really nice fabric! I might have to try out one of those cute elephant prints (being a ‘publican and all!). Great post, as usual! I’m ready to tackle a knit!
Must I have a serger for this, or is my trusty zigzagging machine ok?
You can totally sew this on a regular sewing machine 🙂 I just use a serger ’cause I have one!
Thank you Amanda for your! Great pattern & awesome tigers – and yes, I’m with Tiffany & mommylap in adoring that the tigers could be paisley from a distance!!!! Brilliantly made & modelled!!!! Lurrve the tiger shoes!
I soooo need to make this pattern. I already have like two different versions planned and I haven’t even bought the pattern yet. I’m trying to make myself wait until I get my first serger from my aunt, but it’s soooooo hard.
Yeah, this is pretty well the most awesome dress. And I LOVE your attitude about the back wrinkles.
Love it – it looks fantastic! I’m going to check out the pattern now 🙂
Did you use a serger or just the regular machine?
I used a serger, but you can sew this on a regular zig-zag machine 🙂
Amazing fabric and pattern combination, and you blew me away with the shoes. You have to wear this every week, huh? So cute!
Love it! Especially matching tigers! I saw the pattern yesterday and was musing about using it. 🙂
I really like this pattern. The skirt has the perfect amount of flare.
And that tiger fabric only makes it awesomer! Seriously, the fabric is super cool!
You are the only person I know (kind of know?!) who can pull off a tiger dress with tiger flats! Adorable!!
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I love LOVE your dress. It makes me want to make one for myself. Added to my queue! And that fabric and color… Wow, and it looks so comfy!
RAWR! That dress, and those shoes, are seriously awesome!
What a perfect everyday style dress. I love that it is knit so no ironing and the flare of the skirt looks perfect.
So adorable! What a perfect little knit dress for summer. That fabric is awesome, and those shoes…! Looks like a very cute and easy pattern.
The more of these dresses I see, the more I want one. And the tigers are amazing. AND I hear you on the fabric budget… I need to sew from STASH ONLY for a while.
This dress is gaining popularity fast, thanks to your great review. Do you find using the wooly nylon in your bobbin for the twin needle stitching has any benefit over using your regular thread? Just curious.
Wooly nylon has more stretch than standard polyester, so it cuts down on the “tunneling” that you sometimes get when you sew with a twin needle. The stretch is also nice because it allows for a little bit more give at the hems 🙂
Look how amazing that fabric is! ohmygod. Love everything about this 🙂
Tiger, Tiger burning bright, lladybird! Great dress/shoes combo. Must look up this dress.
OMG you totally do have the very best dress in the world! That is, until I get this pattern and make mine…. hahahahaha
And those shoes, WTF!!!!!
those shoes! amazing!
dress looks fantastic as well
Amazingness!!!! How the hell you managed to match a tiger print dress with tiger footwear I’ll never fathom, but I’m damn glad you did! xx
The shoes! Ah hah hah hah, you kill me.
Nice dress, btw. 😉
The tigers look like coy fish from a distance.
This is brilliant, and hilarious! I love it and, like always, covet it. And it’s always so lovely to be introduced to new indie pattern companies, I might just have to try this one!
Fierce and fabulous! LOVE the fit and that Tiger print!
That dress is kick ass! I’m starting to regret my rather tame (borrrring) fabric choices on my dresses.;)
Fricking. Rad. That is all.
I’m ridiculously envious of the tiger fabric– so cool! I love the contrasting neckline and sleeve bands… they look great! What a fun dress!
Love the print! Knits are always fun to work with. You have to love new patterns that you work with and every piece fits together perfectly. Those are always the best 😉
I love it! Tigers are always awesome. Can I pick your brain a little about the neckband? I’m at the stage where I attach it, but when I line up the centre of the neckband with the centre of the front bodice, there seems to be way too much neckband along that bit, and nowhere near enough for the rest. I feel stupid but I can’t work it out!
Lauren, does this pattern include the seam allowance or do I have to add them? I can’t seem to get a hold of the designer.
The 3/8″ seam allowance is included 🙂
Thank you!
I love this dress so much I finally conquered my aversion to downloaded patterns and printed it out yesterday. Today I found some awesome yellow knit with frickin’ flamingos on it and hope to be wearing my new dress tomorrow.
Love your blog!
I LOVE everything about this dress great job this may be my first try at sewing with knit fabric I am just well envious. Thank-you for showing/sharing it is really great
Fierce and fabulous! LOVE the dress. thanks for the post