Hello friends!
I hope you’re all doing well! I’m happy to be sharing my non-tester version of the Cashmerette Turner dress. I tested this pattern several months ago and made a version in some cheap grey animal print poly jersey that I had in my stash, so I won’t be sharing that. However, I’m definitely sharing my latest version sewn from the final pattern.
Source: Cashmerette Patterns
The Turner is a knit skater dress pattern with a lined bodice and sleeve variations. It’s an incredibly quick and easy sew and a definite wardrobe builder. It took me about two hours to sew this on Thanksgiving Eve, which may have been less if I wasn’t fiddling with my DVR for part of that time. I already had this dress cut out, so that probably helped save me time. It’s also a fast cutting project with minimal pattern pieces. I say that as I have been sewing garments lately that have many pieces and longer construction times than I planned for. This dress is a refreshing sew, especially as I had few modifications.
The only alteration I made to this dress was to lengthen the skirt about 1 1/2″, both to account for my height and my skirt length preference. I graded between sizes to suit my varying measurements as is standard for me.
I used this sublime navy organic stretch cotton jersey courtesy of Organic Cotton Plus. This was my first time sewing with one of their fabrics and it was a very nice experience. Most of the organic cotton knits that I see don’t have any stretch to them and I’m always wary of buying any. I was happy to find a stretch jersey on the OCP site and I’m very happy with the result. I pre-washed the fabric and the photos are taken after its second wash. I’m actually wearing this dress again today and the fabric looks and feels the same. It’s a nice weight for a jersey and oh so comfy.
Misprint on this label as it’s 5% spandex
My plan was originally to make a Cashmerette Appleton wrap dress with this fabric, but then I got my Turner pattern in the mail and decided that I’d like a new version of that and here we are. 🙂
This dress is a bit plain. Basically I think of solid colored dresses like this as plain as I’m undeniably a print girl. But this is really the kind of dress that fits so perfectly in my wardrobe and will be worn quite often in the colder months. I tend to wear out my knit dresses (Moneta, Appleton and now Turner dress patterns) when it gets cold here and live in them. They’re so easy to wear and throw on and they keep me warm. I have no doubt that I’ll make another version sometime soon.
One of the best things about a simple dress like this one is that you can dress it up with accessories. It’s the perfect canvas for accessorizing. Plus, this color goes with so many things.
Excuse the pet hair. It’s always on me.
I need two or three more Turners in my closet. I’d love to have a wool jersey version. I do have a length of merino jersey in my stash and if I have enough, I’ll definitely make a Turner with it. I *may* even prefer this pattern to the Moneta. I think perhaps I prefer the flared skirt and the v-neck of this one, but both patterns are great. This one will be in my wardrobe rotation until spring, so hopefully I don’t wear it out too much washing it!
Note: I received the fabric for this dress at no charge in return for a review. I received this pattern in return for being a pattern tester. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Happy Sewing,
- Dress: Cashmerette Turner dress in organic stretch cotton jersey, made by me
- Boots: Aerosoles
- Belt: Macy’s
- Earrings: BaubleBar
- Pin: Vintage from my grandma
Such a lovely fit on this one! It’s funny. I think I have similar feelings about solid colored dresses, yet those are always the ones that get the compliments. Perhaps when all the pattern is taken away, what you’re left with is the beautiful form of the dress to be noticed and any accessories you add. I’ve always wondered about this company’s fabrics. It looks like a great weight for a dress–something akin to a nice ponte?
Thanks, Elizabeth! This dress is one that I’ve been turning to a lot lately! This jersey is a midweight, but not as heavy as a ponte. Just a little bit lighter.
I don’t even where to begin with my compliments. Let me first gush over the pattern itself- gorgeous, perfect wide v-neck, so lengthening without getting too into cleavage, which I love for practicality, and it’s gorgeous on you. I love every choice you made for this dress, Tanya! I think we all should wear more navy blue, and you are living proof of that here. I love that you have the Sarah Coventry T initial pin. I have one in ‘G’ for George (my dad) but I love monogram and initial pins, even when the initials aren’t mine! I have an HP from my great aunt Helene Poehlman (by way of my Nana) that I love even though it’s scratched.
How amazing that you knew the brooch designer! I had no idea! My grandma had a lot of jewelry with her initials, which thankfully are the same as mine. 🙂
Thanks for sharing your opinions on the fabric, i have thought of ordering from them before but I wasn’t sure how the jersey would be- too thin? not stretchy enough? Glad to hear it worked for you. I love your dress and I really need to revisit the pattern. My tester version was a disaster but I think that was due to fabric choice? I’m not sure but it came up huge. like multiple inches. I need to try the final version!
This stretch jersey is more like a midweight. It’s not too thin and it has a nice amount of stretch. I’m often wary about organic jerseys for the same reasons as you. You should definitely make another Turner dress!
Love the navy organic jersey. It looks great on you. It must be comfy.
Thanks, Bonnie! Yep, so comfy. Like secret pajamas.
This is beautiful! I love the color and the neckline, so flattering. And if you do wear it out this winter, another couple hours is all you need for a new one 🙂
Thanks, Kelly! Yes! A couple of hours and a new dress! Not much better than that.
A plain navy dress like this is perfect for accessorizing! And especially with such a sweet pin; did your grandmother’s name also start with a T?
Definitely! Yes, her name with Thena. She loved to wear jewelry with her initials. 🙂
This is next in my queue! I love your navy version and will go check out the OCP site! I love how you accessorize–I have been wearing a “uniform” for shoes and jewelry since college!
Thanks, Lety! It’s a quick sew that you will wear all the time!
Personally I love plain stuff and so I think this looks great: classic and so wearable.
Thank you, Manju! I’ll definitely be wearing this dress a lot.