Knit Cirque Dress

Way, way back in February when Carolyn was in town - we went to expo.  One of the things we did - besides buy fabric - was go to a couple of fashion shows.  The first fashion show we went to was the Tilton Sisters.  I fell in love with the Cirque Dress (Vogue 9112).  Mind you - it's not really dress length, it's a tunic.  There was a lovely dress in the talent show - that they had added 7" of length to and I was sold!  I looked at Carolyn and said - can I wear that?

I wasted 2 weekends tracing the pattern and trying to add length and keep the integrity of the pieces.  The first weekend - I tried to add the length just below the waist - I couldn't connect the lines.  The next weekend - I tried adding the length just at the bottom - again, I couldn't figure it out.

But - in the end, I just made it the length in the pattern.  Which was a good thing - because I barely had enough fabric to cut out.  In fact - I had to cut the collar lining in a solid color.  I also cut solid bias to finish the armholes.  The fabric is an incredibly drapey poly jersey - and while it wasn't a recommended fabric - it did have enough drape to be able to pull it off.  

 

This dress is way outside my norm - but I love it!  The fabric was a gift from Carolyn, the design was first seen with Carolyn - so maybe, just maybe I should call this The Carolyn Cirque dress.