It’s a familiar scene: a harried woman is perched in front of her closet and wailing to herself, “I have nothing to wear!” The absence of appropriate attire is a legitimate reason to lament, which is why having staples and basics is imperative to well-being and well-dressing. You’ll always know what to reach for. A classic trench, a striped tee, a pair of blue jeans – all are must-haves. And a backless body suit – another essential. Without it, your closet is replete, but with it, you’re locked, loaded and ready to go in any situation.
Last year, Heather Lou released the hit pattern of the summer, The Bombshell Swimsuit, and this year, she’s at it again, just launching The Nettie, a dress and body suit.
Inspired by one of everyone’s favorite blogger, Nette, The Nettie features a scoop neck and a low-cut bottom. Intended to be a versatile basic, sewers have many silhouette options: 3 sleeve lengths, 2 necklines and 3 back variations. Last, it has an optional snap closure so you don’t have to remove the entire thing when in the ladies room (I hate that!).
When I received the email to be a pattern tester, my response was, I responded without any qualms for hesitation, “Did somebody say bodysuit? I’m in.”
The instructions suggest using a 4-way stretch fabric with at least 50% crosswise stretch. I had a 2-way stretch lace in my stash (also used to make this intimates set) and I was confident that I could use it as long as I placed the DOGS (direction of greatest stretch) around the body. I cut the smallest size (size 4) and the only pattern change I made was reducing the back crotch length (I have a petite torso, but long legs). Because my version is not bra friendly, I underlined the front with satin Spandex. Instead of finishing the leg and neck openings with a binding, which is what the instructions advise, I used a 1” stretch lace trim and set it flat. I have found through trial and mostly error that I like to set whatever trim that is going around the leg opening (elastic, binding, etc), without stretching. Who wants something digging into their skin? No thank you.
All seams are French so that it could be clean finished. Because I was using lace, I wanted the seaming to reflect the fancy vibe. I used a small zigzag stitch on the horizontal seams (shoulder seam and armhole/sleeve seam) and a straight stitch on the remaining vertical seams.
Heather is offering Nettie to one Madalynne reader. To enter, like both Madalynne and Closet Case Files on Facebook. Then, in the comment below, specify your method of entry and contact information. If you already like us on Facebook, that’s okay. Just say so in the comments. Contest opens immediately and closes Tuesday, May 20th, when a winner will be chosen, notified and featured on Madalynne. Good luck!
