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RED KNIT DRESS | SIMPLICITY 9175
Bold, bright, powerful, elegant. It makes a statement, draws energy and excitement. This is what the color red represents for me. If this dress looks familiar, that’s because this is the second time I’ve sewn it. I made it in a gorgeous, navy, Liverpool Knit last December with Simplicity 9175 (Out-of-Print). I loved it so much and decided to make another one for a recent speaking engagement. It was actually a last minute decision because I wasn’t really feeling the pink outfit I was working on. I wanted to feel powerful and energetic at this event. RED was the obvious choice for me, and simple elegance was the goal.
ABOUT THIS POST
This blog post will be a little different. Since I’ve already shared the details about the pattern in a PREVIOUS POST, I will share photos of the red dress in this post, and talk about the event where I spoke.
I was invited to speak at an event, called UNBREAKABLE, on International Women’s Day in my town. The three speakers were tasked with sharing our stories and how we came to be unbreakable. I was honored to share with the audience and learn from the other speakers. It was an amazing event and all the ladies enjoyed themselves. We had dinner, music, raffles, vendors, affirmations, and Unbreakable Woman Awards. They awarded three women from the community who have experienced very painful trials in their lives and have managed to come through it with grace and dignity. They are truly unbreakable.
If you’re not familiar with my story, I invite you to check out my book, STEP Into It, Overcoming Trials that Lead to Purpose. Not only do I share my own personal stories of devastation which lead me to this sewing community–but I also share the four steps that I have taken to gain healing and step into purpose.
Inside the Garment
I used all three of my Baby Lock sewing machines to sew the dress. The Soprano created all the main seams and darts, while the Vibrant and Euphoria finished off the seam allowances and hems. I always get a clean and polished look with these machines. This is garment #5 in my personal challenge to sew 23 patterns that I already have in 2023. And, YES, I’m counting this one even though I’ve already sewn it before. Check out Patterns #3 and #4 here.
Fabric Options
I used a red knit that I purchased from Hobby Lobby (no longer available). It was just the right color and thickness for my desire. It’s a Bullet Textured Knit with a poly/spandex blend. It has a nice drape and worked really well for the front wrap overlay and ties on the dress. I was really surprised to find exactly what I wanted at the last minute.
Alterations Information
I actually shortened the collar this time because I didn’t want it high on my neck. I wanted to make sure that I didn’t get too hot while speaking. One thing I forgot to do this time was reduce the armhole opening. There was extra fabric there that needed to be removed and I noticed this with the last dress. However, in my rush to get this dress finished, I totally missed the adjustment. That’s okay, because I do think I will sew the dress again. I like it that much. I can also remove the sleeves and still make the adjustment.
I wore the dress with a pair of red high heels, tri-color handbag, 3-tier drop earrings, my diamond bracelet, and a rhinestone brooch to hold the ties together. The brooch really added a touch of elegance to the dress. The entire look is classy and elegant — just my style. I absolutely love being able to make my own outfits for speaking engagements.
Winner of the Devotional Basket
Whenever I speak at an event where they’re having raffles, I sometimes donate a basket centered around something practical that I teach in my book. In chapter 15, I share how I created and use a devotional basket to keep all the items I need together when I’m reading or studying the Bible at home. In the giveaway basket, I include those items that are discussed in the book so that a blessed winner will be able to start using her basket right away during her own personal Bible Study. Here is a photo of the devotional basket winner at the UNBREAKABLE event. She was very happy to receive the basket.
Blessed to be a blessing
When I wrote my book in 2020, I had no idea where it would lead. I didn’t know that it would open opportunities for me to speak at events across the country. What God has taught me through the trials of life has become a universal message that can be applied to all circumstances. The framework that was birthed from the healing journey is now being implemented into the lives of women all over. I am humbled.
Walking in Purpose
After each speaking engagement, I am met with words of gratitude and encouragement, as women make their way to my book table to purchase signed copies. When they share how the message touched their hearts, I know that I’m right where God wants me.
Thanks for stopping by,
Don't Forget your Sewing Project Checklist
Did you know that I created a Sewing Project Checklist to help you stay organized while sewing your garments? If you missed the video where I shared 3 Steps to Time Saving Sewing for Beginners, check it out to learn how you can streamline your sewing process. Tap the link below to get a Free PDF copy of the Checklist.
Links to Products, Posts & Tutorials
Here are links to products, blog posts, and tutorials mentioned in this post.
(DISCLAIMER: This blog post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission on qualifying purchases. All opinions in this post are my own.).)
This Post Has 23 Comments
Congratulations to you lovely lady!
Love this dress! The event seems like it was a hit! Continue to be blessed!
De!!!!! My beautiful SEW Sister! Thank you so much! I would love to have seen her expression when she opened the basket. I included a beautiful, handwritten note to bless her and share words of encouragement. It truly blesses my heart to give away these baskets. I think I want to make this dress in turquoise next time. Ooohhh, black would be amazing too. Oh my, I don’t know how many of these dresses will end up in my closet. I just love it so much.
This dress is gorgeous, Anita!
Thank you Ramona!❤️
What a beautiful post! The dress is stunning. Thank you for sharing the pictures at the book signing. Looks like it was amazing.
Thank you DJ! Yes, it was an amazing event.
Anita the red dress is gorgeous and so are you. I noticed that red was a popular color at the speaking engagement. You are an inspiration and a very genuine person. We all have our trials and tribulations in life and you seem to have come through it gracefully. Congratulations on all the new adventures you are experiencing and will continue to experience. You deserve it all because of your generosity of spirit and the glory you give to The Most High.
Jean, thank you so much for these words of encouragement. Yes, red was the color and it was so beautiful seeing the other women dressed in the power color. May God always be glorified. 🙌🏾
Beautiful dress!
Thank you Delores! ❤️
This red dress is absolutely beautiful!!!!! The whole outfit was perfect for this event, love the Jesus Rules pin too!
Thank you, Monica! I think it was perfect for the event tool ❤️
Anita,
Thanks for sharing your life with me. You are right where I hope to be someday; sharing my story and working with God’s Holy Spirit to change women’s lives.
Oh my goodness, Diana! I’m so happy you’re here and that I can be a demonstration for you of what’s possible. You heart’s desire is aligned with God’s will. He wants to use you, my sister. And He will. ❤️
MISS ANITA- that red is gorgeous! This blog was very special. Seeing all those lovely women there really touched my heart as I thought of their stories might be. I was teary-eyed but felt joy for them.
Thank you for sharing.
Oh, Carmen! Thank you so much for this message. Being there with them and having the opportunity to look into their eyes was beyond precious. God is blessing me so deeply by allowing me to connect with women in this way. ❤️
Thank you for sharing this. You looked amazing.
Thank you, Sheila! ❤️
What an Inspiration you are to us Anita! GOD BLESS you as you Go Forward doing what He called you to do. What a Beautiful dress!
Thank you so much, Dara! God bless you too, my sisters.
Your dress is beautiful, as usual, and it coordinated well with the room decor. 🙂 May God continue to bless you as you follow his will. You’re truly inspiring when it comes to sewing and more importantly when it comes to life!
Thank you so much, Sonya! I’m so GLAD I changed to red. You’re right. It fit perfectly with the room decor.