Know Me 2048 + S8656
My favorite fabric!
Ponte Roma is my absolute favorite fabric. Funny though, this was my first time sewing with it. So, I know you’re asking, “then how is this your favorite fabric?” Good question. I’ve always liked the feel of Ponte. I like how versatile it is. I like how it holds its shape, but also has some drape. I like that I could make pants with it. Even though I haven’t yet mastered the art of making pants. I have the Perfect Fit Pants pattern and I think Ponte Roma would be a good fabric to use. Other patterns I’m considering in the future for Ponte are Vogue 2032 (a tailored skirt pattern) and the one hour pants pattern by Simplicity 9752. Simplicity 9886 (colorblocked dress) would also be a good pattern to sew with Ponte.
Patterns Used
I made drop crotch pants using Know Me 2048 and a top using my TNT pattern Simplicity 8656. I made View B of Know Me 2048. I’ve made these pants before and it’s a pretty simple pattern with minimal pieces. Simplicity 8656 is a tried and true pattern. I did a whole series hack on S8656. This pattern is so easy. Just one pattern piece for the front and back. This pattern is out of print.
Ponte Roma
I didn’t wash the fabric beforehand (I never do); however, I’ve never had an issue with fabric shrinking or messing up after I made an item and washed it. I know that is risky, but I’ve been doing it this way for years. I will say, the only problem I’ve ever encountered was the fabric dye discoloring my hands and nails. But I still don’t wash my fabric before I sew with it.
I used a rotary cutter to cut this Ponte and quickly discovered I needed to change the blade. Once I did that, it was smooth cutting. When sewing knits, I usually serge my seams and/or use stretch thread (seraflex). I serged the seams. But because the waistband calls for elastic, I used stretch thread to sew the elastic casings. This fabric was fairly easy to sew and serge. I used my Pfaff 710 Expression sewing machine which has an attached walking foot. My serger is the Brother 1034D.
Ponte Roma has a great amount of stretch but it also snaps back into shape. I probably could have omitted the elastic casing because of the amount of stretch. I also think because of the amount of stretch, I could have gone down a size. I used ribbed knit for the leg cuffs and the bottom of the top. I also used fold over elastic for the neckline. I am not too pleased with the neckline. I might revisit it and adjust it.
Conclusion
Overall, I am quite happy with the make and fabric. I love the golden color of this Ponte and I think I may have a few scraps to make a headband later. I hope you enjoy the pics.
