Though everyone in the sewing blogosphere has probably already sewn at least one Moneta, I must say this is a wonderful pattern! Not only does the new expanded size range fit without significant grading, the design is a great base of many modifications.
My first Moneta was made from the original pattern and I’ve worn it extensively in the month since I completed it.
It is my latest Moneta that I want to share today. This Moneta hack has some pretty details that make it the perfect dress to transition into the cooler months whenever they see fit to show up here in South Carolina!
The two main modifications were to add a contrasting waistband and to add a cowl neckline. The waistband was a necessary “design feature” due to the lack of stretch in my fabric. This knit is super thick and after cutting the bodice I realized the bodice was a bit short. My simple fix was to add a solid black two inch wide waistband. I first added the waistband to the bodice then shirred the bodice to the skirt.
The second modification was to add a cowl neck. I used this tutorial from Sweet Verbena as a guideline and I think the final result is fabulous!
My Modern Vintage 
Oh, wow, I really like that! I love the waist band. In fact, I think I like it better than the original Monetta! I haven’t sewn any Collette dresses yet…the shipping is too expensive to Canada for me. But I do have her book, and I have the Sorbetto top downloaded and printed off. So maybe I’ll give one of those patterns a try soon -her things are fabulous judging by these two you’ve made. 🙂
I know what you mean about shipping (I always hesitate to buy Sewaholic patterns because of the shipping from Canada to the US) but Colette does offer pdf versions. I definitely recommend this pattern for a plain knit dress that you can easily modify.
Sometimes what starts as a problem like my too short bodice end up as a better than original. Don’t you love it when that happens?
I like your modification better than the original. Great dress. And if you ever get any cool weather send it north a bit. 🙂
Would love to have some cold weather for myself! Over the weekend it was still 90+ degrees!
But knowing me, I’ll be complaining about the cold in a couple of months 🙂
I know, I’ll be doing the same thing. Remember I’m just up the road a bit. I don’t mind the heat so much, this crazy humidity of late is making it yucky.
Oh yes, I forgot you were in the Charlotte area so you feel my pain!
Wow. Jeri, this is GORGEOUS! I’m with Ginger on liking your pattern hack even more than the original Moneta. The cowl and waistband are the perfect additions to this pattern. It looks amazing on you!
Thanks lady. Sometimes my “oops, now what?” works out! I have another one planned with an embroidered waistband that is next in my queue if I can quit buying new indie patterns 🙂
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this is absolutely stunning!! I am in a war with myself over the Myrtle or Moneta first… every time I see a new one my mind changes LOL!
Thanks! I made a Myrtle which I like but have made about 6 Monetas and absolutely love every one. The Moneta pattern is so easy to modify and a quick sew.