The Peacock Dress

I have been taking my time on this dress, as the fabric was a bugger to work with (initially). The fabric was purchased from Spotlight about a year ago. I bought a heap of it, because I had planned to make a top for my sister for Christmas, and then thought it would look brilliant in a maxi-dress for me. Well, I cut out the top for my sister, put my 'stretch-sewing' needles and walking foot into the machine, and that's where things went wrong. I just could not get the fabric to sew nicely. Skipping stitches all over the place. I actually wasn't sure if it was a problem with the fabric. It is a Polyester/Spandex single jersey knit, but it felt like it may have been over stentered...there just wasn't a lot of stretch left in the fabric.

I did eventually pick up some ball point needles, a lovely maxi-dress pattern (McCalls 6070) and set about cutting out a dress for me. And what do you know, it worked. The dress is incredibly comfortable, and I am glad I went down a size (or 2) as it is a perfect fit. The only 'issue' I have with it is that it feels a little short. Ankle skimming, rather than floor length. But in reality, I always struggle with floor length maxi's as the hem tends to catch on whatever shoes I am wearing.


So, can anyone tell me the difference between stretch sewing and ball point needles? I know ball point needles are for knits, but I am guessing now that stretch sewing needles might be for woven fabrics that contain spandex/lycra??