I Made a Dress!June 19, 2012
But not just any dress. This is my own pattern, which I made up MYSELF.
Oh, my gosh, I love those teensy flowers.
Seriously, this was the goal when set out to sew again. I wanted my own perfect dress pattern which I could whip out when I wanted something new, and I GOT IT. I copied the top of a dress I like from Eshakti (I've learned I like many gathers rather than just a couple of bust darts), and the skirt of a dress I made a long time ago which was just the right shape and length. I made four very frustrating muslins of the top getting the fit to be what I wanted.
It has pockets! I heart pockets. And it has no closures! Easy!
Where's Digit?
And it's fast, so fast. The dress took me two hours, and the bias tape (which I made myself!) and application took another two hours because I was determined to do it beautifully. Which I did, by the way. I had to rip two seams. I hate ripping seams like I hate ripping knitting. It galls me to my core. Oh, but sewing is a million times faster than knitting. Instant gratification!
Basically, I realize that I wanted dresses that look like old-fashioned aprons. YEP, THAT'S IT!
A few more pictures are over at Flickr for the curious.
Ahhhhhhh! It's gorgeous! I love that pattern. Maybe we could do a pattern swap or something...
Posted by: Sonya | Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 18:18
Congratulations! Looks great and will be a great template for whole rooms of cute dresses!
Posted by: Arla LeCount | Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 18:19
it's wonderful! you are such a talented woman- i admire your knitting and sewing skills! i've sewn things since i was 7, but can't make a pattern, and just started knitting. i've been quilting since 1991, and find all 3 crafts soul satisfying! keep up the wonderful work!
Posted by: ann kelley | Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 18:50
How cute are you and that dress?! Well done!
Posted by: Amy | Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 19:37
Great job!
Posted by: Gwendolyn T | Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 19:42
I love the dress, it is so you. Great job.
Posted by: Susanne | Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 20:07
You did a great job making up the pattern and the dress - well done! I first started making clothes for myself when I was a teenager and still enjoy sewing,but haven't made anything for myself for a while.Knitting is wonderful,but as you say,there is nothing like sewing for instant gratification!
Posted by: Leslie Abrey | Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 20:29
Fabulous confluence of fabric, style and model! I thought "apron" when I first saw it. Lovely, you!
Posted by: Celia | Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 21:37
So cute!! Great job!
Posted by: Dani | Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 04:33
Love it!!! Can't sew worth a lick myself, so in awe of your mad skills.
Posted by: Sally at Rivendale Farms | Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 06:25
I was thinking that looks like a nice apron when I first saw it. It's a very cute dress. Very retro.
Posted by: SapphireBlue | Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 06:51
Rachael you're a superhero! That dress is amazing!
Posted by: Lizz | Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 07:35
Hi Rachael!
Nice job on the dress!
Huge congrats on the new car and for paying off the debt. Being debt-free is a fabulous feeling. I was debt-free for a while and then a new Harley fell in love with me. It's gorgeous and rides like a dream!
It's been ages since my last comment (shame on me!) give Digit some kisses from me!
Posted by: Beth P. in Maryland | Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 08:35
Beautiful! I love it! That dress is SO you! You did a bang up job on it!
Posted by: Teenuh | Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 10:28
I loves that dress. Fits you perfectly.
Posted by: Helen | Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 13:08
Love it!! You did a great job! So cute!
Posted by: Natalie | Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 13:12
OMGosh it's lovely I'm not that good yet maybe when I get tired of processing and playing with fiber.
Posted by: Brandi | Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 17:00
I also have been thinking about making dresses! Your success and temps in the 90's are all encouragement that I need!
Posted by: Carol | Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 18:44
You are adorable! I love it that you just went for it and that you worked through 4 muslins to get it right. The result was certainly worth it!
Posted by: toni in florida | Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 19:17
Very cute! I am traumatized by sewing machines, pink fabric covered in teensy flowers and being forced to make my own bias tape :-P. Both my folks worked in the garment industry. Dad brought home a whole free bolt of hot pink calico covered in teeny yellow flowers and I wanted a simple peasant blouse ... uggghhhh ... never forget THAT weekend. or the horrid twist on that little peasant blouse. Mom was cheap with her elastic too.
Posted by: maddy ravname maddyknits2 | Thursday, June 21, 2012 at 10:15
I'm loving the sleeves/shoulders part of the dress! Fits you perfectly. Is it cotton? Very summery!
Posted by: Kristen | Friday, June 22, 2012 at 05:05
VERY cute... inspiring really. I could do something like that too... not EXACTLY the same mind you, but similar... Hmmm.... *plotting*
Posted by: Rita | Friday, June 22, 2012 at 18:33