I have been sewing since my Grandma Effie taught me when I was around 8. I would spend my summer visits in Chicago learning how to sew using Barbie patterns. She was one of those seamstresses that could look at you, never take a measurement and whip up a garment that would fit like a glove. As a result I ended up studying apparel and textile design in college. Although I didn’t pursue a career as designer after college, I did end up working in the fashion industry for many years in visual merchandising.
I recently had the itch to sew again. The last time I sewed was over 2 years ago. Although I haven’t sewn on the regular, I do have a stash of fabric and patterns that I have accumulated over the years. I love pretty fabrics and end up buying them with visions of wonderful garments I plan on constructing. Unfortunately, it never happens.
I decided to renew my love of sewing and whip up a dress last weekend. Since I am the queen of not following through on projects or taking eons to complete, I broke everything down in parts to keep me from getting overwhelmed. On Friday I graded my pattern and cut it out. Saturday, I sewed up my dress.
I used the Simplicity Pattern 2586 by designer Cynthia Rowley to construct this dress. I had to grade the pattern up at the hips to cover my ample size but I cut a smaller size at the bodice. A good thing about sewing your own clothes is that you can customize your garment to fit properly. Next time I use this pattern I will grade one size down in the bodice. I kept the dress short and didn’t add the contrast brand. I used an abstract printed polyester fabric I had in my stash. The dress pattern had pockets. I absolutely love dresses with pockets.
This was a simple pattern to get me back into the swing of things. It only took me two days to cut out and sew. I already have my eye on the next garment I’m going to sew. Also, my earrings are an DIY upcycle. Stay tuned for how I did it.
12 comments
Wow! You did such a great job! I wish my Bigma would have taught me how to sew. Love the print!
@StyleChic360 Thank you. It’s never to late to learn. I’m sure Joanne’s offer sewing classes.
How cute are you. That dress is so damn cute. Did I say cute? Great job look forward to seeing more of your creations. You shoild pop it on Pattern Review (love that site)
How cute are you. That dress is adorable on you. threadnoir.blogspot.com
@sassytinacreates Thanks a bunch!
The dress looks amazing. Your grandmother taught you well! My sewing machine died, but I’m hoping Santa will leave one under the tree this Christmas!
@yummommy Thank you lady!! Hopefully Santa will bring you a sewing machine. But in the event he doesn’t, Walmart has some fine looking machines priced really low.
Love the dress especially with the pockets you did an amazing job an the fit is perfect on you………Im looking forward to taking a sewing class soon what type of machine do you have?
@tharjyep Thanks for the lovely compliment. I have a Brother cs6000i. I believe I purchased it from Walmart. I bought it about 4 years ago. But Brother still makes them.
I can not believe that you actually made that gorgeous dress, you should start a business, I tried learning to sew last summer, gave up way too early!!
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@Neche Thanks doll!! Don’t give up on sewing. Try it again with a simple pattern. Practice makes perfect.
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