In my latest fashion desire, I have been on the hunt for a multicolored sundress. Earlier in the spring I thought I didn't have enough rompers, so I had tunnel vision about finding some. Now I have plenty of cute rompers, but somehow a lack of patterned sundresses. So, that sparked a shopping trip. However I quickly got the impression that patterned dresses (outside of floral) are not in this summer. I saw fun prints in shorts, pants, rompers, skirts, and maxis but no short dresses that peaked my interest. So somehow I got the bright idea to just make one, and while I was at it I would sew a few other things on my project list as well.
First up was my green skirt. I've been really wanting a green skirt lately, but it seems to be really hard to find one. This project was actually not suppose to happen now, but I was at Hobby Lobby helping a friend pick out fabric and saw the green color I wanted. I decided to go for a circle skirt, which are really easy to make. You literally cut a circle and hem the edges. First I cut out my top circle. I laid my fabric out and gave it a good iron to remove all of the wrinkles and creases. Then I placed my waist template onto the fabric, and measured 18 inches around from the edge of the circle.
Once I had the length and measurements, I folded the fabric in half and cut a semi circle.
I needed to cut a second circle for the lining. The fabric is a little thin and I wanted to be sure I wasn't putting my goods on display for the world to see. I didn't have a large enough piece of fabric for another full circle. So I cut 2 halves and sewed them together. Then took both layers and pinned them to eachother.
Next step was to tackle the waist. I folded the edges down and sewed one stitch all the way around. I was about to fold it over again and do a second one to finish it off when I decided I wanted a waist band. So, I grabbed some leftover scrap fabric and made a strip and pinned it in place.
I did have to take the skirt in a little bit. Every time I sew a skirt I always use my waist circumference and it's always still too big. I'm not really sure how that happens, but I just did a little pin and tuck and then sewed the band all the way around. Next was the zipper. I purchased a hidden zipper from Joanns in the same color as the skirt. I cut a slit down the back, and pinned the zipper in place.
Using my zipper foot on the machine, I sewed both sides of the zipper to the skirt and closed up the back.
I was actually kind of impressed with my handy work. I guess that's what happens when you actually read the zipper directions. There was a whole step I was missing. The only thing left to do was hem the bottom, and VOILA we have a really cute green skirt.
I was so excited about it that I made a point to wear it to work that week.
I'm not really into being super matchy. So I decided to wear it with my navy and white striped shirt from Zara, a vintage navy belt I got from the thrift store, and my round toe nude pumps. Now I know in the picture the skirt looks simple, but it's actually quite voluminous. It definitely makes a statement in person.
So here's where my sewing gets interesting. I hadn't planned on making a maxi dress. However when I was in Joanns looking for colorful fabric, I came across this beautiful print. I was going to use it for the intended sundress, but when I held it up I realized the pattern went all the way to the floor. I knew right then I was making a maxi dress. Honestly though I was a little worried. The print was quite bold, even for someone with a larger than life personality such as myself.
This design was going to be a little more difficult because I didn't have a pattern to start from. I decided to buy muslin to make a template first. I originally started out using another dress as a template, but I thought it would be better to use the muslin instead. I could also use it for future projects. I feel like a sheath dress is happening this fall.
I actually made the shape a lot larger than I actually needed. It's always better to cut too much because you can always take it in. However, If it's too small....well....you're screwed. I used the muslin cutout to cut the actual fabric and then draped that onto the mannequin.
For the neckline I was going for a strappy, v-neck sort of deal. Starting with the original piece, I cut a little bit at a time until I had the shape I wanted.
I pinned the dress and tried it on. This is always dangerous as the goal is to not get stuck by one of the 50 pins that are in it holding it together. I wanted to make sure that it sat right and most importantly would work with a bra. Everything looked good so far. Only thing left was to finish the edge which started a whole new side adventure.
I really wanted to do an invisible seam at the top. However because of the fabric choice it was a little more difficult than I had anticipated. I tried several different things. I debated adding another piece of fabric and layering (which is what you're suppose to do). That just seemed like a lot. I tried hem tape. Which stuck for a little while, but due to the low heat needed for the silk fabric it didn't really bind. Then I decided to try and use fabric glue. Now I have to make the disclaimer that I really don't like to use fabric glue in clothing. 1. It doesn't seem secure, 2. It doesn't feel very professional. I was running out of options though. One of the biggest issues with fabric glue is the item going in the washer machine. Since the fabric was so delicate I decided to swear by hand washing for as long as I have the dress and give it a go. I'm still so ashamed though! *hanging my head* I sewed a piece of fabric into the first fold so the fabric could bind to something. Then I glued down the second fold and pinned it in place to hold it down while it dried. I repeated the same step on the the back piece and let everything set over night.
Once the top was dry I made some straps. I originally was going to use scrap fabric from what was left to blend in, but then decided to go with ribbon. The thin ribbon helped give the straps a more spring like and delicate feel.
Then I sewed the sides together and hemmed the bottom. I left the dress a little on the loose side for a really easy breezy feel.
I have to say I'm slightly in love with it. It took me 3 days to complete, but was well worth the work. I actually decided to wear my new dress to brunch last weekend.
The dress is so vibrant that I kept everything else simple.
What do you think? I was a little worried when the guy in Joanns held the fabric up. I thought WOW that's a lot of print and fabric for such a little person. However, I got several compliments on it at brunch so I must have done okay.
Now, to the sundress that started me down the whole sewing rabbit hole in the first place. I had a general idea of the design. The top would be a halter with a v neck. I looked around Joanns and honestly didn't find anything that was super colorful in a good wearable fabric. I did however find this spotted fabric that I liked. Weird because it was animal print, and those that know me know I don't wear spots. I don't know why, but I've never been a fan of animal print or skin. I tried many times to put it away or find a reason I didn't like it, but I kept talking myself into it, so I got it.
Now this fabric was sheer so it required an under piece. I picked up a yard of white lining while I was at Joanns. Rather than cut the sheer piece, I cut the lining first into the shape that I wanted.
Next I cut the printed fabric into the same size as the lining. Then I sewed both pieces together to create the basic shape of the dress. I used the mannequin to line everything up and make sure the shape and fit was right. I also tried it on myself a couple times just to be sure.
So originally I was going to sew in some elastic around the waist to cinch it in, but after trying it on I kind of liked the loose fitting look. Being that the fabric wasn't as colorful as I wanted, I decided to add some colorful trim. The trim would also double as the straps. I got some double fold biased tape in the color scarlet from Hobby Lobby.
I pinned my biased tape all the way around the top edge of the dress. I left extra on both sides long enough to go up around my neck as straps. I sewed a hook and eye closure to both ends of the biased tape to create a clasp. Then I sewed the bottom, reinforced the sides, and there you have it. A cute summertime sundress.
And since I had a little bit of fabric left over I decided to cut a rectangle make myself an infinity scarf.
I wore my design out this the weekend to enjoy the Ice Cream Festival and a little bit of shopping.
It was so hot this past weekend it was nice to have some breeziness.
That brings us to the end of my sewing week. Well not complete end. I still have a few other things that need to be sewn, but I'll save those for another post. I actually have been a little inspired about clothes and fashion and designing lately so maybe I'm on to something. I was really inspired by this blog I've been following of a woman who upcycles old thrift store pieces. I've done things like that before, but she definitely spins it in a way I haven't seen before. It's actually pretty cool. Can't say I'll make a business out of it, but it's fun to do once in a while. I also have a few other pieces I want to try and create. There's a pencil skirt or two on the mind come the fall. So, until then....It's on to the next project!
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