So Much To Make: dress

Showing posts with label dress. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

The Bowerbird Shift Pattern Review

I tested this cowl neck dress or top pattern back in October. It is a lovely design, with a flowy feel, a flattering tie-waist, and pockets (even on the shirt version!).

Lindsey from Sew To Grow is the designer. I have tested a few of her other patterns (The Bondi Top, The Noosa Shift), and once again, I was impressed. Lindsey is thorough in her instructions, so that even a novice sewist could handle this construction.

I made the dress first, and liked it so much that I decided to make a top as well. Every time I wear this dress, I receive compliments on it.

Did I say how much I love that it has pockets??

I used a light rayon print for this dress. I found similar here and here.

For the Bowerbird shirt, I used a synthetic grey knit (similar here). When I make another dress or top, I will use a knit again. I really love the way the cowl neck naturally falls with the knit fabric.

To purchase this pattern, go here:

Sew To Grow Etsy

Sew To Grow (AU)

Thursday, October 29, 2015

DIY Adult Anna Costume

My youngest, baby, only 5-year-old daughter asked me to be Anna. That was pretty much all it took. I had to seize this moment! Who knows if she'll ever ask me to dress up alongside her for Halloween again?!!

I made my costume in a day. This included going to Wal-Mart to buy all the supplies. (Yes, they were ALL from Wal-Mart--so INEXPENSIVE--Yay!).

I already had my white blouse and black boots. If you don't have these in your wardrobe already, borrow or try a thrift store to keep the costume cost down. I also already had the pom pom trim, but similar can be found here or at most fabric stores.

Here's the breakdown of the supplies and their cost:

For the Anna Dress:

I used 1 yard of blue jersey knit fabric and followed THIS TUTORIAL from Altered Cloth to make this simple gathered skirt.
I trimmed the bottom edge of a black camisole to have an angular scallop at the front like Anna's dress does.
I pinned, then sewed on the gold trim--just on the front of the bodice and neckline--and over the straps.
I used chalk to outline the flowers for the bottom of the skirt and the front decoration on the camisole.
I used fabric paint to draw over the chalk drawings I made.

For the Anna Cape:

I used 3 yards of 55"(ish) fleece and THIS TUTORIAL from Skip to My Lou to cut out the two pieces of the cape. The three yards helped it to fit an adult instead of a child (as in the original tutorial).
I sewed pom pom trim to the edge of the capelet (instead of hot gluing--faster and less frustrating!)
I layered a strip of leftover fleece (for a tie) between the necks of the caplet and cape and sewed them all together (instead of hot-gluing). A ribbon would work well here, too, but I didn't have any that matched on hand.

And that's it! Anna is ready!

My costume was a HIT at our church Trunk-or-Treat! There were 2 or 3 little Annas there who would stare up at me with gaping mouths when I said hi! :) And my daughter didn't want to leave my side! She said we were sisters and had to go around together! That made this definitely worth a last-minute effort!

Participating in these link-ups.

Monday, June 15, 2015

The Noosa Shift Dress Pattern

I had the opportunity to test the pattern for this darling, comfortable and versatile dress. What a pleasure it was to work with Lindsey from Sew To Grow! I have only good things to say about this pattern.

The pattern fit true to the size requirements stated. It includes pictures with each step and is worded very clearly. I never used my seam ripper the entire time!

I was able to customize the length of the dress to fit my long-waisted body with built-in adjustment lines on the pattern. This is a HUGE feature that too many dress patterns don't have.

I made my dress from a printed linen, so it is light and airy for summer but not at all see-through--so no need to wear layers underneath. It is perfect for the heat of the summer! I am looking for a good deal on more fabric to make myself a second one. I like it THAT much!

To purchase your own downloadable pattern: CLICK HERE.

Use code NOOSASHIFT for 25% off through June 19!

Participating in these link-ups.

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

The Poncho Tunic

One of my dearest friends just had a birthday, and I wanted to make her something cute. She lives too far to be my model, which is too bad because she will rock this piece when she wears it!

I followed my own Poncho Shirt Tutorial to make this, but made a few changes because of the length. I will walk your through it all. No biggie, I promise!

To begin, you will need 1.25 yards (45 inches) of 60 inch wide fabric. I suggest a knit fabric so it will stretch nicely. Also, many knits roll nicely on the edges, so you don't have to hem.

You'll also need elastic thread, and all-purpose coordinating thread.

1. Fold the fabric in half so it is 45" long by 30" wide (folded).

2. Cut along the fold, making two pieces, each 45x30". Lay it out with short sides on top and bottom.

3. Follow the instructions in Steps 2-7 of the Poncho Shirt Tutorial for making the neckline and shoulders.

4. Hem the neckline.

5. Cut a curve on each side of the base of the tunic, as shown. I cut one side, then folded it in half and used the cut side as a guide for cutting the other side. I also trimmed about 1.5 inches from each side of the tunic because I decided not to do a rolled hem. If you need to hem your edges, do that now, all the way around the bottom and sides.

6. Beginning 9 inches down and 4 inches in, pin through both front and back, 18 inches down the tunic, on both sides to make the arm holes and give shape to the piece.

7. With elastic thread in your bobbin, stitch along the pins, removing as you go. Tie off with a back stitch or two at the beginning and end.

8. With iron on lowest heat for fabric, press along the elastic to draw it up further, if desired.

With the fabric I chose, I liked the look best with a belt. I tried it with a jean jacket--also super cute for fall! So many possibilities here! And so easy to make!