Please excuse how tired I look in these photos. They were taken at 6:45 p.m. as we were about to head out to the mall to do some errands...on a homeschooling day. It's logical that I might be just a touch less energetic than normal, particularly given the fact that I'm a morning person!
Today's topic is a throwback to the good old days when I had a sewing machine. My, those were good days. :) I still hold out hope for having a sewing machine again sometime.
This dress has appeared on the blog a few times, here is its debut post. When it comes to handmade/homemade clothing, I think it's important to take note of what actually gets worn in the long run and what survives the rough life of being regularly worn and laundered with the rest of your wardrobe. When you're a novice sewer like me, you don't necessarily know how to design clothing that will last or how to choose fabrics that will be comfortable and practical. Not all of my clothing creations have been strategically designed, though I've certainly enjoyed all of them.
This dress, though, has proven to be the mostfrequently worn of anything I've created myself. I didn't wear it all that often at first, but especially in China, where I wore cotton dresses to work nearly every day (that's what you'd wear too if you were teaching in an un-airconditioned room full of 50 teenagers). This dress has gotten a LOT of use, in part because it fits great and is comfortable in hot weather, but also because the pattern is just so perfectly 'me' that I smile every time I look at it. This dress has stood the test of time and I'm happy about it.
A few other things I've made did actually make the cut and were packed along on our adventure, both to Malaysia and to China--this skirt and this tunic among them. Hopefully those will pop up soon in future outfit posts, but neither one has proven quite as practical for frequent wear as this dress!
If you make your own clothes, do you find yourself wearing your handmade creations often, or mostly 'saving' them for special occasions?
My clothes that I've made myself is usually needing repair quite frequently - so I used to wear them often when I had a machine to sew up seems that ripped, but now they're in a pile awaiting hand-stitched-attention.
Oh wow that's lovely. I'd love to have a go at making my own clothes x
I think it's awesome that you make some of your own clothes. I got a sewing machine for our wedding but I don't really know where to set it up, so I haven't started tackling any sewing projects yet. This dress seems like a perfect balance of fun and classy!
What a cute pattern on the dress! I taught English in China, too, and dresses were what I lived in during the summer months!
xo, Chelsie @ Life with Rosie
That's such a super cute dress! I'd wear it.
I *wish* I was able to create handmade clothing as sweet as this.
bisous
Suzanne
Love it! I always look for patterns that my mother in law could sew for me (since I'm incapable of sewing a straight line!!) but can never even find fabric that I like enough to wear!! - Dorrie @ Rt 1 US 1
I have some clothing that I've created myself. Isn't it awesome when someone asks "where did you get it" and you say that you made it yourself. Best feeling. You look great in this too and it looks like a quality piece!
www.jerseygirltexanheart.com
I'd never have the confidence or patience to make and wear my own clothes, but I LOVE it when people do. You go girl! I wish I had your skills.
ww.chloecake.blogspot.com
Your dress is lovely! I sew most of my clothes and my main goal is to have a completely handmade wardrobe. You can usually find me wearing at least one handmade item. :)
Very cute dress that, I can just tell, is very 'you'....love it!
You look so adorable and pretty in that gorgeous dress!! :)
Nice work, Rachel! It fits you so perfectly, and that fabric is bright and happy. I have one piece that my grandmother made for my mom, and I wear it a lot! Handmade items can be hit or miss... in my case, mostly miss.
This dress is adorable! It's funny, I've made some art pieces that are garment-like in nature, but sewing and I just don't get along for complex projects like actual, wearable clothing. So I'm super impressed by your sewing skills and how long this piece has lasted you--that print seriously is so fun and you!
So cute....love the colors
That's such a cute dress! I really want to one day be able to make my own clothes! (Not sure when I'll ever find the time, but...one can dream!) I took a sewing class in elementary school and made my own skirts + shorts! But I definitely can't fit into those anymore, hahaha.
Cute!! I wish so badly I was talented enough to do this! I can't even sew. lol
I love that dress! Haha but I'm going to have to agree with Chelsea, above... I could never do this because I can't sew either! /:
Ahh! Okay so I have always wanted to be able to make my own clothes! I love this!! Thanks so much for sharing!!
Blessings,
Rebecca :)
All the clothes that I make get worn pretty regularly. When I first started making my own clothes I would make skirts out of the cheapest fabric I could find. Those didn't hold up as well and many have been worn to pieces. It's a great feeling to actually wear the things you put the effort into. I love your dress. Especially the fabric. :-)
It's great that you are able to sew your own clothes and make things you love like this pretty dress!
Alice
www.happpinessatmidlife.com
Would love to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
I can't believe you know how to make that & you're glowing!
That is a beautiful dress! If I was able to make my own clothes, I'd wear them all the time too. Especially if they were as pretty as this! :) I'm terrible with a needle and thread!
Away From The Blue Blog
What a pretty dress! I love the fabric you selected. Your belt and shoes are very complimentary. When I have the time I enjoy sewing. I seems like once I start a project I will go on a sewing jag for weeks!
Jennie - A Pocketful of Polka Dots
Come join me for the Fabulous Friday Link-Up!
You made this?! I'm so impressed!! I've made some really simple things (blankets.... Lol), but this looks so good! I love the lines and the colors!!
That dress is darling! I like sewing costumes and fancy dresses, so I don't usually wear things I made very often. Although, I am currently wearing a sundress I just finished this morning :)
I'm amazed that you made that dress! So pretty!
Oh wow I love this and it's so nice to make your own clothes and get enjoyment out of wearing it
Stoping over from SITS sharpest
Laura x
www.sidestreetstyle.com
Love this dress! I have been begging hubby for a sewing machine so that I can make some clothes for Colt (even though I've never used a sewing machine before and know absolutely nothing about sewing!)
You are so talented! I've only half way mastered straight lines on my sewing machine but maybe one day I'll work my way up to being able to make a dress!
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