I sewed a dress for myself!
Hurray!!!
Also, my purple hair matches the purple accent fabric. Coincidence? I think not.
My original love for sewing came from the idea of being able to 'design' wearable clothes, choosing my own fabrics and pairing them together in ways that I liked, that might not exist in the 'real world' of clothes shopping.
Since getting my new sewing machine this past fall, this is the first dress I've made for myself...with fabric I bought the same week as I bought my sewing machine. Ha! Good things take time, I guess! :) Upon getting back into sewing, I realized anew that I really don't have the level of sewing expertise to create more complicated wearable items without patterns, so creating this dress had to wait until my sisters sent me a pattern to use from the USA. I really admire the art of pattern creation, because at this point patterns still seem like a mystical, magical puzzle from which beautiful dresses emerge somehow.
I didn't alter this design too much from the original--I stuck to a standard size to keep things simple. The waist is a tad loose for me, but that's better than a waist that's just a bit too tight, am I right? The pattern called for an invisible zipper, but I opted for a visible zipper and I lengthened the skirt by about 3 inches from the original. I mostly used french seams throughout the garment--I've used them before in a tunic I made for myself, and I like how well handmade garments last through wear and washing with french seams.
It's a pretty fun feeling to be able to wear something that started out as a bolt of fabric. If anyone's interested in getting started sewing, but feels intimidated by the art--I really recommend just doing it. I am totally self-taught when it comes to using a sewing machine, or, more accurately, internet- and user manual-taught. Of all hobbies I've ever tried, this is the one that most perfectly meets the line of being both fun and creative and really, really practical--from clothing to gifts to household linens--there are so many awesome things that can be sewn and used in everyday life. I like cross-stitch and embroidery as well, but it's not nearly as practical of a hobby, as it's purely decorative sewing instead of constructive sewing. There's room for both!
What is your favorite hobby? What sorts of hobbies are you drawn to most? I love hobbies that involve being creative...but I also have a distinct 'practical' streak, so I especially enjoy making things that I can actually use!
If there is one thing I suck at, it's sewing! I wish I could have your talent. What a cute dress!
Abby of Life in the Fash Lane
Adorable dress! Especially love it with the flower in your hair. :)
Oh I love what you did with this fabric - what a delightful dress! Thanks for sharing it with Visible Monday xox
Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
You did a great job!
I tried sewing waaaay back in grade 9. I found it very difficult and frustrating so I can really appreciate when someone creates their own clothes.
bisous
Suzanne
Love your dress!
This dress makes you look like a Disney princess. I approve.
My still-figuring-it-out, creative yet practical hobby is gardening. I've had my fair share of trial and error, like plants dying. So many plants dying. But I also have plants that thrive, and a compost heap that accidentally grew potatoes. I'm still learning, and I like what I've managed to do so far. My mom gave me all her gardening books before she died, and I've been reading them help me figure out just what kind of gardens I want. I'm big on planning, even if I realize some learning can only be done by doing! But since some gardening tools can get expensive, I want to plan as much to minimize wasting money on my mistakes.
I love the fabrics you used for that dress! Super fun. I love any art that has to do with fabric and fibers, and years ago I taught myself (using books, since we didn't have internet at home!) how to spin yarn with a drop spindle. It's one of my favorite "relaxation activities" to do from time to time.
This dress looks great on you, Rachel! I've attempted to sew myself a couple of dresses, one I finished one I did not. I didn't even like the finished one after I was done . . . I think I'll stick to sewing simpler things. :)
I want a sewing machine! I had one, but it was (I don't know if my mom still has it) with my mom in another state. I looked at some little ones recently but I'm working on decluttering, cleaning and minimizing right now, so it's not the time to buy one. But you're right it's so handy, even just for things like making bags and running a stitch on something.
"Better too loose than too tight, am I right?" Yes. Yes you are! Mad sewing skills and fashion sense. Love it!
Wow, I'm so impressed that you sewed that dress yourself! How fun!
This is gorgeous! Sewing can be so therapeutic, can't it?!
I love experimenting and making my own dresses as well.
This is amazing! I am super impressed right now. I always love watching Project Runway and seeing them turn a piece of fabric into a dress or shirt or whatever. Very cool! Great job!
The fabrics are all so pretty, but that floral one is my favorite! Love it! And love how this turned out. Well done!
I love what you did with this! I wish I was so creative!
Hi Rachel. I haven't stopped by in a long while but I am glad to be back and see you in such a pretty dress that is your signature style. You look lovely, friend.
Take Care, Ada. =)
I love that your hair and dress match!! <3
When I was younger, my neighbor taught me how to sew. We made blankets for nursing homes and some household things. I loved it and I loved being able to make something that I could use or give to someone else to use. After she passed away, I never touched my sewing machine again. Your beautiful post has me thinking that maybe I should get back into it. I'd love to be able to make a dress or something that someone could use in their home. My favorite hobby is writing, but I also love hiking, reading, making scrapbooks, and yoga! Sometimes I think I have too many hobbies!
So cute! Way to go! I used to sew clothes, but my perfectionism and lack of patience quickly got the best of me. However, I love to quilt. I also crochet, which is my absolute favorite!! Keep sewing! You are doing a phenomenal job!
Ah man, Rachel, this really inspires me to break out my sewing machine, and start working on something new! Your dress is so incredibly cute! Good for you! It reminds me a lot of a dress off of Modcloth, which is one of my favorite websites for dresses (I do a lot of looking, and not much buying, although once or twice a year they have a really good sale). So fun!
Your dress is beautiful! I love the style - especially the length! I am a beginner sewer --since I was a preteen, ha! I enjoy it but my perfectionism comes out and it takes several hours longer than it should...
That's great you were able to sew your own dress - it's very pretty! Purple is my favorite color.
So cute! And I love the purple in your hair :)
You are really good at sewing. I have a sewing machine but I haven't used it for several years. I used it for very basic sewing needs but never attempted to make any clothes. Your dress looks really nice and I love that the purple matches your hair.
Ahhh, that's the cutest dress ever!! I've always wanted to learn to make my own clothes, but that's sadly going to have to wait for a while. I love that dress on you though--the colors are perfect (love that it matches your hair too! :P )! :]
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