30 July 2016

A Long-Gestating Sewing Project

Once upon a time, several years ago, in a department store far, far away... I spied a black shirt dress. I loved the style, the color, the fabric... everything except the fact that it was about 12 inches too short.  And, because I am not one to just put up with that, I snapped a picture, hung it back up on the rack, and made a mental note to make one someday just like it that fit me properly.

And a couple months ago, that project, which I hinted about all last semester, finally came to fruition!

(Photo credits go to my fantastic sister, Danielle)







I highly recommend the pattern that I used, Simplicity 8014! It was a moderately difficult build; not too confusing, just rather time consuming. I made it one size smaller than the envelope suggested, and it fit perfectly without any other modifications or alterations. I'm considering making a second dress from the pattern, perhaps with the mandarin collar and shorter sleeves, out of a more summer-y fabric? We'll see. :)

As for the fabric I used, the black "peach skin" polyester I got from Joann is probably the most comfortable and beautiful fabric I've ever worn.  It literally feels like peach skin, and flows like a nice quality silk.  Literally amazing... buuuut kinda a pain to work with, as with pretty much any silky-style fabric. :P

Oh, and with this project, I mastered buttonholes! Good thing, too, since I had to make something like twenty for this dress... ;D  My oldie sewing machine doesn't have the cool buttonhole setting like some of the newer models, but I figured out how to do them manually easily enough.  It was actually kind of fun, now that I think of it... ;)

So, that's the project I worked on all Spring semester long, finally completed! I hope you all are enjoying your summer (I am!) -- and happy almost August! ^_^

10 comments:

  1. You are AMAZING!!! I never thought I would have a sister who could sew like this! Those seams look better than store bought!!! BTW: I think your next project should involve chiffon or georgette so you can be ready to sew my wedding dress when the time comes ;)

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    1. Ahahah!! Thanks, Alissa! ;D Hey, you furnish the expenses, and I'm totally up for trying my hand at wedding fashions... :D

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  2. You sewed this?! GURLLLLLLL! This is amazing!! :D I am literally scrolling up and grinning at how proud I am of you for making it yourself! Keep it up!
    ~Evie

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    1. GURLLLLLL. Gosh you're so sweet. Thank ya thank ya ^_^

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  3. that is GORGEOUS! And so are you honestly. wow. I love it!

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  4. Your sewing skills are incredible! That's a gorgeous dress <3

    Ellie | On the Other Side of Reality

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    1. Ohhhh I dunno about that! ;) But gracious, thanks so much, dear!! ^_^

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  5. Ooh, how lovely! Looks beautifully well made.
    I like that you accented it with green. ;]

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    1. Thank you, Zoe!! I rather liked the green belt addition as well -- I'm not really one for all-black outfits, and I figured it'd be nice to add a bit of definition to the waist anyway! So, I'm glad you appreciated that. ;)

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