Making a dress from a store bought pattern is so easy! For other people.
My first attempt at making my daughter a dress was a disaster. In fact, the dress ended up being a shirt because I ran out of fabric. Bing Bong! You can read about it here and here. I also tried using a pattern on this little gem here but it too was a complete chop job.
So here we are, three dresses in, and while I still don't understand all the verbiage on pattern directions (I used Simplicity 2825), I am pretty excited with how this one turned out. It's a size too big for my little gal, but she can grow into it. I'll actually be posting it as a guest tutorial in May, so keep an eye out for it.
The dress looks great. I don't think they make patterns the way they used to. I have been sewing for years, but I have had a few patterns in the last few years that have been almost impossible, so I end up falling back on the old methods I was taught and they work so much better. Plus, fabric seems to be getting narrower and narrower. I've had to make skirts less full, rearrange pattern layouts, add extra yardage to ensure I have enough space. I've had fabric where the bolt says it is 44/45", but it actually measures less than 42"! You almost have to take a tape measure along to make sure you're getting enough yardage, and even then the pattern pieces may not fit like they are supposed to.
ReplyDeleteThanks Amy! Wow, I had no idea. I've only been sewing for a short time and I never knew that. Makes me want to find some good vintage patterns :-)
DeleteThat dress is adorable! I love the fabric you picked. ;0
ReplyDeleteThanks Kyetra :-)
Deletelooks cute! but I hate sewing with store brand patterns. the sizing is almost always off and the fabric requirements seem like soooo much more than the pdf patterns you can buy from the many talented online pattern sellers..
ReplyDeleteI agree 100%. I don't understand the sizing at all...an alien robot must have come up with it ;-)
DeleteOh SOOO cute! I love the fabric that you chose... makes me kinda want to make myself one with the same prints. And better a bit big than too small, right? I've not used a store bought pattern without help from my Mum EVER. (And that was more than a decade ago...)
ReplyDeleteYou rock for sticking with it. :)
Ha! It was a hate/love relationship ;-) Thanks for the encouragement!!!
DeleteLooks so cute!
ReplyDeleteCheck out the award I just nominated you for!
http://www.vintagemauve.com/2012/04/17/versatile-blogger-award/
Sa-weeet ;-)
Deleteoh...how sweet! she looks like she loves it and the patterns are precious!
ReplyDeleteBonnie @ Uncommon
www.uncommondesignsonline.com
Adorable! Love the yellow fabric !
ReplyDeletelove the fabric choices! think your little darling does too. great job.
ReplyDeleteThis is adorable it turned out great! Thanks for sharing over at The Winthrop Chronicles!
ReplyDeleteHi: I'm Connie at http://hotflashncraftn.blogspot.com/, your new GF friend. I would love it if you stop by and be mine, too.
ReplyDeleteI just love cotton dresses for the summer. This is adorable. Thanks for sharing.
Thgis dress is beautiful! (and your daughter is a cutie too!)
ReplyDelete