Below was my very first attempt at making my own clothing from scratch. I made it back in early 2009 while pregnant with Penelope. I started with simplicity pattern #3673 and added sleeves & a pleated skirt and frantically whipped it up late Saturday night before heading off to church.
I’ve learned a lot about construction & finishing hems since I made this dress. After this was a success, I made another one with buttons & legit button holes using some free fabric I scrounged. It was curtain fabric; aka “Sound of Music” fabric. I wore that a couple of times, but never photographed it.
I swapped both dresses with Sarah & she’s worn both of them, which just makes my day. I love how she wore my first dress: backwards. I had made the dress button up in the back, but I love how Sarah showcased the buttons in front. They really are cool. Doesn’t she have the coolest shoes ever?
Also, I love how Sarah wore the “Sound of Music” version with Western boots. Aren’t those babies killer? Sarah’s style just kills me some times.
On a side note, it’s so fun to look back at our old furniture (sold that chair back in SF) and our old apartment through my sewing documentation. I really wish that chair hadn’t been as broken as it was. It’s got killer bones. Also, the top photo was taken before I ever dreamed I’d own a DSLR. It just shows what you can do with a little natural light & photoshop.
Both dresses are really great looking and I agree that she has some awesome shoes!! I can’t believe that was your first attempt at sewing. My first attempt was decidedly less good.
I love both dresses. And agree it’s fun to look back at past projects as see what development has taken place through the years. (and I love your chair–I posted today about my Good Bones Chair- funny how “bones” seems the correct description?!) (and- I just found out you are my friend Polly’s sister in law! Small world.)
Wow, you made that adorable dress in a night? Totally gives me hope that in 2 years I will be, um, AMAZING at sewing. Which is awesome since after going thrifting a few times this summer and beginning to sew this year I now see no point in spending money on new clothes.
After being subject to looking like an amish girl for the first 10 years of my life (My dear Mother insisted on making ALL out clothes, including our cloth diapers. I must note that my Mother is from the country and had zero style. At all.) I was terrified of homemade clothing until recently.
I’m determined to update a cute Tshirt I have laying around.. baby steps!
the dress turned out beautiful! what a unique style. love it.
and your blog design is gorgeous too, by the way! :)
Megan
letterstorome.blogspot.com
OH Melissa. I am so lucky to don your dresses. Seriously. Love them both, and have major respect for your ridiculous talent for designing and sewing. I got a TON of compliments on that floral number. So thankful to be the recycled dress beneficiary.
i do still love the short hair… I won’t get a hair cut… I won’t get a hair cut…