Finished dress details up front:

Pattern: Self-drafted from a bought dress Fabric: "Geometric flowers" by roucoucou, from Spoonflower, on the cotton lawn base Lining: Black cotton voile from Supercheap Fabrics Collar: Organic Bella cotton poplin in Black from Spotlight Thread: Scanfil 100% polyester thread in colour 1006 Buttons: From stash (had them since I was little) Zipper: Birch 56cm nylon dress zip in charcoal

So once upon a time, when Modcloth actually made quality dresses, I had a particular dress from there that I LOVED. It was perfect in every way. Ruffles, pleats, peter pan collar, pockets, unique print. I was heartbroken when the fabric on the skirt ripped where it joined to the bodice - it was getting really thin, and the collar was getting holes too. I sadly put it away in the back of my wardrobe because I didn't have the heart to throw it away.

And then, in 2024, after knowing how to sew almost my entire life, I learned how to sew dresses. I went from sewing straight from a commercial pattern, to making toiles and modifying commercial patterns, and was feeling pretty confident about my abilities, and then - I saw my poor old torn Modcloth dress in my wardrobe.

Could I pull this off? Absolutely.

And so I did.

I cut up my precious dress, being careful to cut right next to the sewing lines. I transferred the fabric shapes onto tracing paper, and then diligently measured out the seam allowance around it all. Marked all the darts etc. I made a toile from this and the fit was perfect. I was so excited.

It was finally time to cut out my "real" fabric, and start putting it all together. I added a full lining, had to learn how to do a lapped zipper WITH a sideseam pocket (that was nervewracking), real/fake buttons, collar, understitching, faux french seams on the armholes.

And now it's done! I could not be happier with how well this turned out - its my dream silhouette, and tonight I immediately started cutting out another one from a different fabric. Hope this inspires someone to take the plunge and do the same thing 🙂

I started sewing at the beginning of the year and made my first garment - the Peppermint Everyday Dress, a free pattern from Peppermint Magazine by In The Folds. The fabric is 100% Japanese cotton poplin with washer finish bought from Tessuti Fabrics in Sydney.

I used this video as a sew-along guide which was suggested by another user on here.

As someone who has only made a tote bag before this, I definitely recommend this as a project for beginners! I don't have an overlocker but was able to use a zig zag stitch to finish all my edges, and it's survived fine after a wash.

My only critique is the pockets add a bit of bulk but I guess that's the price you pay for convenience.

If I had to do it again I'm not sure if I'd use a cotton poplin. I was tossing up between linen and cotton but decided on cotton as I thought a more structured look would make the dress more versatile for both formal and casual wear but... it's slightly giving graduation robe vibes. Or maybe that's just in my head.

Hello to my favorite subreddit! I have learned so much from your generous sharing. 🩷

I self-drafted and sewed this dress in a day this week! She’s good from afar but far from good, as we say in drag. The fabric is an iridescent, non stretch taffeta I found on a sale table at my local fabric store (Fabrics for Less in Portland!) for $3/yard, and this used all 10 yards I had of it. It’s woven, likely very synthetic, and has some good body to it.

I started by building a quick pattern for the top by draping pieces of taped-together grocery bags on my dress form. There’s a photo of the form on slides 4-6—I put a very tight fitting t-shirt on it and stuffed it with scrap fabric to approximate my size. The skirt is a full circle skirt (the measurements for which I figured out using mood fabrics’ circle skirt calculator). And then I ruffled the bottom portion and attached it—they’re 14” strips of fabric that I folded in half and pleated, using a cardboard guide to keep their sizes consistent. A little top stitch felt like it helped it lay nicely. Lastly, the bow is stuffed with some spare batting I had, and has bands that lay over my elbows. Unfortunately the only photo I have from the back was during a twirl at the end of the number (slide 3), but I attached the arm bands to the center back, right above where the circle skirt attached.

Slide 4 shows the little holster I made to hold up some store bought paniers, so that I could rewear them with other looks. The fabric for the holster is duck cloth canvas on super sale at Joann’s (RIP). Slide 5 shows the dress base without the bow and arm bands, and 6 is the completed dress.

Always very open to share and learn with everyone, so please let me know if I’ve left out anything pertinent. It’s a surreal joy to do drag and to make garments, and I’m always grateful for the unwavering spirit of collaboration on this subreddit.

This was so exciting for me cause it was my first time sewing clothing for another person! And I got labels!! The fabric is a jacquard (satin I think?) I don’t remember what the label said and I got it at Joann and don’t see it on their website anymore 🥲 and I just used their polyester lining fabric for the inside. I used the 1950s style dress pattern by SBModeatelier on Etsy. The pattern didn’t call for a lining tho, so I really just used the pattern for cutting the pieces and had to go about the sewing process a little differently! And the labels I ordered from Dutch Label Shop!

I bought this dobby fabric because I love the color and the drape, but then hesitated to use it due to the floats on the reverse. It's no use to anyone sitting on a shelf, so I decided to make it up as a structured top (V8689) flat lined with cotton voile to keep floats from snagging while not interfering with the drape and breathability of the fabric.

Since I was very aware of those threads on the reverse, I graded each seam to allow the voile to wrap the raw edges. I am including a pic showing the pattern instructions for this and my adapted method.

One thing I didn’t take into account is that the reverse of the front yoke shows, so I had to insert partial facing. I cut the facing on the bias, so the “raw” edge is the selvedge to reduce bulk.

I used carved MOP buttons that I purchased from Etsy, and highlighted the design of the top with decorative topstitching. I’m including an image showing how I use machine top stitching to guide my hand work.

This top is meant to pair with the tan Protea Pants that I recently made.

Is binding spandex an absolute bitch? Yes Am I in love with strong lines and contrasting colors? Also yes.

Gave myself a challenge to help me master binding in spandex. Luckily my errors don't show up clearly in pictures of it being worn.

Top pattern: george and ginger switch it up views D and P. Bottom: green style creations lift leggings hacked to add pockets

Fabric: spandex/nylon blend from fabric mart. Mesh from Walmart bin, and binding from Joann.

Pattern Whale Shark by Contedefeesstudio on Etsy. Link

The pattern was fun and easy to follow even for a sewing-beginner like me. It was perfekt to repurpose an old pair of jeans.

just finished a 6 month sewing class and challenging myself to make something similar. i am open to a dress or top pattern

I had first started by conditioning the news papers to have a stronger & more flexible features. Afterwards I shaped them into those of the trench coat patter. And finally I sewed the body together as a normal jacket pattern.

This pattern roundup is a little trickier than the previous Ganni blouse roundup because it's based on a few label pieces rather than a signature garment.

The "milkmaid" sun dress trend has been around for quite a few years, shirring has become trendy too...and have peasant necklines ever really gone out of style for summer? But it's the decorative spaced rows of shirring popularised by the California brand Dôen that has recently influenced sun dresses in the shops. And luckily for crafty types, it's enough of a microtrend that a decent pattern roundup is now possible.

https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/doen-dresses-celebrities

Hopefully this will be a useful reference post, please feel free to add any good patterns similar to Dôen dresses for those who are interested in their style.

I've listed everything in roughly descending order of how closely it matches Dôen's most popular styles. All indie patterns are legit companies available through multiple platforms besides Etsy.

For this roundup I'm mainly referencing against these Dôen dresses: https://www.shopdoen.com/en-gb/products/quinn-dress-salt

https://www.shopdoen.com/en-gb/products/marianne-dress-english-ivy

https://www.shopdoen.com/en-gb/products/ischia-dress-cassis-check

Close label copies

Silversaga Eleonora dress (their entire pattern collection is a great starting point but especially this bundle) https://silversagapatterns.com/products/eleonora-dress-bundle-2-pdf-sewing-patterns

JULIANA MARTEJEVS Margo Dress https://julianamartejevs.com/en/store/the-margo-dress-sewing-pattern/

Lydia Naomi Daisy Frock https://www.lydianaomi.com/shop-patterns/daisy-frock

Rosie Caldwell Willa Dress https://www.rosiecaldwell.com/product-page-1/the-willa-dress-pdf-pattern

Variations on the style

McCalls M8507 https://thefoldline.com/products/mccalls-9?_pos=39&_fid=9975b24fd&_ss=c

Pattern Scout Joni Blouse and Dress https://patternscoutstudio.com/products/joni-blouse-dress-pdf-sewing-pattern?

Nina Lee Holland Park https://www.ninalee.co.uk/products/holland-park-pdf-sewing-pattern-sizes-6-20

Sew Over It Natalia Dress https://sewoverit.com/products/natalia-dress-pdf-sewing-pattern

Tilly and the Buttons Mabel Blouse and Dress https://shop.tillyandthebuttons.com/products/mabel

Tutorials

This is very much a microtrend, so consider adapting existing sundress patterns with spaced decorative shirring and ruffle trim to get the look!

Videos: 3 ways to sew shirring https://youtu.be/ZAJGrYNXx_8?si=NvNZ134Mc4PdoTB4

Ruffle Tutorial https://youtu.be/GvUvvg4VOf4?si=Nf9n-1ZYQif3bsYW

Blog posts: Tilly and the Buttons shirring tutorial https://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/2023/04/how-to-sew-shirring.html?m=1

Straight-cut Ruffle Tutorial https://blog.fabrics-store.com/2016/07/04/sewing-glossary-how-to-sew-and-attach-a-ruffle-tutorial/

This is the Sweetheart Flounce Dress by The Pattern Establishment on Etsy, made with a cotton canvas shell and lightweight poly cotton blend lining. I didn’t use interfacing on the side flounces, and didn’t add boning since the canvas was already pretty structured. In terms of fit, I shortened the torso by about 1 cm between the bust and waist, and shorted the straps by about 1.5 inches, and also raised the hem by a couple of inches on the sides to make the hem appeal rounded rather than flat across. I’m still getting the hang of fitted garments and zippers but I’m pretty happy with how it turned out!

I definitely want to use this pattern again, maybe a midi or long version and one with a patterned fabric that more clearly highlights their vertical panels (this fabric is busy and kind of obscures some the design lines)

My daughter’s favorite dog lost its nose. How do I reattach it? I wanted to do more than just flew it as the nose is like a solid button. I welcome any suggestions. Thanks!!

I just repaired 5 pairs of jeans for my landscaper buddy. They all have this kind of tear, usually worse, on the right leg. My son (m30) has also done this to many pairs of pants, including one that was brand new. So, here are my findings/thoughts/theories.

Fabric strength is definitely a factor. Wear on denim definitely contributes, and I think the new pants were flimsy fabric. Mechanical wear from thigh rub is always a problem in jeans to a certain extent, it's just negligible if your legs don't meet at the top.

Another factor is fit. I think the waist is too big, because otherwise the thighs are too snug. Waist too big, pants crotch hangs down lower.

Size matters: I think it happens more in bigger, stronger, more muscular guys, because they are actually stronger than the fabric. Kind of a Hulk thing, but not as drastic.

My theory- it's mechanical in origin, caused by increased stress on the fabric when kneeling on one knee. I think if we researched, it happens more on the dominant side leg. It can also happen when squatting with the legs spread apart.

How: if the pants crotch is in the normal spot, the seams take the force exerted on the pants leg when squatting/kneeling. If not , the force pulls right at the spot about 2-3" above the seam junction. Repetition = tear, eventually.

Prevention: if there are jeans made with more room for the things, while keeping the rise in place, that would be a cure. Otherwise, get the waist taken in so the rise is adjusted, or hike your pants when you squat or kneel.

Men used to be taught the habit of twitching their pants leg up when they knelt, so the knees of their expensive slacks didn't get stretched out. You may have seen a pair of pants with a baggy spot in the knee, it's common in sweatpants, because they're stretchy. The problem with jeans is that even stretch denim only stretches crosswise, not lengthwise.

Hike your pants! Your pants won't last forever, but wherever they wear out instead will be a lot easier and less obvious to fix.

Looking for pattern for a romper like this. I've found this imagine on Pinterest, it's an item Being sold by cider but Ive got a cute knit with little mushrooms on it that I want to use to try and make this if I can. I have 2 yards and holding it to my body I feel like I have enough to do it. I'll be trying to hand sew since my machine is broken/maybe needs a part. Looking for a plus size pattern

Hiiii, I made this pattern as my birthday dress and it has been my best project so far. Here’s the pattern, the dress and how I styled it for my birthday high tea! Matching hair bow not included since I forgot to take a pic.

Pattern: Know Me Me2029 Fabric: 3m Scenic Route Rosella Tea Time Cotton Poplin from Spotlight Time: 10ish hours over 2 days Alterations: Brought the waist out 3 inches Likes: The shape of the dress, the versatility with the design, very comfy and cute, easy to put together Dislikes: The fabric I used wrinkles too easily and I hate it, the QR code video tutorial uses different techniques to the pattern instructions. I didn’t baste the ruffles on one side of the collar, so they turned out wonky compared to the rest of the ruffles. Re-makeability: 10/10 I have already bought 3 different knits to make it in

i used Sarah Spaceman's video about her Momo cosplay to figure out the waistband :3

I have always gotten all my notions from Joann and am so bummed they’re closing. Thread, needles, buttons… that was always my go to. Wondering if anyone has a site they love for buttons? Or thread? I’m a gutermann gal and preferred to shop in store for color matching but don’t have a local spot now that has a decent selection. Where are we buying our notions, let me know please!

I got a simple pattern from Etsy and got two geese knocked out today. I haven’t sewn in a bit and my old brother was determined to have a fit but they turned out okay! I am working on decor for a child’s birthday party and I’m trying to use fabric I already own.

Tried this dress on in the shop today and fell in love with it, but had too many issues with it to actually buy it.

I know I've seen a similar pattern somewhere before but can't find any now for the life of me. The most important thing to me is the darts/pleats and button front. Any neckline, sleeve, back etc is fine!

I do suspect this might just be a big rectangle with pleats? So I could probably wing it but I'd rather not have to.

Is it ready for public viewing? There’s a lot to pick apart here…literally. But I just finished and my seam ripper needs a break. So, does it look good enough for wearing out? (Don’t hold back. I take criticism better than giving it)

I created the pattern and drew it on poster board with lots of notes as I sewed a mock up. It’s suede and canvas.

The front opening is a pocket big enough for a cellphone. The interior can hold a cellphone, wallet, keys, tissue pack, eye drops, and few other small essentials. There’s a pocket inside as well.

Magnet closure because the zipper beat me this time.

I was going for a miniskirt look since that’s the only way for me to wear one 😂

Sewing is sooo awesome! I love this community!

Advanced beginner here! First time posting 👋🏻

Trying to replicate the shoulders of this quilt coat. I can see stitching on the bias tape, but can’t understand how it comes together inside the seam. Any help or guidance is greatly appreciated!

Beginner sewist here! Trying to recreate this dress for my daughter, but I don't know how to put that ribbon in the neckline 😅 It looks like a bias bound neck, but how does one get that ribbon in there?

I’ve had my eye on some gorgeous Mary Benson, London 100% cotton for a while, and think I’m finally going to bite the bullet and buy some! It’s so unique that I’m stumped on what to make, though. I’m thinking flowy & bohemian, but I’m hoping for some pattern recs and creative ideas! (I also haven’t made up my mind if I’m going with “Patchwork” or with “Bohemian Butterfly”, so would also welcome input on that)

Who new that next to sewing and Fabric shopping I would also get addicted to buying (mostly second hand) pattern magazines. Is there anyone else like me?