Peacock Cap Sleeve Dress

Peacock Cap Sleeve Dress I made :)

As my second part of this project, I made a dress out of two really fun and complimentary fabrics I found. I used a peacock on tan filled print for the main body of the dress, and a blue feathered fabric for an accent on the sleeves and waist sash. I decided to use a sewing pattern that I bought at Joann's Fabric Store compared to using one of the patterns provided by the book I'm using for the project, which is called, "Dressmaking: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Own Clothes" by Alison Smith. I used a Butterick Pattern called B4443 and I made style F (for anyone interested in re-creating this). I had to learn a lot of new sewing techniques in order to make this dress.

Centered Zipper

Hook (right) and Eye (Left)

For instance, I had to make a Centered Zipper, instead of a Lapped Zipper like I used for my Vincent Van Gogh Skirt. On page 120 of this book I learned how to make this specific zipper in 8 easy steps (zipper is the part of fabric surrounded by a red oval in the picture).

Another technique I had to use was stitching a Hook & Eye, which is a connected between two parts of fabric in order to reduce an opening. I learned how to do so on page 126 of the book where it instructs me to, "Place a few overstiches under the hook to stop it from moving" (Smith 126).

Overall, considering it's the first dress I've ever made, I believe I did a really nice job! I learned a lot along the way. And for anyone who has ever tried a dress on, you know that dresses are notorious for not fitting correctly everywhere. The nice thing about making your own dress is that you can make it fit! You can tailor it to your needs, whether it's taking it in, letting it out, adjusting the darts/waistline, etc. That's what mainly made me want to make my own dress.

Why do you think a Hook & Eye is called that?

Vincent Van Gogh Inspired A-Line Skirt

"Starry Night" by Vincent Van Gogh Skirt

I've always loved to do crafts, sew, etc. But when I'd sew, I would approximate the measurements and never follow any set instructions. So the passion I wanted to develop was learning how to sew using patterns. Patterns are paper instructions and life-size outlines of where to cut your fabric. Using patterns was terrifying because one slight mistake could ruin not only the specific piece of clothing you were trying to make, but it could also ruin all future attempts of trying to use that same pattern.
In the book, "Dressmaking: The complete step-by-step guide to making your own clothes" by Alison Smith, you are provided detailed lessons on how to make a wide range of garments, how to alter them, and basic sewing knowledge. I chose to make an A-Line Skirt, and the instructions were on pages 132-135. On step 1, you are instructed to, "Cut out the fabric and mark the start of the darts with tailor's bastes" (Smith 134). I had no idea how to do a dart (which is basically taking in the skirt at different points in order to contour it to the body), so I looked at the cross-reference provided to learn how to create a dart step-by-step (Smith 91). After a few hours, I understood the instructions and carried the assignment out successfully, as you can see in the above picture of my finished skirt.
This book is extremely helpful in teaching ANYONE how to sew. Just by reading a few pages, I was able to create a garment I never would have been able to create successfully before. I was able to cut out the fabric using a pattern, insert a zipper, create a buttonhole/sew on a button, and sew a waistband. All of those things I had never accomplished before, so this book has helped me tremendously.
Why is the chance of failure such a determent to us trying something new?

Hello!

I'm Rachel. As part of a school assignment, I had to create a blog based on a new activity I wanted to learn. I have to do that activity and blog about it at least 5 times. I chose to learn how to sew with patterns. I like to sew and have made things from pin-cushions, to doll clothes, to bags. But I have never used a sewing pattern. They kind of scare me! They're so fragile! So I decided to challenge myself and learn how to use them by using the book, "Dressmaking: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Making your Own Clothes" By Alison Smith. We'll see how it goes! I won't post anything until the book probably arrives, so hang in there! Thank you!