DIY Midi Dresses

Image
Hi there, Happy Friday 🌸🌸 Today's update is about two new dresses that I made to wear on special outings. The sleeveless orange midi dress was made in October and the long-sleeved dress was made at the beginning of this month.  Both patterns were self-drafted, and the dresses had ruffles at the bottom tier. And to complete the look, I added a removable bow and pinned it to the neckline.  For the sleeveless midi dress, I used a linen blend fabric a souvenir from my trip to Bangkok and the fabric was enjoyable to sew. As usual, the sewing process started with pinning and sewing the darts and then attached the facings to the front and back pieces right sides together. I pinned it around and then sewed it, but I left a few centimeters open to sew the shoulder lines. I love this method, the finished facing looks clean and neat. I closed the opening area with hand sewing. I gathered the bottom tiers and then sewed them to...

Sewing In Progress: Frank Button-Down Shirt

I've been busy the last couple days making a men's shirt for my husband. Based on Frank Button-Down Shirt from Burdastyle Sewing Vintage Modern pattern. Originally is long sleeve shirt pattern but as summer is around, my husband wanted a short sleeve shirt.
Here is the original pattern,

Here are my pattern modifications:
  • I want to change long sleeve pattern to short sleeve pattern, so I measured from the middle top of the pattern down to elbow 10 1/4". Then drew the new line using the ruler.
  • I only used one pocket without flap with U shape style pocket.
I followed all pattern fitting instructions from the book. I selected size 56, then copied all the pattern pieces (1,2,3,4,5,6,8 and 10) onto transparent paper, added seam allowances for all edges according to the instructions.
After I have done the patterns, I made a muslin for a better fit. And I am surprised that only two thing that I have to fix. The collar is to long for my husband taste, so I have to reduced 3/4". And the front side is little a bit to big, so I have to reduced 1/2". Here is my muslin,

After I have done the muslin and fitting issue, I prepared the fabric and the materials that I needed for the shirt, 2 yards of yellow striped cotton, transparent color buttons, fusible interfacing and same color of thread.
 
 
 
After I cut all the pieces, I iron fusible interfacing onto collar, collar band and plackets.
Then I sew the pieces together according to the instructions ( step 1-18). And here is my result,
 
Then I worked on the sleeve (step no19). But my version is for short sleeve shirt and I want to topstitch around the armhole for the shirt looks nicer. So, after I've done step no 19, I iron around the armhole with the right side facing up and then sew it 1/4" around the armhole. 

 
After I've done the method above, I sew the front and back pieces with right side together. Finished the raw edge with an overlock stitch and I also topstitched the side of the shirt, the same way as I did at the armhole.  
 
Well, I'll continue documenting the process of making the shirt later. Now, I am going out for lunch  and I'll take some picture of my MMM'13 day 9.
 
Happy Sewing!
 
 

 
 






Comments