Thursday, June 2, 2011

Second dress for Summer of No Pants

A week ago, I told you I'd be fashioning my second skirt out of a green sheet I thrifted last month. I was all set to do that -- make another elastic-waisted skirt. But after completing my first skirt for The Summer of No Pants, I thought it might be nice to try something else.

Then I remembered the Maybe Matilda knockoff dress that is on my Sewing Bucket List. I thought the green sheet would be perfect for it.

So on Tuesday, in the middle of a grocery shopping trip, I popped into a used clothing store and grabbed a striped tank for $5. And voila, I had my my dress completed nearly before naptime even began! It really came together quickly, especially because I cut the sheet along the hemmed edge, meaning I didn't have to hem it myself. Oh, and I skipped the pockets this time.

Here she is, sans belt:


Totally done!

Or is she?

I have an idea, but I don't know how to execute it. That's life as a beginner sewer. I took the bottom half of the T-shirt, cut one seam open, positioned it around the neckline and pinned it. What do you think?



I kind of dig it. I want to attach it but here are my concerns: one, I don't have a ballpoint needle and have never sewn with knits. I assume that's essential -- the needle, right? Two, I'm scared I'll chop off the collar and then hate it and be stuck at a point of no return. Three, I'm just not sure how exactly to attach it. Sew all the way around? Just handsew it into place in a couple of spots? I'd love your advice.

I'm also not loving how.... busty this makes me look. Shoulda tried the shirt on before I bought it, but when you have three minutes and a three-year-old with you, you do what you can. I'm wondering how to tone down the bustiness. Might the flourish along the neckline do that?

Here's me modeling it as is.


Standing at the doorway, peering snarkily into the distance.

Sitting on a bench, looking mildly bored.

Holding up a wall.

Pretending to change a tire.
 The sash is another issue. I don't like the way it scoots up on me (see in the last photo?). I might sew it into place. Maybe just along the middle of the back. Would that work? I also wish I'd cut it a wee bit longer. It seemed long as all get out, until I tied it around my waist.

Overall, I love the look. It makes me feel French. We all want to feel French sometimes, right? I just want to tinker with it a bit. Please, give me your thoughts in the comments! And head over to The Summer of No Pants Link Party to see what everyone else is creating.

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8 comments:

  1. I love the new collar, I think you should go for it. And I've sewn plenty of knits without a ball point needle. The only time it becomes a problem is if you have to rip some of your stitches out, you'll see there are little holes in the fabric. So if you do your best to not make a mistake so you don't have to rip any stitches, you'll be fine :) And definitely sew it completely around. I would fold your collar how you want it, then pin the raw edges together on the inside of the shirt, then after you're done sewing, flip the collar to the outside so your edges are hidden - make sense? And you could topstitch around it some if it doesn't stay in place.

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  2. I love how it came out! The black and green together definitely look very French. And the picture of changing a tire had me laughing out loud--I'm going to try that post next time I have something to model for my blog ;-) I like the idea of the new collar, I think that would be so cute! And I have the same problem with the sash--I'm wishing now that I had added belt loops. I'm still thinking about it. If only I weren't so dang lazy! You did a great job! And smart on you for using a sheet so you didn't have to hem it . . . genius!

    Rachel @ Maybe Matilda

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  3. I love it. I definitely think just sewing the sash at one place in the back would work...that's how they do it in the stores! Very cute.

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  4. oh and PS I love the "changing a tire" pose, fashion magazines don't have enough of those.

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  5. I've had the pleasure of seeing the dress in person and it is cute!!!

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  6. I think it looks great as it is, but the alteration looked cool too, decisions, decisions. I haven't tried sewing knits yet - I have some fabulous jersey that I really want to use, but think that'll be a project or two down the line for me!

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  7. I love this skirt on this! and that neck line is really pretty! Nice job!

    New follower: Amanda @ Pandiola Lane

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