Greetings dear Hivers, it's a beautiful day today, the sun shining so bright, yet it's breezy, making everywhere feel calm, also giving us a break from the rainy past few days and a perfect atmosphere to get busy with a new project, since the kids are away at school, I better make the best use of this quiet.
Today, I will be sharing with you a beautiful and comfy dress I made from leftover fabric, if you follow my needlework blog, you already know how I am about not wasting leftovers or even storing them as over time they end up cluttering my little sewing room, so I try as much to make something useful out of them, thankfully I have neighbors and friends I can always make new clothing for which they often appreciate.
Last week, I made a skirt and blouse for my new neighbor who turned 50 and had about one and a half yards of the ankara fabric left, which I informed her about since it couldn't make anything for her since she is on the big side, she didn't mind me using it for someone else and even suggested another neighbor's daughter, since I'm new here and still getting to know my new neighbors and being able to sew has somehow make it easier for me, because I'm more of an introverted personality, but my sewing made it easy for me to flow and make new friends
My new teenage friend was excited to know she was suggested for the new dress and happily came for her measurements even bringing some of her friends alongside to meet me so I get to know them as well, lol.
The leftover pieces weren't really a straight cut, I had to smartly get the dress patterns from different angles so it would be enough, I also paired it with the leftover lace fabric from the previous blouse.
Materials used
- Ankara fabric
- lace fabric
- Bias tape
- Cotton lining
- Zipper
Cutting And Sewing Process
- I started by drafting the front dress pattern, I combined the lace and the ankara fabric, with the lace being around the shoulder to chest area
- I also drafted the back pattern using a basic gown pattern with just the ankara fabric
- Next, I sewed the velvet bias tape on the middle of the front pattern, before pleating the lace around the chest area then I joined the upper yoke pattern, also making sure to pipe the neckline.
- I joined the front and back by the shoulders after tuning them with the lining and also sewed in the zipper to the backside.
- For the sleeves I combined a straight sleeve pattern with a puffy base which was achieved by gathering the ankara fabric and also using an elastic to gather the hem
- Finally, I joined both sides of the dress with the seam allowance left, and here is the beautiful final look.
Amanda will be coming to fit her dress after school, I'm sure she will love her new dress.