I Sewed Myself a Dress! And 4 Reasons to Sew Yourself One

I sewed myself a dress! And, in my opinion, it’s a huge accomplishment. I’ve always wanted to sew a dress and make clothing for myself but, until now, I’ve put it off because I was too scared. Yes, scared of sewing. Haha! My mom was and is a sewing wiz. I watched her sew clothes and other things during my younger years. One day, I chose a pattern I wanted to sew and a lovely fabric to do it with. However, in the middle of the project, I was really frustrated (and probably sweaty) and threw in the towel. I asked my mom to finish. Ever since then, I’ve doubted myself and my ability to sew complex things. I still sewed because I love it, but kept the projects simple.

Through blogging, I’ve come to know many fabulous woman who sew amazing things. Cool fabrics, cool patterns, cool clothes, cool women. I wanted to be like them. So, over time, I’ve purchased a few patterns here and there and the accompanying fabrics. But then they sit because the doubt is still there. However, when my friend, Audrey, from This Little Street, shared about her new pattern collection, California Dreaming, I decided: this time, I’m doing it (you know, after we moved, unpacked, started school, got settled in, etc. etc. etc.)

I had so much fun! I keep high-fiving myself because, when you sew yourself a dress, whether it’s your first or last, you should. I chose Audrey’s Dots in Black on a jersey knit. Love me some dots on black. The dress pattern is the Skippy Dress from Make It Perfect. I went with the 3/4 sleeves and left off the pouch.

Pipsqueak has a cold and hasn’t been sleeping very well so I should have gotten into bed when he did. But, once I started the dress, I wanted to get it done as soon as possible. I absolutely love it and have plans for at least one more. Maybe two.

4 Reasons To Sew Yourself a Dress (or other type of clothing):

1 – It’s fun.

It’s that “creating something from nothing” thing I just love. All the parts came together and it’s a dress! It’s fantastic!

2 – You will get a better fit.

Who knows your body better than you? Or knows how you like your clothes to fit? The answer better be no one. Sewing your own clothes makes fit, style, texture, color and availability in your control.

3 – You will have renewed gratitude for the clothing you buy

After picking the pattern and fabric, cutting out the pieces and combining the pieces together to create the clothing piece, you might appreciate your purchased clothes a bit more. Better quality clothing (material, fit, drape) and its cost will make more sense.

4 – Your brain will grow

Okay. I can’t prove that but stretching your to learn something new is good for your brain. And, if you can get new, cute clothing out of the deal, why not?

So sew a dress (or at least try something new). You just might find you love it.

Thanks Audrey for the fabric! I think it’s lovely. Check out all her designs here.