The “More Dresses, Please!” Dress

Name & Location: Dixie from Austin, TX

Blog: Dixie DIY

How long have you been sewing: Since high school but I only began seriously sewing clothes in the past 3 years or so when I stopped being stubborn and started to follow the pattern directions.

Why did you want to commit to The Sew Weekly Challenge: Maybe it sounds weird but I really like guidelines and deadlines. Maybe I work well under pressure? Maybe I just get a kick from finishing something on time and meeting a creative challenge.

What do you love most about sewing garments: Wearing them. I love the sense of accomplishment but more and more I really like learning new techniques, too.

What do you hate most about sewing garments: The finishing touches – because by the time I’m at the point where I’m hemming sleeves and inserting zippers and attaching binding I’ve already been working for so long that I just want the darn thing to be finished already!

What do you want to accomplish this year with regard to the challenge: My big sewing goal this year in general is to sew clothes that I need and will get worn. I hate seeing something pretty sit in my closet because I have no place to wear it. So whatever weekly challenge is offered I hope to add some of my own requirements – mainly, make a piece of clothing that is both creative and practical. Putting even more rules to the challenges make seem restrictive but I think it will actually force me to think more outside the box.

Your biggest non-sewing goal of 2012: Learn to go with the flow and not stress out so much!

What are your favorite sewing/fashion blogs: There are so many I love LizaJane‘s relaxed sense of style. Miss P is a refashioning queen. Montanachic is stylish and a great seamstress. And Lladybird is just plain adorable, I love her retro cool vibe.

The Facts
Fabric: White Eyelet and a floral voile, underlined with white batiste
Pattern: Colette Macaron
Year: Current
Notions: Invisible zip and some thread
Time to complete: about 7 hrs
First worn: October 2011
Wear again? Absolutely!
Total price: About $40. More than I’d usually spend but I made this dress partly as a sample for a local fabric store that I work for part time so I used their fabric which costs a little on the high side

I call this the “More Dresses, Please!” Dress because last year I realized I had very few dresses and hardly any that were nice enough to wear to a wedding or a daytime party, etc. I tend to make tops because they’re quick and easy. So I made this dress and it’s inspired me to sew more. I love this dress! It makes me feel pretty yet it’s no fuss and easy to wear. Why didn’t I make more dresses sooner!?