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Sewing a Scrap Dress with Constance Talbot

January 10, 2014 by AllFreeSewing

Scrap DressAmazingly, this AllFreeSewing editor found herself with a free evening. No work, no chores, no obligations. Obviously, I b-lined it to my sewing machine. Before settling down, though, I glanced upon my copy of the famous Constance Talbot’s, The Complete Book of Sewing. Released in 1943 you would think this collection would now be outdated and obsolete. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Leafing through this age-ridden book I found myself on page 219, “Restyling–Remodeling–Remaking”.

“Refashioning?” I asked myself. What with Pinterest commandeering most young craft lovers’ attention, I’ve found myself believing that “refashioning” is a new phenomenon. Who but the 20-somethings could tell you how to make your 1980’s shorteralls into a waist-high, booty-bunching, lace-trimmed pair of Daisy Dukes? Of course, only the greatest generation could rival today’s Scrap Dresstech-savvy, penny-pinching recession babies. Talbot, a member of this hard-working age, thoughtfully reassured me, “Most home sewers think that remodeling always means completely remaking, but frequently some very simple adjustments will give months of wear to a dress which otherwise would have to be discarded.” (Talbot 219). With that in mind, I jumped valiantly towards my box of scraps and went to work.

Mustering Constance’s good, old, American work ethic and resourcefulness, I prepared myself for a journey of oddly shaped fabric pieces, broken buttons, and extreme seam ripping.

The Task: Transforming an old, too-tight shirt and some unused quilt scraps into a dress (obviously for someone tinier and more fun-loving than myself).

Scrap Dress

Step 1: Cutting, Adjusting, and Sewing the Skirt

Scrap DressBe assured that Constance, my Sewing Buddy, and I had no pattern while approaching this project because we were pressed for time (only an evening, remember?). My Sewing Buddy and I started with the extra quilt fabric, shaping it to match a more rectangular shape for the skirt of the dress.

Having limited ourselves to just the supplies in our scrap box, we had to make do and mend the pieces available. That resulted in a somewhat patch-worked (but still functional) skirt.

Scrap DressScrap DressScrap DressScrap Dress

Scrap DressAfter “filling in” the bottom half to create a rectangle we needed to apply further scraps to create a shape fitting for a skirt.Scrap Dress

This didn’t come without a price. One of the disadvantages of working with scraps of a striped pattern is that it can often be noticeably off-set when you sew pieces together. The Seam Ripper soon joined our party.

 

Scrap Dress

Step Two: Sewing in the Waistband

Lucky for me, my Sewing Buddy, Constance, and the Seam Ripper, we have an embarrassingly large amount of scraps and old clothing in our house. During this process I found a skirt that, if I wore outside today, would most likely get me arrested. While this skirt was too short, the elastic waist was just right for my Sewing Buddy for whom this dress was going to. We went to work tearing out both the waistline and buttons of this old piece.

Scrap DressScrap DressScrap DressScrap Dress

Scrap DressScrap DressCarefully, we sewed both the waistband and the button strips into the scrapped skirt. The waistband was pre-fit, so we were able to easily ruffle the bottom skirt to fit. Using these already constructed pieces from an old skirt saved us both time and material. You’re welcome, Constance.

Choosing an invisible button-line for the front of the skirt, we removed our button strips and sewed them within the skirt.

Voila! Invisible buttons safely secured.

Scrap DressScrap DressScrap Dress

Sewing It All TogetherScrap Dress

Having an already sewn peplum top to serve as the bodice, the rest of the dress construction should have taken us no time at all. In fact, we were already enjoying a congratulatory dance over our quick work when…

I stepped on one of the shirt’s buttons…Scrap Dress

and snapped it in half.

Scrap DressCall it luck, but I like to think good old Constance was on our side. Inside the old top we found an unbroken spare button. An unexpected hand sewing break occurred at this Scrap Dresspoint in our journey, lengthening the overall process slightly but allowing us to recoup after the merry bout of dancing.

Alas, we were near the end. Adhering the top bodice to the skirt took no time at all. We decided to take advantage of waistline in the top and align it with our skirt’s waistline so that the peplum showed in the final dress.Scrap Dress

And we were through! One stunningly cute dress for a grand total of $0.00. Turned out to be a pretty great deal and an excellent way to spend an evening.

Scrap Dress

 

Tell us! What’s your greatest refashion story?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Full Project Tutorials Tagged With: DIY Dresses, Full Project Tutorials, quick and easy, scrap fabric, sewing basics, sewing crafts, thrify

Trendspotting: 11 Ways to Step Back in Time

November 23, 2013 by AllFreeSewing

11 Free Vintage Sewing Patterns: How to Sew Retro-Inspired Clothing for LadiesIf you have eyes you may have noticed a shift in style. Women everywhere are ignoring cutting edge clothing and opting instead for thrifty finds from the twentieth-century. No longer confined exclusively to hipsters, ladies are wearing vintage. But, “How does this affect AllFreeSewing and its band of loyal followers?”, you may wonder. Editors of AllFreeSewing have not only spotted this retro trend on the streets; hours of scouring online have revealed that the sewing community is fully on board with creating vintage-inspired clothing.

After deliberating over how to best respond to this wildly popular clothing style, the editors of AllFreeSewing put together a brand new and free eBook, 11 Free Vintage Patterns: How to Sew Retro-Inspired Clothing for Ladies. In this roundup of gorgeous free vintage patterns, interested readers will find dresses, tops, and more to create with their sewing machine. No longer will you have to sift through thrift stores to find an appropriately fitting piece of clothing; instead, you can customize an item for your shape and still retain classic elements from yesteryear.

Sew Retro Clothing that Fits

In 11 Free Vintage Patterns: How to Sew Retro-Inspired Clothing for Ladies you’re sure to love every style included. Here’s a preview of what you’ll find.

J. Crew Inspired Classic SkirtClassic Skirt – You won’t have to grumble, “they don’t make them like they used to!” when you next slip on your go-to skirt. With this free vintage-inspired sewing pattern on how to sew a skirt, you’ll know the level of quality and time that went into your clothing.

Sweet and Simple Vintage Pillowcase DressSweet and Simple Vintage Pillowcase Dress – It can be a little hard for some of us to remember a time when fabric was virtually unavailable. Out of necessity women used to sew dresses out of feed sacks or linens. This pillowcase dress revives resourcefulness in that it uses its namesake as the body. Depending on the size of your dress, no extra fabric will be needed to create this design.

Versatile Little Black DressVersatile Little Black Dress – Ah, yes, the beloved LBD. Where would be without this wardrobe staple? Get invaluable tips for sewing your very own DIY dress that inevitably fits any occasion. Whether you’re at work, at home, or on a date, this dress fits.

The DIY Discotheque TopThe DIY Discotheque Top – Sew a top that fits your flair. Even if you no longer fit into your 70’s club shirts, you can still learn how to sew one that fits your fab bod. Thanks to gorgeous photographs and step-by-step instructions, you’ll be ready for the discotheque faster than you imagined.

11 Free Vintage Patterns: How to Sew Retro-Inspired Clothing for LadiesWant them all in one place? As we said before, you can find all of these vintage-inspired patterns and more in the new and free eBook from AllFreeSewing, 11 Free Vintage Patterns: How to Sew Retro-Inspired Clothing for Ladies.

What was your favorite item of clothing “back in the day”?

Filed Under: Free eBooks Tagged With: DIY Dresses, eBook, free dress patterns, free eBook, sewing eBooks, vintage clothing patterns, Vintage Sewing

National Sewing Month 2013: 27 Free Clothing Projects for Every Season

September 30, 2013 by AllFreeSewing

It’s Day Thirty of National Sewing Month – the last day! Too see the daily blog posts, projects of the day, and more National Sewing Month details, click here.

National Sewing Month 2013

During the past month, we’ve had a lot of discussions over how to sew a wardrobe on a budget. Whether through thrifting and refashioning or by making clothes with scraps, there are tons of ways to create on a dime. Another way to ensure budget-friendly sewing is by choosing the right types of projects to create. Sure, current fashion fads are fun to make, and you should splurge every now and then. However, it’s much more fiscally responsible to make a classic piece that transitions from one season to the next.

Because dresses and skirts are some of our top reader projects, we’ve rounded up this collection of versatile finds. “Your DIY Maxi Dress and Skirt: 27 Free Clothing Projects for Every Season” offers you projects that might pertain to your tastes season after season. Learn how to sew a maxi dress that can work when the sun is scorching or the temperature is in the single digits. It’s not hard to master these feminine pieces of clothing. Your wardrobe will roll from fall to spring with the help of these decadently designed projects.

Your DIY Maxi Dress and Skirt: 27 Free Clothing Projects for Every Season

Long Patterned Peasant SkirtStyle with these DIY Skirts

Often labeled as a strictly spring or summer piece of clothing, skirts are actually an incredibly transitional article. When it’s hot outside, go bare-legged. Chilly? Throw a pair of tights on underneath your skirt. Frigid? Opt for wool tights or even leggings. You can still maintain that lady-like style when November through February reels in freezing temps. Find totally adorable skirts like the ones listed below and more in our 27 Free Clothing Projects for Every Season.

Sharp Pencil Skirt

Long Patterned Peasant Skirt

Ginger’s Ruffled Skirt

Ageless DIY Maxi Skirt

Marilyn Pencil Skirt

Effortless Caftan DressDress for Success Every Month

Flaunt one of the most long-running articles of clothing in history against all temperatures with our collection of gorgeous DIY dresses to sew. 27 Free Clothing Projects for Every Season features dresses tutorials on how to sew  a maxi dress that vary in style and skill level. Learn how to create a piece of clothing that sweeps the floor gracefully by checking out the excellent instructions in every one of these projects. Browse, uninterrupted, through our sampling below or scan through our whole roundup of dresses to find your perfect fit for every season.

Woman’s Knit Shirt Into Dress

The SoHo Maxi Dress Tutorial

Maternity Maxi Dress

Lady’s Shirred Maxi Dress

Effortless Caftan Dress

What are better: skirts or dresses?

 

Filed Under: National Sewing Month Tagged With: DIY Dresses, Fall Clothing, free dress patterns, how to sew a skirt, maxi dress, maxi skirts, National Sewing Month

Sewn Retro Vintage Dress Patterns to Die For

July 20, 2013 by AllFreeSewing

Ok, maybe you don’t want to die for these patterns, after all, in the expanse of time they haven’t. AllFreeSewing has noticed that classic patterns outlive any hot trend we see. What is it about timeless patterns that always draws our attention? Just like you, many of us here at AllFreeSewing can’t help but ohh and ahh over a quality vintage sewing pattern. Also like you, though, we don’t all have time to spend hours thrifting for a cheap but authentic dress. Thank goodness we sew. We’ve gathered some vintage-inspired dress patterns to share and enjoy. Walk with us down this stylish memory lane and save some of these pretty projects to try when you have the chance.

Vintage Dress Patterns

Vintage Sheet Dress – What strikes us about this vintage dress pattern is the way it nods to more than one decade of fashion. The pattern certainly recalls Victorian fashion, but what about the length? This long dress would certainly fit the standards of the turn of the century, but don’t you remember wearing radically long dresses like these in the 70’s as well? A relatively easy-to-sew pattern, this tutorial will not only give you a great dress, but tips on sewing a skirt, bodice, and sleeves.

Vintage Sheet to Maxi Dress

30 Minute Sheath Dress – Apart from being absolutely fabulous for its simplicity, this dress pattern is totally mod. Break out your sewing machine and whip up this retro dress in less than an hour. The latter half of the twentieth century certainly made waves in terms of fashion, and this dress proves it.

30 Minute Sheath Dress

Couture Inspired Dress – Is it just us, or is there something about this Couture Inspired Dress that takes you back 60 years? This free tutorial from V&A is truly inspiring for every sewist out there. Sew up this dress in time for a celebration such as a wedding, birthday, or Saturday (you really need no excuse).

Couture Inspired Dress

A Gathered Dress – Perhaps this vintage dress pattern should have been named, “Soda Fountain Frock”, because that’s exactly what comes to mind when you glance at it. Of course the nostalgic road can be slightly dangerous to tread on; after all, no decade was perfect. However, the style from this sewing pattern evokes a convincing feeling of care-free fun. Learn how to make a dress like this one and enjoy your day as if you didn’t have a care in the world!

A Gathered Dress

Vintage Heirloom Dress – Did you think we could resist posting a pattern for babies? Of course we couldn’t. There are so many baby dress patterns out there, but we think this one is really retro. You know that this dress tutorial is irresistible. Just imagine your daughter, granddaughter, or second-cousin’s best friend’s kid in this darling dress. These instructions offer essential sewing tips such as creating a bodice and hemming advice. It’s the perfect project to practice with because it’s child-sized and adorable.

Vintage Heirloom Dress

Did you like this roundup of vintage dress patterns? Find more mod projects with our 21 Retro Vintage Sewing Patterns + 14 New Patterns collection; it’s one of our most popular!

What’s your favorite decade in terms of style?

Filed Under: Sewing Tagged With: DIY Dresses, free dress patterns, free sewing patterns, retro crafts, spring sewing, summer sewing, vintage clothing patterns, Vintage Sewing

The Top Five Sweetest Summer Dresses to Sew

June 20, 2013 by AllFreeSewing

If you’re like me, you check the weather multiple times everyday. I check it when I wake up, and I check it less than an hour later before I get dressed and leave for class or work. And I most certainly do not go to sleep without checking tomorrow’s weather at least once. This probably seems obsessive (okay, it is obsessive), but I do my best to be dressed weather-appropriate before I head out for several hours. If there’s one thing I can tell you from the numerous weather reports I’ve recently read, it’s that it’s time to break out your summer dresses because the warm weather is on its way.

What’s in style is ever-changing, and perhaps you’re ready to add some new summer dresses to your wardrobe. Let’s be honest, who has ever said they couldn’t use another great dress for the summer? If you’re ready to update your closet, check out these five sweet summer dresses that you can sew to get ready for some fun in the sun.

Easy Breezy Summer Dress for Girls

Easy Breezy Summer DressNothing says “summer is here” like a great floral print dress. You can sew this little number for your little girl in just a few easy steps. Check out the summer dress tutorial to see how you can make this adorable outfit full of ruffly fun.

 

 

 

 

 

Stitch in Color Summer Dress

Stitch in Color Summer DressThis sweet summer dress is full of bright, eye-catching colors and features the ever-popular overalls design. Your daughter will love playing and twirling in this soft and comfy outfit you sewed just for her.

 

 

 

 

 

Super Easy Summer Dress

Super Easy Summer DressA great summer dress is just a few stitches away with simple patterns like this one. This strapless dress is so easy to make, you might even want to try it in a few different colors. Grab your favorite fabric (or two, or ten) and give this pattern a whirl.

 

 

 

 

 

Summer Dress

Summer DressYour next summer dress can be a low-budget, upcycling project. Grab an old plaid shirt and sew away using this dress pattern. There’s no need to spend big bucks when you can sew a sweet dress with recycled materials.

 

 

 

 

 

Easy Summer Halter Dress

Easy Summer Halter DressThis sweet summer dress is perfect for any beach getaway. All eyes will be on you when you wear this ensemble, and you’ll love knowing that your great dress was made from your very own handiwork.

 

 

 

 

 

Which of these dress patterns do you want to try?

Filed Under: Sewing Tagged With: DIY Dresses, free dress patterns, girls dress, maxi dress, Sari Lesk, sew clothes, Sewing, sewing crafts, sewing ideas, sewing patterns, sewing tutorial, sewing tutorials, sewn clothes, summer attire, summer crafting, summer crafts, summer sewing, summertime

Link Love: Dress Like a Girl

July 28, 2011 by FaveCrafts

Thank heaven for little girls…without them, what would we sew? There are so many cute ideas–and full tutorials!–out there for dresses, skirts, and other clothing to make for your little girl. Here are some of my faves:

  1. Cotton Candy Skirt from Simple Simon and Co
  2. Vintage Sheet Bubble Dress from Born-Again Crafter
  3. Red White and Blue Bustle Dress from Heart Break Kids
  4. You Are My Sunshine Dress from Shwin & Shwin for iCandy Handmade
  5. Bloom Top from Shwin & Shwin
  6. Flower Girl Dress from Blooms and Bugs
  7. Tiny Flower Girl Dress from Adventures in Dressmaking
  8. Scalloped Shorts from Megan Nielsen Design Diary
  9. Keyhole Dress from SugarTart Crafts for Me Sew Crazy

Filed Under: Link Love Tagged With: DIY Dresses, flower girl, kids clothes, sewing patterns

Summer CHA and Plastic Bag Dresses?

July 26, 2011 by FaveCrafts

Just last week was the summer’s CHA show, also known as the Craft and Hobby Association at the Rosemont Convention Center. As usual, there were so many different things to see. A lot of the show consisted of paper crafts and scrapbooking, which of course has some really neat projects to make. I, being the editor of AllFreeCrochet, was a bit disappointed when I didn’t see many crochet items. I think I knew that going into it, but it would have been neat to see all the new yarns and colors out there.

Any way there was a really neat display in the middle of the showroom floor full of amazing dresses made out of different materials. These weren’t your ordinary dresses, but dresses made out of paper and bags; some were fabric. My favorite dress was the Recycled Prom dress by Candice Windham. This was the neatest type of dress I had ever seen. I kept staring at it and touching it to make sure that’s what it was made out of, yep recycled plastic bags. Candace took plastic grocery bags and turned them into ruffles and a bodice for a prom dress. She then painted the bags to make it look nice and added some embellishments for one of the coolest-looking dresses ever! There were some other unique dresses as well!

If only I could make something like that for myself….AND have the guts to actually wear it somewhere. It reminds me of those competitions high schoolers have with original prom dresses. The gum wrapper dress springs to mind. These people are super talented and I just think it’s the coolest thing ever to come up with such great creations.

Check out the other trends that were at this summer’s CHA.

If you had to come up with a unique idea for a dress, what material would you use?

Filed Under: Craft Trends Tagged With: CHA, CHA Craft Show, Craft Trends, DIY Dresses

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Full Project Tutorials

Project of the Day & Giveaway: Daisy Star Nine Patch Quilt

Today’s project comes from FaveQuilts.com, so whether you love quilting or you’ve always wanted to try it, this is the perfect project to get you working with fabric! The Daisy Star Nine Patch Quilt is a beautiful quilt that’s big enough to cover a twin-size bed. Make it for a guest room or as a […]

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Free eBooks

Christmas Crafts for Kids: 18 Homemade Christmas Ornaments free eBook

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It doesn't matter how old you are; decorating the Christmas tree with your family is always a memorable night. In my family, we start with the … [Read More...]

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Save money on your Mother’s Day gift

As Mother's Day approaches this upcoming weekend, I still can't seem to decide what to get my mom. With the state of the current ecoonomy, she keeps … [Read More...]

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