This past weekend I got together with a few of my sewing blogger friends in the vicinity, and we had a mini girl’s night out here in Virginia Beach. The morning of the day we were supposed to meet up, I happened to receive some fabric in the mail (happy dance!). Wanting to show off my new fabric in spectacular fashion, as only us sewing peeps know, I decided to whip up a new dress for the evening’s festivities.
With the fabric being so BOLD in print, I wanted a basic silhouette to help show off the fabulous florals of the knit textile. I happened to have some swing dresses that I am currently crushing on in my closet, and figured…if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!
Sewing tip: Cutting around the armsyce
How to cut around a shirt or dress you love, to make your own pattern.
MATERIALS NEEDED:
- Shirt / Dress you own that you LOVE the fit of
- Like fabric (fabric similar to the dress you are trying to recreate)
- Basic sewing essentials
STYLE SEEN IN THESE PHOTOS:
- Basic swing dress
- Fabric found HERE
HOW TO CUT AROUND A PRE-EXISTING SHIRT TO MAKE YOUR OWN PATTERN:
Happy sewing!
I cut around my kids’ clothes all the time. Why go buy a pattern that they will grow out of in a millisecond?!?!? Plus its way easier to trace around a pattern you know fits your kids then try to *gasp* measure them (toddler torture)
You are so cute, perfect summer dress. I am jealous of all the fun you had!
Love your vids!! You have the Greatest laugh, it makes me smile every time!! Great tute Girly, thank you!
You make it look so easy! I always torture myself but trying to draw around all the pieces, THEN add my seam allowances. But honestly, doing it your way is faster and I’m sure just as accurate in the end as my (old) way. The sleeve tip is a good one too.
The dress is fabulous!! I love it on you so much. You look great and I’m glad you got to get together with those girls!
You make it look so freaking easy! Love your laugh and your goofy bits. You’re one of my fav. sewing bloggers. Keep up the good work.
Fun print and nice style! Looks great.
You crack me up!!
This is such a lovely summer dress 🙂
Jess, you look fabulous as always in your bright and bold floral summer dress. When I saw your dog I thought, “Oh that figures her pet matches her in adorableness!” You have the most uplifting demeanor and laugh. Great idea to cut around clothes for patterns. Thanks for the tutorials and it’s always a pleasure to watch your videos.