Make It Work

Some patterns I pull out of my drawer, and think, “this looks just like….” then hope they take me up on my offer! This particular dress looked like my niece Jenna in my opinion, and I was lucky enough that she thought so too!

The interesting thing about this pattern being “inspired by Project Runway” was the different variations the instructions offered. Basically it was a sort of “choose your own adventure” pattern, more so than traditional patterns. Sewing does give a person more freedom to express themselves through their clothing, by being able to chose what they really want in a garment.

So via text Jenna chose the look she wanted and the fabric that she wanted, and off I sew!

Working on the bodice front. Jenna chose a rounded neckline with sleeves.

And for the back Jenna chose the open, low back variation. I had never done anything like this before. I always like it when I get to do something new.

I’ve done a lot of sleeves, but never sleeves with pleats. I wasn’t sure how it would look finished.

Pinning pleats in the front and back.

Lining up the side zipper.

When beginning this dress I had a spool of thread that perfectly matched the fabric. By the time it was ready to be hemmed, this was all I had left. I was worried I would run out halfway through them hem!

BUT I got the dress completed with this much thread to spare!

The dress got delivered and looks amazing on Jenna!

I love the look of the open, low back.

Jenna got a lot of compliments while out and about in her dress.

Everyone seems to enjoy getting dressed up for a photo shoot.

I’m sure curling all of her hair took a long time, and isn’t something that anyone would want to take on daily. But being that everyone likes photo shoot day, maybe getting dressed up for no reason is something we should all do more often.

Where will she ever wear it? Anywhere she wants, like the grocery store!

The pleats in the sleeves turned out so well! I love the way it gives the sleeves the little poof that they needed.

I learn so much from every sew and post that I do. l either learn a new technique, refine a skill I already had, or have a realization about life.

Jenna’s sew made me realize that you should never wait for the right moment to wear something that makes you happy. Create that moment for yourself! Also, take time to dress up for an average day, and turn the average into something different.

Choose your own adventure!

As for me, onto the next!