Sewing My First Garment

One of the highlights the last year, was the fact I made myself a dress. Something I thought was unachievable, yet (somehow!?) I persevered and couldn’t be prouder. Part of enjoying slow fashion and crafting, makes me appreciate the effort that goes into a handmade item - whether that’s a knitted, crocheted, painted or sewn item.

For a while I had wanted to buy a mid length dress, and then decided after watching some YouTube videos, that I would try to give it a go. I was also inspired by a friend who had upcycled a top. I didn’t want to buy a cheap dress which I might regret buying, and decided this was an opportunity to learn.

I’d say that my sewing knowledge/ability is quite basic when it comes to using the machine, so when it came to finding a style that I liked and was achievable I went for a shirred style. Shirring consists of using cotton thread and shirring elastic row by row, which creates an elasticated scrunched fabric. There’s so many ways to use shirring for clothing styles but I started simple!

To try and add some more detail I also added elasticated straps, which tied in nicely together with the shirred top.

In retrospect, I would have liked to have repurposed existing fabric, rather than buying new fabric. Recently I purchased a black and white gingham top from a charity shop, which I hope to unpick and remake into something new - watch this space!

It’s the perfect spring/summer dress, lightweight and comfortable. I can’t wait for the sun to start shining again so I can start wearing it more.